Google has taken the wraps off its Pixel 10 smartphone range, and by far the most interesting addition is Qi2 compatibility and a series of accompanying ‘Pixelsnap’ accessories.
As Google points out in its press blurb, the Pixel 10 series will be the first major Android phones to adopt the fully magnetised Qi2 charging standard. Technically, the HMD Skyline was the first Android phone to do so, but it could hardly be classed as a “major” release.
With Qi2 on board, each Pixel 10 device can attach a compatible wireless charger using a series of convenient magnets. This ensures a firm fit, with wireless charging speeds of up to 25W, depending on the phone model.
Any certified Qi2 charger will work, including iPhone MagSafe chargers – Apple’s standard was a foundational component of the Qi2 standard. You’ll only get 15W charging speeds if you use a relatively recent MagSafe charger (2024 and later), though; otherwise, it’ll be restricted to 5W.
Thankfully, Google has taken any potential confusion out of the equation with its own set of Qi2 chargers. It’s calling its take on Qi2 ‘Pixelsnap’, and these are the Pixelsnap chargers you’ll be able to buy for your Pixel 10 at launch.
Pixelsnap Charger
The Pixelsnap Charger is your basic puck-shaped charger and is very similar in form and function to any number of third-party iPhone MagSafe chargers on the market.
It’s very simple, really – plug it into a wall socket, then bring the puck section close to the back of your Pixel 10. Magnets will do the rest.
The Pixelsnap Charger costs £39.99/$39.99/€49.99 from Google or Amazon.
That might sound pricey compared to some of those third-party alternatives mentioned above, but Pixel 10 Pro XL users get the added bonus of 25W charging.
Other Pixel 10 phones only get 15W charging from this same accessory, so you might well want to shop around if you have one of those other phones.
Pixelsnap Charger with Stand
Sticking with chargers, the Pixelsnap Charger grants similar wireless charging capabilities, and indeed includes the very same core charging puck. However, there’s an extra stand element that tilts your Pixel 10 at a bedside- or desktop-friendly angle.
As Google notes: “When your phone is docked and charging, you can access your favourite screensavers, display your favourite photos, check the weather or control your smart home devices”.
The Pixelsnap Charger with Stand costs £64.99/$69.99/€79.99 from Google or Amazon.
Sadly, after our testing, we think this is the Pixelsnap accessory to avoid.
Pixelsnap Ring Stand
Maybe you don’t need to charge your phone during the day, but would like a means to tilt your phone at an angle. Sounds basic but it’s actually endlessly useful.
For £29.99/$29.99/€34.99 from Google or Amazon for £25.75 at the time of writing, the Pixelsnap Ring Stand will attach to the back of your Pixel 10 magnetically, with an adjustable metal loop angled to help you stand the phone up.
Thanks to a soft microfibre liner, you can rotate the phone while it’s attached without fear of scratching that glass back. This will let you select between a portrait or landscape view without too much fiddling around.
An ideal travel companion for watching media on a plane or train, in other words.
Pixelsnap Case
Google’s new Pixel 10 cases have been designed to be fully compatible with the Pixelsnap standard. This means that you can attach one of those aforementioned Qi2 chargers without having to remove the case.
There’s a colour to match every specific Pixel 10 model, too. For the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, that means Moonstone, Jade, Obsidian, Porcelain, Indigo, Frost and Lemongrass.
For the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, that means Moonstone, Jade, Obsidian and Porcelain.
In terms of pricing, the Pixel 10 cases will cost £49.99/$49.99/€59.99, while the Fold cases will cost a little more at £64.99/$69.99/€79.99.
Pixel Flex Dual Port 67W USB-C Fast Charger
It’s not strictly speaking a Pixelsnap accessory, but it’s worth mentioning this addition to the Pixel accessory stable. Our Mobile Editor loved it when he tried it.
The Pixel Flex Dual Port charger is a traditional wired charger with some advanced features. It can split its 67W of charging potential across two devices simultaneously, courtesy of two USB-C ports.
What’s particularly clever is that it will detect when you connect a Pixel phone, and prioritise that with the optimal amount of juice, giving the rest to the secondary device. It’s pretty dinky, too, so it should prove travel-friendly.
The Pixel Flex Dual Port charger costs £54.99/$59.99/€64.99 from Google or Amazon.
Author: Jon Mundy, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Jon is a freelance journalist who got his start covering mobile games at the dawn of the App Store. He has since covered everything from smart home tech and laptops to food and culture, but always seems to return to his fascination with smartphones.