The Pixel 10 collection is a landmark second for Google.
Not solely does it mark the corporate hitting double digits for its smartphones, however the lineup consists of built-in assist for Qi2 wi-fi charging for the primary time.
Whereas extra handy charging won’t seem to be a lot, it opens the Pixel 10 telephones as much as a world of helpful magnetic charging equipment. In the end, MagSafe on the iPhone has a correct Android various.
Nonetheless, earlier than exploring the rising market of third-party Pixelsnap equipment, it’s price trying on the first-party choices that Google already sells.
As somebody who prefers wired charging to wi-fi, one accent instantly caught my eye: the Pixelsnap Ring Stand. Not like the opposite choices, there’s no charging infrastructure right here; it’s a easy disc of plastic and metallic that makes use of magnets to click on into place.
What’s the purpose of that, you may be asking? It was a query I had too, earlier than I began testing it. Nonetheless, a lot to my shock, I’ve discovered myself utilizing and having fun with it quite a bit.
Listed here are 4 causes it’s price contemplating, plus one huge motive to hesitate.
Magnetic attraction
Earlier than you say something, sure, I do know that sturdy magnets are the entire level of Pixelsnap.
However did I count on the magnets to be sturdy sufficient to shake the Pixel 10 Professional XL across the room utilizing solely my little finger? Completely not.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
As soon as the Pixelsnap Ring Stand is secured in place (with a satisfying click on), it ain’t going wherever. Utilizing the metallic ring alone to maneuver my telephone round doesn’t really feel dangerous within the slightest, which is a testomony to Google’s design.
Even with the official case utilized (in case you’re shopping for a third-party one, be certain it’s appropriate), the connection felt very safe.
Did I count on the magnets to be sturdy sufficient to shake the Pixel 10 Professional XL across the room utilizing solely my little finger? Completely not
That doesn’t make eradicating it troublesome, although – it’s all about the kind of power you’re exerting on it. Merely elevate it up whereas holding the telephone in place, and it’ll come proper off.
You can too rotate with very minimal effort, which you may wish to do for its first principal use…
A standing ovation
The Pixelsnap Ring Stand’s identify provides a giant trace as to its principal goal: as a stand. As somebody who enjoys watching YouTube on my telephone however can’t stand (unintentional pun) holding it the entire time, this actually appealed to me.
I’ve been by means of my justifiable share of telephone stands through the years, however I completely underestimated simply how versatile a easy ring of metallic will be. The Ring Stand rotates a full 360 levels, making it ideally suited to each portrait and panorama orientations.
And, whereas most stands are restricted to some mounted positions, right here I may prop my Pixel 10 Professional XL up at principally any angle.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Most of my video calls are for work and subsequently through a laptop computer, but when I needed to name a good friend on WhatsApp or Fb Messenger, the Ring Stand can be a useful software.
It’s only a stand, sure, but it surely’s one of the best telephone stand I’ve ever used.
PopSocket who?
Within the 2010s, PopSockets have been all the fashion. These easy, detachable grips allowed you to carry your telephone extra simply, which was particularly helpful as handsets turned larger and extra slippery.
Their reputation has waned lately, however the primary premise is as helpful as ever, one thing Google has clearly recognised. I discovered the Pixelsnap Ring Stand to be a really perfect various, including some much-needed grip to my 6.8-inch Pixel 10 Professional XL.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
And, whereas PopSockets had a popularity for less-than-perfect adhesive in some instances, the Ring Stand is as safe because it will get. Basically, you’re getting a greater model of a PopSocket that additionally doubles as a stand.
Slimline satisfaction
My preliminary reluctance to make use of the Pixelsnap Ring Stand was primarily based on concern concerning the bulk it would add to my telephone. In any case, the ten Professional XL weighs 232g by itself, whereas the official case I commonly use provides an additional 37.6g. Might I actually afford so as to add one other 28g accent?
Because it seems, completely! I’ve used the Ring Stand for just a few days now, and it hasn’t made any distinction to the way in which I’ve used my telephone. Certain, it feels barely heavier, however to not the extent that it ever turned uncomfortable to carry.
It’s only a stand, sure, but it surely’s one of the best telephone stand I’ve ever used
It’s additionally vital to say the stand thickness, or lack thereof. At 3.9mm when closed, it’s an especially slim accent that doesn’t make my telephone really feel chunky in any respect.
The truth is, it nonetheless stands proud a lot lower than the Pixel 10 Professional XL’s rear digital camera bar. Should you’re okay with a big bump there, which is the fact on virtually all telephones nowadays, the Pixelsnap Ring Stand received’t be an issue.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
How a lot?!
Regardless of its spectacular efficiency and flexibility, the Pixelsnap Ring Stand has a giant downside: worth.
On the time of writing, it prices £29.99/$29.99 from the official Google Retailer or from Amazon UK. For my part, that’s 3 times as a lot because it ought to. The markup on these have to be large!
Make no mistake, it looks like a high quality product. Nevertheless it’s basically a small disc of plastic with magnets inside and a metallic ring hooked up. Nothing about it says £30/$30 to me.
After all, it’s not an enormous expense, particularly whenever you’re paying at the least £799/$799 for a Pixel 10 telephone. Nonetheless, it’s too expensive to be an impulse buy individuals will make to offer it a strive – it’s a must to be assured that you just’ll really use it regularly.
Finally, I’d suggest individuals get a devoted charger to take advantage of out of the quick wired charging on the Pixel 10 collection first. Should you’re selecting between the 2, it’s a no brainer.
