Google’s premium range phones, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL launched in 2018 and are some of the best phones on the market.
(It’s mid-range versions, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL launched this year, which has its own cases round up).
The Pixel 3 is available in three colours – Just Black, Clearly White and Not Pink – and an impressive 12.2Mp camera with an f/1.8 aperture on the back and a dual-sensor front-facing camera. Here’s everything you need to know about the Pixel 3.
At £739/US$799 a pop, you’ll want to keep the phones safe and sound. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best Pixel 3/3 XL cases out there, ranging from rugged, to light to stylish and everything in between.
1. Google Fabric Case for Pixel 3
The best place to start with is Google itself. The Fabric case is available in four colours: Carbon, Indigo, Fog and Pink Moon. It mirrors the look of Google Home and Home Mini fabric-lined devices.
It charges wirelessly and as you can expect maintains the Active Edge feature which lets you squeeze the sides to prompt Google Assistant.
Available on Amazon for the Pixel 3 (£33.95/US$39.99) and 3 XL (£31.95/$38.99).
2. Bellroy leather Pixel 3 case
This may well be one of our favourite cases ever, not just for the Pixel 3. Not only does it give sturdy, decent protection but it’s beautifully crafted from genuine leather.
Available in several colours, it’s a fine alternative to the Google Fabric case if you prefer leather goods. It’s slim, has a microfiber lining and gives you easy access to all ports and the fingerprint sensor. Highly recommended if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
Pick one up for the Pixel 3 (£35/US$45) or Pixel 3 XL (£45/US$49) from Amazon.
3. Tech21 Evo Check for Google Pixel 3
The Evo Check comes from Tech21 and has featured in our phone case round-ups before. It’s strong, durable and delivers protection for your phone from up to 12-foot drops.
It’s semi-clear which means you can let the Pixel 3 shine through the case (though if you’re interested in a completely clearly case, see the Evo Pure Clear on the next slide). It’s also compatible with wireless charging.
Tech21 offers a limited lifetime warranty on this case.
Available for the Pixel 3 (£29.95/ US$39.95) and Pixel 3 XL (£34.95/ US$44.95).
4. Totallee Thin Pixel 3 Case
If you’re after an ultra light case for your Pixel 3 phone, look no further than Totallee, which specializes in slim, minimalist, non-branded cases.
Don’t expect the cases to protect your Pixel phone from dangerous drops and bangs – it’s better suited to keep scratches, fingerprints and and scuffs at bay.
We especially like the leather finish (pictured). It’s slightly more expensive at US$39 ( $34.99 on Amazon/around £29.99 on Amazon UK), but it’s a bit more rugged without adding bulk.
Totallee also offers a clear case and matte options in black and frosted white (all $29/around £30). Pick one up directly from its site or on Amazon. Also available for the Pixel 3 XL.
5. Tech21 Pure Clear Case for Pixel 3
As you can tell by the name, the Evo Clear is a clear case for the Pixel 3. The case uses materials that prevent it from yellowing over time from UV rays, which means you can continue to show off the original glory of the Pixel’s design.
The Clear also protects your Pixel 3 from 10 feet drops with its “BulletShield” impact resistant material and, like the Evo Check, is compatible with wireless charging. Tech21 offers a limited lifetime warranty on the Pure Clear case as well.
Available for the Pixel 3 ( £29.95/ US$39.95) and Pixel 3 XL ( £34.95/ $44.95).
6. UAG Plyo Case for Google Pixel 3
UAG is another reliable name when it comes to protective cases. The Plyo is available in Ice (grey) and Glacier (blue, pictured). It uses a combination of a hard shell exterior and a soft core and offers military grade drop protection.
It’s compatible both with Google Pay and wireless charging. Plus allow easy access to the fingerprint scanner, ports and buttons.
The Plyo case qualifies for free shipping and has a 1 year warranty. Available on Amazon for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (both at £29/US$39.95).
7. Evo Type
You’ve seen tablet keyboard but what about a smartphone keyboard? Not an on-screen one, but a physical keyboard for the smallest screen in your life.
Tech21 has made the Evo Type case for the Pixel 3 XL, not the regular Pixel 3. It builds in a mini keyboard into a flip case that fully protects the phone. There aren’t too many people clamouring for its existence, particularly on a phone as relatively niche as the Pixel.
But in use it’s quite charming. The keys are touch sensitive and don’t move physically so it’s a bit hard to get used to and you won’t type faster than if you just used your thumbs on the screen.
It works via NFC, not Bluetooth, and the companion app is very easy to set up and get it working. A simple on/off button connects and disconnects the accessory. We found the connection flawless.
But if you want to take notes with the phone in landscape or write a few emails then it could be for you. Just bear in mind that it’s quite bulky and doesn’t hold any credit cards.
It’ll go on sale soon.
8. UAG Monarch Case for Google Pixel 3
For even more rugged protection, there’s the UAG Monarch case for the Pixel 3, which has met the military drop-test standards twice over. It’s handcrafted with leather and alloy metals and offers five layers of protection. The inside, like the Plyo, is insulated with a soft material. The honeycomb design on the side of the case also helps with grip.
Like the Plyo, you can expect compatibility with Google Pay and wireless charging. You also get a 10-year limited warranty.
Available in black and Crimson for £48/US$59.95 on UAG’s site or on Amazon. Also available for the Pixel 3 XL (£49.99/ $59.95).
9. Ringke Onyx Case for Google Pixel 3
For protection on a budget there’s the polycarbonate and TPU (silicone) Ringke Onyx.
The Ringke Onyx offer compatibility with the Pixel Stand too, which is new to the Pixel 3 set up. The Pixel Stand, a wireless charging dock, also converts the Pixel 3 into a Google Home. Read more about this here. The Onyx preserves the Pixel 3’s Active Edge Squeeze feature as well.
We also like its QuikCatch lanyard hole that lets you attach a strap if you further wanted to prevent drops
Available for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (both from £7.99/$8.99).
Author: Somrata Sarkar, Senior Staff Writer
Somrata researches and writes about the best tech deals to help readers make smart, informed buying decisions. She's an expert on accessories and also reviews laptops, phones, audio and other devices.