The Pixel 10 series is a landmark moment for Google.
Not only does it mark the company hitting double digits for its smartphones, but the lineup includes built-in support for Qi2 wireless charging for the first time.
While more convenient charging might not seem like much, it opens the Pixel 10 phones up to a world of useful magnetic charging accessories. At long last, MagSafe on the iPhone has a proper Android alternative.
However, before exploring the growing market of third-party Pixelsnap accessories, it’s worth looking at the first-party options that Google already sells.
As someone who prefers wired charging to wireless, one accessory immediately caught my eye: the Pixelsnap Ring Stand. Unlike the other options, there’s no charging infrastructure here; it’s a simple disc of plastic and metal that uses magnets to click into place.
What’s the point of that, you might be asking? It was a question I had too, before I started testing it. However, much to my surprise, I’ve found myself using and enjoying it quite a lot.
Here are four reasons it’s worth considering, plus one big reason to hesitate.
Magnetic appeal
Before you say anything, yes, I know that strong magnets are the whole point of Pixelsnap.
But did I expect the magnets to be strong enough to shake the Pixel 10 Pro XL around the room using only my little finger? Absolutely not.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Once the Pixelsnap Ring Stand is secured in place (with a satisfying click), it ain’t going anywhere. Using the metal ring alone to move my phone around doesn’t feel risky in the slightest, which is a testament to Google’s design.
Even with the official case applied (if you’re buying a third-party one, make sure it’s compatible), the connection felt very secure.
Did I expect the magnets to be strong enough to shake the Pixel 10 Pro XL around the room using only my little finger? Absolutely not
That doesn’t make removing it difficult, though – it’s all about the type of force you’re exerting on it. Simply lift it up while holding the phone in place, and it’ll come right off.
You can also rotate with very minimal effort, which you might want to do for its first main use…
A standing ovation
The Pixelsnap Ring Stand’s name gives a big hint as to its main purpose: as a stand. As someone who enjoys watching YouTube on my phone but can’t stand (unintentional pun) holding it the whole time, this really appealed to me.
I’ve been through my fair share of phone stands over the years, but I totally underestimated just how versatile a simple ring of metal can be. The Ring Stand rotates a full 360 degrees, making it ideally suited to both portrait and landscape orientations.
And, while most stands are limited to a few fixed positions, here I could prop my Pixel 10 Pro XL up at basically any angle.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Most of my video calls are for work and therefore via a laptop, but if I wanted to call a friend on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, the Ring Stand would be an invaluable tool.
It’s just a stand, yes, but it’s the best phone stand I’ve ever used.
PopSocket who?
In the 2010s, PopSockets were all the rage. These simple, removable grips allowed you to hold your phone more easily, which was especially useful as handsets became bigger and more slippery.
Their popularity has waned in recent years, but the basic premise is as useful as ever, something Google has clearly recognised. I found the Pixelsnap Ring Stand to be an ideal alternative, adding some much-needed grip to my 6.8-inch Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
And, while PopSockets had a reputation for less-than-perfect adhesive in some cases, the Ring Stand is as secure as it gets. Essentially, you’re getting a better version of a PopSocket that also doubles as a stand.
Slimline satisfaction
My initial reluctance to use the Pixelsnap Ring Stand was based on concern about the bulk it might add to my phone. After all, the 10 Pro XL weighs 232g on its own, while the official case I regularly use adds an extra 37.6g. Could I really afford to add another 28g accessory?
As it turns out, absolutely! I’ve used the Ring Stand for a few days now, and it hasn’t made any difference to the way I’ve used my phone. Sure, it feels slightly heavier, but not to the extent that it ever became uncomfortable to hold.
It’s just a stand, yes, but it’s the best phone stand I’ve ever used
It’s also important to mention the stand thickness, or lack thereof. At 3.9mm when closed, it’s an extremely slim accessory that doesn’t make my phone feel chunky at all.
In fact, it still sticks out much less than the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s rear camera bar. If you’re okay with a significant bump there, which is the reality on almost all phones these days, the Pixelsnap Ring Stand won’t be a problem.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
How much?!
Despite its impressive performance and versatility, the Pixelsnap Ring Stand has a big problem: price.
At the time of writing, it costs £29.99/$29.99 from the official Google Store or from Amazon UK. In my opinion, that’s three times as much as it should. The markup on these must be huge!
Make no mistake, it feels like a quality product. But it’s essentially a small disc of plastic with magnets inside and a metal ring attached. Nothing about it says £30/$30 to me.
Of course, it’s not a huge expense, especially when you’re paying at least £799/$799 for a Pixel 10 phone. However, it’s too pricey to be an impulse purchase people will make to give it a try – you have to be confident that you’ll actually use it on a regular basis.
Ultimately, I’d recommend people get a dedicated charger to make the most out of the fast wired charging on the Pixel 10 series first. If you’re choosing between the two, it’s a no-brainer.
