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 help for Qi2 wi-fi charging for the primary time.
Whereas extra handy charging may not 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 different.
Nevertheless, earlier than exploring the rising market of third-party Pixelsnap equipment, it’s price wanting 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. In contrast to the opposite choices, there’s no charging infrastructure right here; it’s a easy disc of plastic and steel 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. Nevertheless, a lot to my shock, I’ve discovered myself utilizing and having fun with it rather a lot.
Listed below are 4 causes it’s price contemplating, plus one massive cause 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 anticipate 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 anyplace. Utilizing the steel ring alone to maneuver my cellphone round doesn’t really feel dangerous within the slightest, which is a testomony to Google’s design.
Even with the official case utilized (should you’re shopping for a third-party one, ensure it’s appropriate), the connection felt very safe.
Did I anticipate 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 tough, although – it’s all about the kind of drive you’re exerting on it. Merely elevate it up whereas holding the cellphone in place, and it’ll come proper off.
It’s also possible to rotate with very minimal effort, which you may wish to do for its first predominant use…
A standing ovation
The Pixelsnap Ring Stand’s title offers a giant trace as to its predominant function: as a stand. As somebody who enjoys watching YouTube on my cellphone however can’t stand (unintentional pun) holding it the entire time, this actually appealed to me.
I’ve been by way of my justifiable share of cellphone stands through the years, however I completely underestimated simply how versatile a easy ring of steel might 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 fastened 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 due to this fact through a laptop computer, but when I wished to name a pal on WhatsApp or Fb Messenger, the Ring Stand could be a useful instrument.
It’s only a stand, sure, but it surely’s the perfect cellphone stand I’ve ever used.
PopSocket who?
Within the 2010s, PopSockets have been all the trend. These easy, detachable grips allowed you to carry your cellphone 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 perfect different, including some much-needed grip to my 6.8-inch Pixel 10 Professional XL.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
And, whereas PopSockets had a status for less-than-perfect adhesive in some circumstances, 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 based mostly on concern concerning the bulk it’d add to my cellphone. In any case, the ten Professional XL weighs 232g by itself, whereas the official case I repeatedly use provides an additional 37.6g. May 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 best way I’ve used my cellphone. 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 the perfect cellphone stand I’ve ever used
It’s additionally necessary to say the stand thickness, or lack thereof. At 3.9mm when closed, it’s a particularly slim accent that doesn’t make my cellphone really feel chunky in any respect.
Actually, it nonetheless stands proud a lot lower than the Pixel 10 Professional XL’s rear digicam bar. In case you’re okay with a major bump there, which is the fact on virtually all telephones today, 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 drawback: 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 thrice as a lot because it ought to. The markup on these have to be large!
Make no mistake, it seems like a top quality product. However it’s basically a small disc of plastic with magnets inside and a steel ring connected. Nothing about it says £30/$30 to me.
After all, it’s not an enormous expense, particularly if you’re paying a minimum of £799/$799 for a Pixel 10 cellphone. Nevertheless, it’s too dear to be an impulse buy individuals will make to present it a strive – you need to be assured that you just’ll really use it regularly.
In the end, I’d suggest individuals get a devoted charger to take advantage of out of the quick wired charging on the Pixel 10 collection first. In case you’re selecting between the 2, it’s a no brainer.