Google case for Pixel 9 and 9 Pro review: Stylish silicone safeguard

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are Google’s best-looking phones to date. If, like me, you’re a little obsessed with hardware design, that might make the prospect of slapping a protective case over your shiny new Google flagship a little unappealing. Fortunately, Google’s first-party case looks as sleek as its new phones, so you can get a little protection without completely changing the Pixel 9’s character. I like it a lot — I’m just crossing my fingers it ages better than Google’s previous phone cases.

Price and availability

Google’s first-party Pixel 9 case is available at Best Buy or directly from the Google Store for $35. The smaller version fits both the base Pixel 9 and the small Pixel 9 Pro and comes in colors to match both: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony, Rose Quartz, and Hazel. The 9 Pro XL case is the same price, but isn’t available in Peony or Wintergreen colors.

Google provided samples in colors that match the standard Pixel 9 (Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony), which I’ve been using on a Porcelain Pixel 9. The Rose Quartz and Hazel cases aren’t pictured in this review.

What’s good about Google’s Pixel 9 case?

The first-party Pixel 9 case’s design is really in keeping with the design of the Pixel 9 itself, which I appreciate. Each case is made to match a Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro colorway. They have metallic-finish power and volume keys and an inlaid Google lettermark that matches its companion phone’s camera bar. The complimentary design and details make the case feel more like part of the phone itself than most third-party options, especially generic transparent TPU cases or dual-layer heavy-duty numbers.

This year’s case feels a little more rigid than the equivalent Pixel 8 case. It’s not harder to put on and take off, though, and it gives me the impression it’ll hold up better than the Pixel 8 case over time. Out of the box, the Pixel 9 case’s silicone finish feels slightly less grippy than cases for the 8 and 8a, which also gives me some hope these cases will age more gracefully.

It won’t compete with extra-durable cases from the likes of OtterBox or Rokform, but Google’s Pixel 9 case provides moderate protection from everyday mishaps. Google says the case has been “drop-tested for hundreds of hours,” for what that’s worth; I haven’t fumbled my Pixel 9 in a parking lot yet, but the phone’s come through a couple waist-height drops onto hard floors with this case on. The lip around the display and camera bar is just pronounced enough to help keep your Pixel’s exposed glass surfaces from touching whatever surface you have it set on, without making the phone feel much thicker.

What’s bad about Google’s Pixel 9 case?

Based on my time with these cases so far, my complaints are mostly nitpicks. Chiefly, these cases tend to collect a lot of pocket lint and pet hair. It wipes off easily, at least for now, but the lightly grippy texture does hold onto debris more than other finishes would. The Charcoal case also shows fingerprints more than the lighter options.

The seam between this case’s front and back half is a little more visible than it was on last year’s Pixel 8 case. It’s a minor detail most normal people will never notice, but it does make the Pixel 9 case feel just that much less premium.

I’m also not too thrilled with the color selection. For one, the larger XL case misses out on Peony and Wintergreen colorways. The 9 Pro doesn’t come in either of those colors, but if you want to mix it up (Peony would look great with Rose Quartz!), you have fewer options with the XL. There’s also no color option that isn’t made to match a specific Pixel 9 colorway; Google offered a very nice Coral color on the Pixel 8 case last year.

Long-term durability is up in the air, too. Google’s first-party cases have historically not aged well. The fabric cases offered on the Pixel 5 and earlier got grimy over time; the clear plastic cases for Pixel 6 changed color; last year’s silicone Pixel 8 cases started to feel a little sticky after months of use. This year’s silicone case feels a little less grippy out of the box, so I’m hopeful it won’t show its age so much months down the line. We’ll have to wait and see, though.

Should you buy it?

I’m normally not a case person, but I think Google’s first-party Pixel 9 case is really nice. It’s protective enough to be worth using, but not so bulky that it makes handling the phone feel significantly different. It also compliments the phone’s design really well; I actually think the Porcelain Pixel 9 I’m using looks better with its matching case than without it. Of course, there are great options for Pixel 9 cases out there too.

For a more durable option, you might consider OtterBox’s Commuter Series case, which’ll run you $40. Or for something a little more premium, Bellroy offers a leather Pixel 9 case starting at $45. But if you just want something that’ll do the job and look nice doing it, the first-party Pixel 9 case is a good pick at $35.