dbrand Grip Case for Google Pixel 9 evaluate: Too good at its job?

The Pixel 9 collection has a pleasant minimalist design, however when you’re searching for one thing extra ostentatious, the dbrand Grip Case is value a glance. It combines the distinctive, flashy designs of dbrand’s skins with a really good case that’s value shopping for in its personal proper.

It’s a premium case, and as such, it arrives in premium packaging. dbrand positively went overboard right here, however when you just like the unboxing expertise you received’t be dissatisfied. It contains the case itself plus any skins in just a little pouch on the aspect. Observe that the pictures of the skins you see on this evaluate are early prints, so that they don’t embrace the sticker for the digicam module. Personally, I believe it seems to be higher with out this sticker, however you can also make that call for your self.

Whereas the case slips simply onto the telephone, I had some hassle with the pores and skin placement. The brand new pill-shaped digicam bar on the Pixel 9 collection means the pores and skin is one massive piece with an enormous cutout within the center. That makes it tough to line up, particularly on the skinny sections subsequent to the digicam. You possibly can all the time swap it out for a brand new pores and skin, nevertheless it’s an costly mistake to make.

With the pores and skin put in, the case has a pleasant texture on the again, nevertheless it’s nonetheless easy sufficient to supply a strong connection for the magnets. These magnets unlock an enormous ecosystem of chargers, stands, wallets, and extra. There aren’t many good magnetic circumstances for the Pixel 9 collection, however this one is definitely amongst my favorites.

After all, I’ve to say what provides this case its title: the extremely grippy microdot texture all alongside the edges. It’s the grippiest case I’ve ever examined, for higher or worse.  There are additionally some shiny grip strips the place your palms relaxation, nevertheless it’s nonetheless pretty abrasive in hand. For those who’re delicate to textures, it could be an excessive amount of.

Personally, I appreciated the intense grip, however what impressed me extra was the small element across the digicam bump. As a substitute of a raised platform, it options barely raised rails on the prime of the edges. This eliminates the arduous edges of the digicam bump and prevents any rocking whereas on a desk. General, it’s a really intelligent design.

One other good element is that the lip on the entrance of the case is barely decrease on the edges. This makes utilizing swipe gestures very snug whereas defending your Pixel 9’s OLED panel.

And now for the dangerous information—the worth. The dbrand Grip Case for the Pixel 9 collection begins at $50, however that’s only for skins with matte colours. In order for you a extra fascinating pores and skin, you’re taking a look at $55-60. Further skins are one other 10-20 bucks. 

That makes it one of the costly circumstances in the marketplace, however contemplating all the pieces it gives, it’s nonetheless a superb worth. With wonderful drop safety, built-in magnets, and a just about undroppable design, there isn’t far more you’ll be able to ask for.

If the dbrand Grip Case for the Pixel 9 is just too grippy or too costly for you, listed below are a number of extra choices value contemplating:

• Casetify Affect Case ($59.99 at Casetify): Casetify gives much more customization than dbrand, albiet with printed patterns. The case remains to be very protecting, nevertheless it’s thinner with a extra customary TPU really feel in hand. It’s nonetheless fairly expensive, although.
• Caseology Athlex ($15.99 at Amazon): For one thing extra inexpensive, take a look at the Caseology Athlex. It has the same microdot sample throughout the edges, with a extra subdued sample on the again. It’s not as fascinating to have a look at, nevertheless it’s a 3rd the worth.
• Cyrill Ultrasheer ($21.99 at Amazon): This one is a transparent case, however the printed patterns provide a extra female possibility than something dbrand places out. There’s nonetheless a grippy microdot texture across the sides, nevertheless it’s positively not as premium because the Grip Case.