Smartphone instances are one thing all of us use, however I don’t get why Samsung and Google maintain making the identical annoying mistake on the subject of their first-party Galaxy and Pixel instances.
This difficulty of 9to5Google Weekender is part of 9to5Google’s rebooted e-newsletter that highlights the most important Google tales with added commentary and different tidbits. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox early!
First-party smartphone instances are sometimes overpriced, however they’re additionally usually one of many higher choices, particularly when your smartphone is model new. Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel gadgets are ever-growing in reputation, however the depth of the case market in comparison with the iPhone stays fairly shallow.
That mentioned, I’ve been fairly aggravated about one facet of each Google and Samsung’s first-party instances in recent times, and that’s with the silicone materials these manufacturers are selecting.
It’s manner too grippy, to the purpose the place it’s mainly unusable.
Over the previous week I’ve been utilizing Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Extremely within the model’s official silicone case and, frankly, it’s been infuriating. The silicone materials feels good within the hand the place its grippy qualities are literally useful, however sliding this cellphone out and in of a pocket is a continuing irritation. It’s mainly not possible to get the gadget out of my denims with out taking the entire pocket with it, and attempting to slip it in is all of the extra irritating.
The identical has been true of Google’s official Pixel instances for the previous couple of generations, which is a disgrace seeing as Google so completely color-matches its instances to the telephones. When my spouse upgraded to Pixel 10 Professional she was excited to get the official color-matching “Jade” case, however later requested to swap the case out as a result of she was pissed off with the identical downside as me.
My query to each of those manufacturers is solely, why? Why are we nonetheless doing this? I understood it when Google made this error on the Pixel 8 collection a number of years in the past and figured it might be a one-off downside. It’s improved barely, nevertheless it actually hasn’t gone away. And I’d argue that Samsung’s silicone case is one way or the other even worse.
What do you suppose? Have you ever run into this downside?
This Week’s High Tales
MWC 2026 Recap
In case you missed our protection from MWC 2026 this week, right here’s a fast recap of the most important highlights:
Nothing Cellphone (4a) launch
Following proper up on MWC 2026, Nothing launched the Cellphone (4a) collection in London (sure, this writer is exhausted), and it’s wanting like a very nice replace to the collection.
March Pixel Drop
Extra High Tales
From the remainder of 9to5
9to5Mac: Apple has announced 7 new products this week
9to5Toys: Nintendo suing U.S. Government over Trump tariffs – Mario wants his gold coins back
Electrek: It’s official: Hyundai axes IONIQ 6 from US lineup, Kia EVs remain in limbo
Comply with Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram
FTC: We use revenue incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. More.
Thanks for studying! Be part of our group at Spectator Daily
