Android Forums, Reviews: 2026

vendredi 14 août 2026

Best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL screen protectors

All the best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL screen protectors prevent your mighty expensive Google flagship from cracking from drops and bumps. Even the smallest of scrapes or nicks can be a problem, as it might impair water-proofing. Why take the chance? Just install one of the finest screen guards as soon as your Pixel 11 Pro XL arrives and you will be golden.

Grab one of these solid Pixel 11 Pro XL screen protectors

Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Pro Screen Protector for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best overall

Shatter-proof, case-friendly, and easy to install, this hardy AluminaCore glass screen protector is affordable, comes in a two-pack, and offers superb touch sensitivity. You can't get better screen protection for your Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Ferilinso Screen Protector for Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best all-in-one

The Ferilinso Screen Protector for Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is an all-inclusive deal that gives you three darkened camera lens guards, three case-friendly 9H+ tempered glass screen protectors, and an easy-install frame.

TAURI 2 Pack Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Privacy Screen Protector

Best privacy

The Pixel 11 Pro XL may not have the S26 Ultra's privacy display, but this screen protector set of two can make that happen on the low. The TAURI 2 Pack Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Privacy Screen Protector blocks visibility from far, protecting your business.

ZAGG Glass XTR5 Blue Light Screen Protector for Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best eye-comfort

The ZAGG Glass XTR5 filters harmful blue light emissions coming off your Pixel 11 Pro XL's display. ZAGG promises that this high-quality screen protector is 11 times stronger than your average glass protectors. For a single piece, the price tag is hefty.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ FIT Pro Optik Camera Lens Protector for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best lens guard

Spigen's Glas.tR EZ FIT Pro Optik is made of its high-grade AluminaCore glass that is shatter and scratch-proof. Since the Pixel 11 Pro XL's camera bar is quite prominent and juts out, a sturdy lens guard like this is a wise purchase.

Dbrand Prism 2.0 Screen Protector for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best for non-case use

Dbrand promises an "idiot-proof" installation with its two-step installation frame included with this two-pack of premium tempered glass protectors. This is the non-case version, so it covers the entirety of the Pixel 11 Pro XL's OLED panel.

Back to the top ^

Focus on screen protectors that work with your style, with a case on or without one

Most folks probably prefer to rock their Pixel 11 Pro XL with a case on. Whether you do or don't, your screen protector needs to take that into account. Forgoing one is risky, so bear in mind that adding a screen guard won't protect the body of your Google phone.

The Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Pro Screen Protector for the Pixel 11 Pro XL is affordably priced, costing you $19.99 for two pieces of reliable tempered glass screen protectors. I have tried and tested this screen guard on my last-gen Pixel and am still satisfied by its quality and longevity. This kit also comes with a handy alignment tool, as well as all the cleaning tools you could need for the tidiest self-installation process you can achieve at home.

Spigen offers case-friendly screen protectors, as does virtually every other screen guard brand. Dbrand does something neat, letting buyers choose between case-friendly and non-case-friendly variants of its scratch resistant Prism 2.0 Screen Protector. If you're an adventurous person who doesn't usually use a phone cover, it's a good idea to get the case-less variant of Dbrand's screen protector. It comes with the brand's easy-install frame that only takes two steps to use, so the two-pack is a worthwhile purchase.

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Google Pixel 12: Everything we know so far

The Google Pixel 11 marks another year in which Google is reusing the design started with the Pixel 9 series, but if history is any indication, we could see a big shake-up with the Pixel 12.

Google's Pixel phones have been gaining traction in the market over the past few years, owing to Google's "iPhone-like" approach to the series hardware design and software leanings. Even Google's marketing looks a lot more like Apple's these days, but we're hoping Google continues to maintain its historic spirit of innovation in the next round of devices.

And that's where Pixel 12 comes in. Pixel phones have looked the same for the past three years, but they've always packed an experimental surprise that keeps everyone guessing. From squeezable sides to radar-powered gesture sensors, and even the new HiLight LED on the back of the Pixel 11, it's a wonder what Google will think up next. Let's explore all the leaks and rumors for Google's next device and see what they have cooking, shall we?

Price and availability

The Pixel 11 series, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Buds 2 in different colors — (Image credit: Google)

We fully expect the Google Pixel 12 family to debut next August, following a similar release cadence to the past few Pixels. Per one leak, Google will likely continue releasing four models for the Pixel 12 family: the base Pixel 12, the Pixel 12 Pro, the larger Pixel 12 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 12 Pro Fold.

Unless something drastically changes over the course of the next year, there's also a high likelihood that each model will see another price increase. RAM and storage are at a premium right now, and prices are expected to continue to rise throughout 2027 (and maybe beyond) as AI data centers hog the world's supply of RAM and storage modules. The trickle-down effect is more expensive consumer electronics, which everyone is familiar with at this point.

Spec bumps galore

Thinborne cases on a Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro — (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Every year, people expect the usual spec bumps to occur. A faster processor, better battery life, faster charging speed, etc. So far, Google has always met that expectation, albeit Tensor processors have always been slower than competing chips from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung Exynos.

While we don't know too much about the Tensor G7 processor that will likely power the Google Pixel 12 series, a few leaks give us some clues as to what's possible on the next chip. First up is a potential RAM upgrade (via Reptalica), with Google reportedly testing out LPDDR5x and LPDDR6 versions of Tensor G7. Looking at the numbers over the years offers a sneak peek at what this could bring:

Pixel 1 (LPDDR4): ~4.2Gbps
Pixel 2-5 (LPDDR4X): ~4.2Gbps (same speed, lower power requirements)
Pixel 6-7 (LPDDR5): ~6.4Gbps
Pixel 8-11 (LPDDR5x): ~10.6Gbps
Pixel 12 (LPDDR6 rumored): estimated ~14.4Gbps

Given the state of RAMageddon and the chipset crisis right now, it's entirely plausible that Google will remain with LPDDR5x for one more year just to save on costs. Still, we can hope for a sizable Tensor speed boost in 2027 if the cards line up right.

Next, we're looking at a potential battery capacity upgrade for the Pixel 12, if one comment from a Google rep holds any water. When asked about silicon-carbon batteries during the Pixel 11 event, a Google representative said the Pixel team was looking into implementing them.

Now, that comment doesn't say the company will definitely implement silicon-carbon into future Pixel batteries, and it doesn't specifically say Pixel 12, either. However, given that Samsung just began using 5% silicon-carbon content in the batteries on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, the likelihood that Google follows suit next year is pretty darn high.

What I'd like to see

A Google Pixel 10 Pro XL with Google-branded ribons — (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Google once again is using an outdated PowerVR GPU in the Pixel 11, a mistake the company made with the Pixel 10 and appears not to have learned from. On the Pixel 12, we're hoping Google uses a modern GPU that supports the latest Vulkan standards and delivers the gaming performance people expect from $1,200+ phones.

I'd also like to see Google switch up the design to make it more ergonomic. For years and years, Pixel phones were known for their comfortable, rounded edges and contoured lines that fit nicely in a human hand. With the Pixel 9, Google went a very flat route all around, once again going with a very iPhone-like look.

Google has historically stuck with a specific design language for 2-3 years at a time, so if history repeats itself again, we should be in for a big redesign with the Pixel 12.

The new — (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Additionally, I'd like to see Google take flicker accessibility more seriously. Pixel phones have had the worst PWM dimming rate for years, and while the Pixel 11 sports the same "sensitive eyes" feature that launched on some Pixel 10 models, that setting still doesn't go far enough in solving the problem for flicker-sensitive people like myself.

Google generally does a great job with bespoke accessibility features, like the amazing sign-language-to-text tool that launched with the Pixel 11, and I know they can get this one right if they want to.

My original mockup of Pixel Glow rumors for the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the actual HiLight feature we got on the Pixel 11 series — (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Lastly, I'd love to see HiLight be a little more...interesting. I got super excited about the Pixel Glow leaks and what we thought was a tease at Google I/O in May, and it turned out to be a tiny LED on the camera island instead of a glowing statement. HiLight is also very basic so far, at least as of the Pixel 11's launch, so any improvement here is sorely needed to make this a useful (or even just interesting) feature.

It'll be some time before we see an official Pixel 12 announcement, but I'm fully expecting plenty of leaks to happen over the next several months. That's always been the case with Pixels, and there's no reason to think that'll dry up this time.

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You don't need a TV app to stream 10,000 free movies on Google’s Freeplay right now

What you need to know

Google TV Freeplay now offers more than 10,000 on-demand movies and TV shows at no subscription cost.
The service has grown beyond 300 channels covering news, sports, reality TV, true crime, and entertainment.
The catalog includes titles from A24 and Lionsgate, including Lady Bird, Seventeen Again, and Hell’s Kitchen.

If you want free movies without paying for another subscription, Google TV Freeplay just got a huge upgrade. Google’s built-in streaming service has expanded beyond live channels to include more than 10,000 on-demand movies and TV shows for free.

The update pushes Google's free live-TV lineup past the 300-channel mark. The lineup includes news, sports, reality TV, true crime, entertainment, and more, with new additions including Bloomberg TV+, Yahoo! Sports Network, World of Love Island, and The Martha Stewart Channel.

The number of channels is also moving fast. Freeplay crossed the 250-channel mark in December 2025, meaning Google has added roughly 50 more channels in only a few months.

Google says the library includes titles from studios such as A24 and Lionsgate, with examples including Lady Bird, Seventeen Again, and Hell’s Kitchen. The catalog will also be refreshed throughout the year, so the selection won’t be static.

That makes the update especially useful for Google TV owners. Supported Google TV devices come with Freeplay baked in, so you don’t have to install another streaming app to browse the new catalog. Open the Freeplay app from the Home screen and begin watching.

The update is delivered directly to Google TV Streamer boxes and smart TVs from brands including Sony, TCL, and Hisense, with no additional downloads required.

There’s one catch, though. The content is ad-supported, so “free” doesn’t mean commercial-free. The expanded Freeplay offering is currently limited to the U.S. and requires a Google account and a high-speed internet connection.

Yet, adding more than 10,000 on-demand titles makes a huge difference to Freeplay’s identity. Google is breaking away from scheduled free TV and giving viewers a true pick-what-you-want option without another monthly bill. With subscription fatigue at an all-time high, Google’s move puts serious pressure on paid rivals like Netflix while giving Tubi and Pluto TV a run for their money.

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This Android phone became a desktop PC, and it can run The Witcher 3

What you need to know

A 24GB Snapdragon 8 Elite Nubia Z70 Ultra was rebuilt inside a custom acrylic case and sandwiched between two full-size CPU coolers.
The oversized setup helps prevent thermal throttling, delivering 99% stability across 20 3DMark Wild Life Extreme loops.
Termux with GPU acceleration lets the phone power an XFCE Linux desktop with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
The phone reportedly manages around 20–30fps, with the GPU reaching roughly 99% utilization.

Most smartphones hit a thermal ceiling the second you push them beyond casual mobile gaming. But someone took that limitation as a personal challenge and stripped down a Nubia Z70 Ultra, literally sandwiching it between two full-size PC CPU coolers inside a custom acrylic housing. The outcome is a franken-rig smartphone that doubles as a surprisingly viable desktop replacement.

The project, shared by Reddit user ntsow, takes a 24GB Nubia Z70 Ultra with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite and places the phone’s main hardware between two desktop processor coolers inside a custom acrylic case. The original display of the phone has been moved to the front of the case, but the coolers are in direct contact with the shielding over the Snapdragon chip.

Why go that far? Reliable performance. Smartphones can throttle their processors when temperatures climb, but this overbuilt cooling setup means the Snapdragon 8 Elite can keep up a much more consistent performance. In a 3DMark Wild Life Extreme stress test, the modified phone scored 6,980 on its best loop and 6,910 on its lowest with 99% stability over 20 loops.

Outside of benchmarks, the Z70 Ultra runs a full XFCE Linux desktop via Termux with GPU acceleration, enabling it to work with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Tools such as Wine, Box64, and GameNative can also make the setup run Windows software and games.

The experiment doesn’t really prove a phone can replace a PC, but it does show that sustained cooling might be just as important as raw silicon when you push modern smartphone chips into PC-class workloads.

Nubia Z70 Ultra running a PC game — ntsow / Reddit

And yes, it can run Witcher 3. The game apparently runs at around 20-30 frames per second at 1920 x 1080 with the Ultra preset, with the GPU hitting about 99% utilization. In some scenes, it can even push a little over 30fps.

However, there is a drawback to the performance. The phone is still working very hard, and a screenshot showed temperatures nearing 100 degrees Celsius. That was recorded in Nubia’s Diablo Mode, which pushes the hardware to its maximum power and allows overclocking, the builder says.

But it’s not a practical substitute for a gaming PC, and that’s almost beside the point. The experiment shows just how powerful modern phone hardware is when thermal limits are aggressively removed. The creator is still working on the software and intends to push the setup further, possibly turning one Android phone into an all-in-one machine for Android, Linux, and Windows workloads.

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jeudi 13 août 2026

Google Play is hiding a Pixel 11 Pro discount in plain sight

What you need to know

Google is quietly dropping Pixel 11 discounts directly in the Google Play Store app.
Platinum members get up to $175 off select Pixel hardware. That includes $150 off the Pixel 11 series, $175 off the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and $75 off the Pixel Watch 5.
This offer is an instant upfront discount, meaning you can stack it on top of a standard phone trade-in to double down on savings.

Google has another Pixel 11 discount, but it is not sitting on the main Google Store page. Instead, the company is discreetly offering Play Points members an instant discount through the Google Play app, and you might be able to combine it with a trade-in.

It appears that the offer depends on your Google Play Points status. For example, the folks over at Droid Life have found that Platinum members can currently get $150 off the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. The discount also applies to other new hardware, with $175 off the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and $75 off the Pixel Watch 5.

Note that this isn’t a trade-in credit. It’s an upfront discount, so you could potentially stack it on top of a trade-in to increase your overall savings. In other words, your Play Points perk becomes more useful if you were already planning to upgrade.

The offer is a little less obvious than it should be. Open Google Play and tap your profile or the Play Points icon. Tap the Perks tab. If your account is eligible, you should see your Pixel offer there.

It’s not entirely new, as Google has used Play Points for discounts on Pixels before. But, with Pixel 11 preorders now open, you might want to check your Play Points before you pay to save a significant amount of money.

There’s another option you might want to consider. AT&T is selling the Pixel 11 Pro for $0 if you trade in any previous Pixel you have, though the deal does require an eligible service plan.

At the moment, the Play Points discount is just another reason to check out all the offers available before you pay. More importantly, look at the final price after trade-in, gift cards and plan requirements and not just the headline discount.

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Google should have gone the GTA 6 route with its Pixel 11 show; instead, we got the Trevor Noah cringe fest

Google launched its brand-new Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 yesterday at 10 am, and then, eight hours later, re-announced the entire series in an awkward, 1.5-hour-long online presentation hosted by comedic sensation Trevor Noah.

The show was broadcast on YouTube, and at one point only 57,000 people were watching, but I think it did go up to 80,000. Comments were also turned off, and I’m not surprised why.

There were only two really amazing parts of the show: the first was when Joël Yawili, a Senior Product Manager for the Gemini app, appeared on the show, and the second was when the company announced a new accessibility feature called Sign-to-Text, which I’ll get to later.

I want to first focus on the show. There were some compelling moments when I thought it could have worked, but overall, I think what Google was trying to do wasn’t executed the way the company wanted.

Trevor Noah vs. Google

Trevor Noah and Rick Osterloh at the Made by Google keynote — (Image credit: Google)

The whole point of a lifestyle show catered to consumers was to communicate how amazing Pixels are. And they are! In my hands-on with the Pixel 11 series, I wrote that the company has actually upped the game for AI on smartphones.

And asking Trevor Noah to host could have been a smart move.

But the whole show was a cringe fest. And I think it’s because you’re watching someone like Noah, who is super casual, a comedian who knows how to host a show, next to someone from Google who was clearly PR trained and was given a very specific script to follow.

Noah seemed bored, and at times seemed very uninterested in wanting to be there. He even tried to make a very obvious dick joke that clearly wasn’t well received by the Google product expert who was talking with him. The audience did laugh, though (and so did I).

What was Google trying to do with this event?

Trevor Noah and Isabelle Olsson at the Made by Google keynote — (Image credit: Google)

I think this show was a very obvious move by Google. It was a way to connect with consumers and help them understand their phones and what the new devices can do.

Traditionally, launch shows are hosted mostly to present to developers, tech enthusiasts, bloggers, influencers, and the media. And the message is then disseminated to the rest of the world through articles, photos, interviews, etc.

We’ve seen these shows evolve to something more spectacular, with special guests, celebrities, and even athletes to show off how they use these phones — all an effort to better connect with consumers. Because at the end of the day, that’s the biggest challenge for any tech company: How do you connect people with your product so they will buy it?

Last year was the first time that Google went completely out of the box, and to be fair, the company put on a pretty cool show. Jimmy Fallon hosted, and everything was pretty exciting… and it made sense because it was 10 years of the Pixel. So doing something spectacular was logical.

Jimmy Fallon holding the Pixel 10 Pro Fold during the Made by Google event — (Image credit: Google)

And I would have been completely fine if Google wanted to do the same thing again this year. What really threw me for a loop was the decision to host the show… eight hours after the phones were announced and made public.

At that point you’ve completely lost the audience. Consumers already know about the phones; they are reading our articles, they’re looking at what influencers are posting, and they have no real reason to go to a show, even one hosted by Trevor Noah.

While it makes sense to stream the event on YouTube, since Google controls the platform, a better move would have been to partner with a streaming service such as Netflix or Paramount Plus. An example of a showcase like this is Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look, premiering on Netflix later this month, showing that this is clearly an avenue other companies are exploring to showcase new and upcoming launches.

It could even have been something short-lived, like WWE’s annual WrestleMania, which is now streamed on Netflix. And it could have been titled “Trevor Noah presents … the Google Pixel 11.”

The best parts of the show

Trevor Noah and Joël Yawili at the Made by Google keynote — (Image credit: Google)

For me, when Joël Yawili, a Senior Product Manager at Google, came on the show, there was a visible positive shift in the conversation. At first, Noah once again came across as uninterested and even said, “another demo,” almost as if he were really bored.

But when Yawili began to speak, he didn’t start with a script. He decided to shift the focus to a genuine connection he seemed to have with Noah: They grew up in the same town, it turns out. It also helped that Yawili seemed to genuinely care about the product he’s worked on. The entire interaction and demo truly made me smile.

I also loved how, in Yawili’s demonstration, he brought in a text conversation he was having with his mother, and the way he did it was so casual that it made me want to keep watching.

Rambler demo at Made by Google 2026 — (Image credit: Google)

The second time the show hit for me was when Google showed off its new Sign-to-Text feature. Watching how it was demonstrated was fascinating, and the two individuals on stage really seemed interested in what they were doing and how this should have a huge impact on many people in the hard-of-hearing and -speaking community.

Sign to Text demo at Made by Google 2026 — (Image credit: Google)

I’ll end this by saying I don’t think Google did a bad job; I just think it wasn’t thoroughly thought out. I think the show could have been executed a bit differently, and I think it shouldn’t have been done eight hours after the products were announced.

Google was doing the right thing by wanting to connect with consumers, and I think it can — just with a few tweaks. Are there patches for a live event?

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This T-Mobile preorder deal gives you the Pixel Watch 5 for the price of a monthly latte — no trade-in required!

The Google Pixel Watch 5 has finally been revealed with an August 20th release date, and there are already several preorder deals that could make the flagship wearable dirt cheap if you play your cards right.

Grab the watch from T-Mobile with Mobile Plan Plus 2.0 and you'll score $300 off your purchase. That knocks the price of your preorder down to just $5.55 per month for 36 months! One of the best Android smartwatches of 2026 for the price of a large latte every month? Sign me up.

Preorder the Google Pixel Watch 5 for just over $5/month at T-Mobile

Google Pixel Watch 5 41mm: ~~$499.99~~ $5.55 per month with Watch Plan Plus 2.0 at T-Mobile

Ready to experience Google's latest and greatest wearable creation? Preorder the Pixel Watch 5 with the Watch Plan Plus 2.0 plan and T-Mobile will give you $300 off your purchase. That knocks the price of the preorder down to $5.55 per month!

Starting at $15 per month, Watch Plan Plus 2.0 gives you unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data for your smartwatch, plus unlimited texting and 5GB of data in over 215 countries worldwide (15GB of data in Mexico and Canada). View Deal

Compared to its predecessor, the Google Pixel Watch 5 is more of a refinement than a dramatic transformation, and in many ways, that's a good thing. You still get the eye-catching water droplet-inspired design with the AMOLED display, plus Wear OS 7, a Snapdragon chipset, and dual-band GPS.

The Pixel Watch 5 also comes packed with the latest AI-boosted software features, including Generative Watch Faces, Blood Pressure Trends, and the Smart Wake Alarm. You also get twice the onboard storage compared to the Pixel Watch 4 (now it's 64GB) and a slight boost in battery life that doesn't affect the size or weight.

So what's the catch? Well, aside from those small upgrades, the Google Pixel Watch 5 is largely unchanged from the previous generation. If you're passionate about fancy smartwatch features and/or you've never owned a Pixel watch, then I'd absolutely recommend jumping on this preorder deal.

On the other hand, if you're already the owner of a Google Pixel Watch 4, it'd be understandable if you wanted to skip this one. It's also worth mentioning that T-Mobile has extended this $300 discount to all of the Pixel smartwatches on its site, which means you could get the Google Pixel Watch 4 for free and enjoy nearly identical performance to the 2026 model without paying a dime. The choice is yours.

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Best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL cases

Your search for the best Google Pixel 11 Pro XL cases begins and ends here. The largest, fastest charging, and most long-lasting of the Pixel 11 series, the Pixel 11 Pro XL offers generous screen real estate with its 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display. A bigger phone definitely means you have more grounds to cover in terms of scratch and drop resistance. You should also look for added grip, as a bigger, heavier phone is more likely to fall accidentally. All of my top picks have this covered, and more, so take your time and browse through this guide.

Cases fit for the mighty Pixel 11 Pro XL

Google Pixelsnap Case for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best overall

The official Google Pixelsnap Case for the Pixel 11 Pro XL comes in the four colors of the Pixel. It has a soft lining to preserve the chassis of the phone, and Google promises everyday scratch and drop resistance and a one-year warranty for the case.

TORRAS Q3 Air for Google 11 Pro XL

TORRAS Q3 Air for Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best with stand

TORRAS designed a new lineup of cases for the Pixel 11 series. The Q3 Air for the Pixel 11 Pro XL is a lightweight, smokey black case with a magnetic rotating ring on the back. It uses proprietary AirPro Cushion technology to reinforce shock resistance.

Mous Marine Limitless Phone Case for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best premium

Mous isn't the cheapest brand, but its sleek cases undergo rigorous drop tests — which you can see on YouTube! The Mous Marine Limitless Phone Case is grippy, Pixelsnap-compatible, and adds rugged impact absorption in a slim profile.

Bellroy Leather Case with Pixelsnap for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best leather

The Bellroy Leather Case with Pixelsnap for Pixel 11 Pro XL uses top-quality leather and comes in four shades that go with the phone's own colors. They aren't exact matches, but the adapted colors look splendid in the leather grain.

Poetic Guardian for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best clear

Spigen is usually my got-to clear case brand, but for a larger phone like the Pixel 11 Pro XL, I highly suggest the more robust Poetic Guardian case instead. This clear case has a shock-proof frame, one screen protector, a ring stand, and 20ft drop protection.

SUPCASE UB Grip for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best heavy-duty

SUPCASE is another favorite of mine, and I've relied on the brand for years just like Poetic and Spigen. Their Unicorn Beetle Grip case is spectacular as expected, delivering rugged drop-proofing, a screen guard, and a magnetic ring stand.

Dbrand Grip Case for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best designs

The grippiest of sides and the swankiest of designs, these are two merits of the Dbrand Grip Case for the Pixel 11 Pro XL. It adds reasonable scratch and drop resistance too, and has a magnetic ring embedded within. Some colors/patterns cost most, though.

Spigen Nano Pop MagFit for Pixel 11 Pro XL

Best classic

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Spigen, and there's no case more well known that the classic Nano Pop. This Blueberry Navy shade has been a hit for many years. Now that Spigen has added magnetic support, it is a perfect affordable Pixel 11 Pro XL case.

Ringke Onyx Magnetic Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Case

Best non-slip

The Ringke Onyx Magnetic Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Case has a sandstone-like texture that is wonderfully grippy, preventing accidental slips. The dark green variant looks particularly striking. You get lanyard holes on the sides of the magnetic case too.

Back to the top ^

You have options on options on options when buying a Pixel 11 Pro XL case

No matter your style preference or budget range, there's a handsome Google Pixel 11 Pro XL case available out there. Instead of spending hours trying to find the perfect match for yourself, just read through this buying guide that I've put together for you. I test cases for a living, and have gone through everything available to narrow it down to only the very best options here.

Generally speaking, most people will be very happy with the Google Pixelsnap Case for the Pixel 11 Pro XL. It fits like a glove, it has Pixelsnap support, it adds scratch and drop resistance, it has a soft lining inside, and it matches all the colorways of the Pixel 11 Pro XL. If you score a neat pre-order deal, you can save up to $600, so the hefty price tag of the official case won't hurt either.

Now for those on the hunt for more than a basic first-party option, there's no shortage of options. Depending on how much money you'd like to spend, what level of drop protection you want, and whether you want extras like a stand, I have rounded up the best Pixel 11 Pro XL cases in every category. If you can go all out, the Mous Marine Limitless Phone Case for Pixel 11 Pro XL is a robust drop-proof case in a very sleek form factor. Poetic offers an affordable version of this in a clear case too, so if that's more accessible, you should check out the Poetic Guardian case for the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

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mercredi 12 août 2026

The Pixel Watch 5 brings new tricks, but not new hardware

What you need to know

The Pixel Watch 5 looks almost identical to the Pixel Watch 4 and keeps the same W5 Gen 2 chip.
Google calls it the W5 Gen 2 Accelerated, but the underlying hardware remains essentially unchanged.
You still get 41mm and 45mm models, with Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, and LTE options.
New tools for insulin and blood pressure management add meaningful functionality.

Google's smartwatches are slowly gaining momentum, but you wouldn't be able to tell each model apart. That's particularly true this year with the Pixel Watch 5; I read the press release Google shared ahead of launch, and I still don't understand what's new.

The Pixel Watch 5 looks identical to last year's Pixel Watch 4. It has the exact same hardware as well, and Google didn't bother using Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite Wear platform, which is short-sighted. It instead has the same W5 Gen 2 as last year, but it's now called the Gen 2 Accelerated, so make of that what you will.

Like previous years, you get two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. There's Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, and Satellite SOS in select countries, and Google will continue to sell cellular-enabled LTE models. You get similar colors as last year, and the chassis is made out of recycled materials, just like Google's phones. There are new bands though, and they're in vibrant colors.

You still get 5ATM and IP68 water resistance, and it should hold up to everyday wear and tear just as well as its predecessors.

Official Google Pixel Watch 5 Fog — (Image credit: Google)

That doesn't mean there isn't anything new. Google is debuting features to manage insulin and blood pressure resistance, and they're bound to be useful. There's a slate of new Gemini features as well, along with everything new in Wear OS. Here's the full list of the watch's health and fitness features:

Health Guardian suite (Irregular Rhythm Notifications / AFib, high/low heart rate alerts)
Monthly blood pressure trends & insulin resistance trends
Multi-path optical heart rate sensor & SpO2 monitoring
ECG app & Skin conductance (cEDA) tracking
Far-field skin temperature sensor
Google Health Coach integration (powered by Gemini)
50+ tracked exercises with custom HIIT/strength routine syncing
Readiness Score & Key Metrics post-workout view
Sleep Breathing Quality (minute-by-minute SpO2 analysis)
Stage tracking (Awake, REM, Light, Deep) & Sleep Score
Bedtime Automations, Smart Wake Alarms, Morning Brief
Breathing Emergency Detection (EU only)
Loss of Pulse alerts
Satellite SOS communication
Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, Fall Detection, Car Crash Detection

Oh, and I like the feature that lets you generate watch faces using AI, and it is pretty cool. But that alone doesn't justify buying a new watch, and the Pixel Watch 4 should get the feature anyway at some point in the future.

If the Pixel Watch 5 doesn't look particularly noteworthy, it's because the hardware itself hasn't changed to any measurable degree. This is like the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 all over again, and Google needs to do better to differentiate its smartwatch -- as AC EiC Shruti Shekar said in her hands-on post, it's time we got a Pixel Watch Pro.

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mardi 11 août 2026

This leaked Zelda Switch 2 could be Nintendo’s next collector hit

What you need to know

The Nintendo Switch 2 could finally get its first major special edition, with leaked packaging pointing to a Zelda 40th anniversary console.
The leaked console features a dark aesthetic with gold and green accents, paired with a gold Triforce dock and matching black-and-teal Joy-Con controllers.
A standalone Switch 2 Pro Controller was also leaked, mirroring the console's color scheme with gold triggers, shoulder buttons, and a central Triforce crest.

Nintendo's Switch 2 has been missing something the original console had in spades: flashy special editions. But that could finally change, as leaked images supposedly show a Zelda-themed Switch 2 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the franchise, complete with matching accessories.

Photos posted on X by @CentroLeaks show what appears to be retail packaging for a limited edition Nintendo Switch 2 console and a standalone Switch 2 Pro Controller, both celebrating Zelda's milestone year.

First limited edition Nintendo Switch 2 coming soon pic.twitter.com/cli7icFkbpAugust 11, 2026

The leaked console looks like it'll have a dark design with gold and green Zelda-inspired accents, making it look far more collector-focused than Nintendo's standard Switch 2.

There’s also a dock featuring a large gold Triforce, with matching designs printed into the Joy-Con 2 controllers. A second matching Switch 2 Pro Controller also leaked, matching the esthetic with gold shoulder buttons and a golden Triforce in the middle.

Nintendo Switch 2 console Zelda edition — @CentroLeaks / X

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller Zelda edition — @CentroLeaks / X

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of Nintendo planning to release a limited edition Nintendo Switch 2 console and matching Pro Controller as a celebration of The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary. These hardware accessories were expected to be released alongside the rumored Ocarina of Time Remake later in 2026, but an insider had clarified that the designs were franchise-themed and not specifically tied to the Ocarina of Time game.

That’s logical, considering the franchise milestone approaching in 2026. But the Ocarina of Time remake may still be a perfect launch window, though Nintendo still hasn't confirmed a release date for the hardware.

The timing would also mark Nintendo’s first major Switch 2 special edition since the console’s launch. That might make this way more appealing than just purchasing another Pro Controller for longtime Zelda fans.

Again, Nintendo has yet to officially reveal the console, controller, price, or availability. For now, the leaked images are the best evidence yet that the long-rumored Zelda hardware may be real after all.

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The 'truly outstanding' XGIMI Horizon Ultra projector just received a massive discount — but you'll need this exclusive code

TL;DR: Head to WellBots and you can score a straight $300 off the XGIMI Horizon Ultra projector when you use the code 300SAVE at checkout. Supplies are limited, however, so act fast.

In the age of 4K projectors, dropping a ton of cash on a smart TV no longer seems like the wisest decision. This is particularly true when products like the XGIMI Horizon Ultra are hanging around.

We gave this projector a 4.5/5-star rating when we reviewed it a few years back, highlighting its vibrant and crystal-clear picture quality, stylish design, and Dolby Vision integration. Depending on where you shop, the Horizon Ultra can cost as much as $1,699, but WellBots is currently selling the projector for a reasonable $1,149. Slap on this discount using the code 300SAVE at checkout and you'll drop the device down to only $849.

Get my favorite 4K projector for as little as $849 with this exclusive code

XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Projector: ~~$1,699~~ From $849 with code 300SAVE at WellBots

Use the code 300SAVE at WellBots and you'll score a straight $300 off the Horizon Ultra 4K projector by XGIMI. That's on top of the $550 discount already offered by the retailer, no strings attached. View Deal

Even though it initially dropped back in 2023, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra continues to reign as one of the best 4K projectors on the market. The stylish device utilizes a hybrid laser and LED system to produce images that are consistently clear, bright, and vibrant.

The Horizon Ultra is able to dynamically adjust the picture depending on the surface that it's being projected on, while the auto focus feature ensures that your content looks as crisp as possible. You get Dolby Vision and HDR/SDR support, in addition to a Gaming display mode that drops the latency to as low as 18ms. There are also display modes for movies, TV shows, sports, and Custom (which lets you finetune settings to your preference). The smart home device is also equipped with two USB 2.0 ports, two HDMI ports, ethernet, and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi 6 support, so connecting to your favorite streaming devices or consoles should never be an issue.

The projector's built-in speakers aren't exactly mind blowing, so you might want to invest in a soundbar to make the most out of the device. Fortunately, you just saved $300 by using the code above, so adding in some speakers shouldn't be the end of the world. Needless to say, if you want a home theater upgrade without the physical constraints of a smart TV, XGIMI's Horizon Ultra is a great product to consider — especially at this price.

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Amazon's Back to School sale has some incredible deals on Android tech — see my TOP 20+ discounts before they're gone

Back to school season is here, and if you're looking to get equipped with the latest Android tech before the semester starts, you're in luck: Amazon just launched a sale that's slashing prices on dozens of our favorite devices.

Whether you're interested in a new smartphone, a laptop for studying, or a pair of noise-cancelling headphones to block out all distractions, all of the best Android deals from Amazon's sale can be found in this guide.

Of course, Amazon isn't the only retailer launching student-friendly deals ahead of the fall semester. You can find all of the latest shopping advice and deal coverage by yours truly by keeping an eye on our Back to School 2026 landing page. Didn't find anything today? Check back later: I'll keep adding relevant Amazon deals to this list for as long as it makes sense to do so.