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

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

It’s a premium case, and as such, it arrives in premium packaging. dbrand undoubtedly went overboard right here, however when you just like the unboxing expertise you received’t be upset. It consists of the case itself plus any skins in a bit of pouch on the aspect. Be aware that the photographs 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 appears higher with out this sticker, however you may make that call for your self.

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

With the pores and skin put in, the case has a pleasant texture on the again, however it’s nonetheless easy sufficient to offer 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 sequence, however this one is well amongst my favorites.

After all, I’ve to say what offers this case its title: the extremely grippy microdot texture all alongside the perimeters. 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, however it’s nonetheless pretty abrasive in hand. In case you’re delicate to textures, it could be an excessive amount of.

Personally, I favored 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 high of the perimeters. This eliminates the arduous edges of the digicam bump and prevents any rocking whereas on a desk. Total, 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 perimeters. This makes utilizing swipe gestures very comfy whereas defending your Pixel 9’s OLED panel.

And now for the unhealthy information—the value. The dbrand Grip Case for the Pixel 9 sequence begins at $50, however that’s only for skins with matte colours. If you need a extra attention-grabbing pores and skin, you’re taking a look at $55-60. Extra skins are one other 10-20 bucks. 

That makes it one of the crucial costly circumstances in the marketplace, however contemplating all the pieces it gives, it’s nonetheless worth. With wonderful drop safety, built-in magnets, and a just about undroppable design, there isn’t rather 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 price 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, however 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 an analogous microdot sample throughout the perimeters, with a extra subdued sample on the again. It’s not as attention-grabbing to have a look at, however it’s a 3rd the value.
• Cyrill Ultrasheer ($21.99 at Amazon): This one is a transparent case, however the printed patterns supply a extra female choice than something dbrand places out. There’s nonetheless a grippy microdot texture across the sides, however it’s undoubtedly not as premium because the Grip Case.