Google, you forgot about Pixelsnap: A Practical Look
The dust is starting to settle on Google’s huge Pixel 11 launch. But I can’t help feeling that something’s missing.
And no, I don’t mean the elusive Pixel smart ring – or Fitbit-branded – even if launching one would make perfect sense.
Instead, I’m disappointed that Pixelsnap seems to have been almost forgotten. At last year’s Pixel 10 launch, Google couldn’t stop talking about its new built-in Qi2 magnetic wireless charging.
By contrast, all we got this year was a few new colours of the Pixelsnap Ring Stand. Oh…
Now, I love Canyon and Olive hues just as much as the next person, but it feels like a lazy approach. Most rivals are still yet to add this feature, making it even stranger.
The possibilities are endless
No one at Google could ever claim that it’s got close to exhausting the possible options for Pixelsnap. Its first-party lineup consists of just three products: a charger, a charger with a stand and the aforementioned ring stand.
From reviewing the Pixelsnap Ring Stand and Pixelsnap Charger with Stand last year, there’s definitely room for improvement – and a new lick of paint won’t solve that.
Chris Martin / Foundry
There are also so many more accessories that it could make. Just take a look at Apple’s extensive lineup of MagSafe accessories for the iPhone!
Sure, many MagSafe accessories are also compatible with Pixelsnap, but if that were Google’s argument, why did it make any first-party options in the first place?
Magnetic wallets, grips, mounts, portable chargers – there are so many obvious examples of great Pixelsnap accessories – and the whole point is that, like the new cases each year, they fit perfectly with the phones in not just colour but also style.
Others I’d love to see include a ring light, passport holder and camera grips, all of which would be extremely useful. It’d make so much sense.
Samsung could hit back
Google’s lack of Pixelsnap innovation opens the door for one of its key rivals – Samsung. For some reason, the Korean giant hasn’t included built-in magnets on any of its 2026 flagships, relying on cases for Qi2 compatibility.
However, an established leaker suggests that Samsung will finally add the functionality to the upcoming Galaxy S27 series. If true, the first-party lineup of accessories is likely to be as good as, if not better than, the current Pixelsnap options.
Luke Baker
In short, Google would’ve had a head start of almost 18 months on Samsung, yet has failed to properly establish its magnetic charging and accessory ecosystem. The Pixel 11 launch event represented a major missed opportunity.
