[Google Pixel 3 XL Accessories] TraderJack:
So, as I have done with my last few phones I have obtained many of the most well-reviewed cases (and some not so) to see what I like best. I thought I would share my thoughts so that others might get some better insight into what's out there. I realize that cases are very subjective based on your specific goals for a case and your general tastes. With that in mind I’m just going to start by mentioning a bit about my own habits/likes so you can get an idea of what might influence me.

Like many (I think) I like to have a case that is as minimal as possible which still offering a level of protection against drops and bumps. I am definitely not an “otter-box” type guy who likes huge rugged cases with built-in screen protectors. Especially as phones are getting larger and larger I can barely fit them in my pocket even with minimal cases. To that same point, I tend to like very “sticky”/"grippy" or tactile cases as these large phones are also hard enough to hold as-is. I suppose if you have really large hands this might not be as much of an issue, but for me it tends to rule out a lot of cases that look great but feel “slippery.”

I tend to do a "stick test" where I lay the phone in the case flat on the palm of my open hand and then slowly rotate the phone to a vertical position The longer it takes for the phone to not slide off my hand, the better. Some cases will allow me to stand the phone basically straight up gripping my hand without me using fingers at all. Results are not totally scientific as the temperature/sweat on my hands can influence the outcome to some degree but overall I get a better than/worse than result.

As a real-life example of what I prefer, refer to my last 2 phone case choices:

HTC M8 - SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Premium Hybrid. I loved everything about this case for the M8. It looked awesome, had just the right amount of protection while still being a slim case. The material isn’t the stickiest but based on the curve of the M8’s back, which this case follows, it creates a great curve in your hand for a fantastic fit/group.

LG V20 - Ringke Fusion Smoke/Clear Case - Unfortunately they didn’t make the same SUPCASE for my V20, so I went with this one. It also is a hard polycarbonate back (but not too hard/thick) with a more flexible TPU bumper. It has a great amount of tactile stickiness and the phone never slips from my hand.

As evident, I’ve tended to gravitate towards relatively clear cases on my last phones because the phones themselves have been great looking phones (brushed metal all around, etc). I purchased the Pixel 3 XL black, which while a nice looking phone really isn’t anything spectacular and I think the right case may even improve the looks (something I didn’t think was true on my above 2 phones).

Taking the above into account, below are my reviews/thoughts on the cases I’ve tried for the 3 XL. I’ve divided them into several categories for easier comparison which you will find below:

Full TPU Cases

I don’t normally like full TPU cases because they don’t offer much protection and tend to feel “squishy” due to being made totally of flexible material. Still, they are light-weight and the clear ones offer a good view of the phone, so I decided to try a few out.

Cimo Slim Grip ($8) - Like all the clear TPU cases I reviewed, they still have a yellowish tinge right out of the box. It’s hard to know if the cases will yellow more over time, but you can definitely see the yellow in the thicker parts (and around the cut-outs). Once the phone is in the case it is harder to see this, and since all the clear TPU cases suffer from it I supposed I can’t dock too many points.

As a TPU case it is super flexible and super tactile/grippy. Unfortunately the inside of the case is as well which makes getting it into the case evenly is difficult. There is barely any lip to the front of the case, so not much distance between the screen and a flat surface. Additionally the lip seems uneven, and not sure if this is manufacturing or simply because it is difficult to line the phone up perfectly because of the grip of the TPU. Buttons (volume/power) have good feedback, overall what I would expect for an $8 TPU case that offers mostly scratch protection.

Totallee transparent case ($28) - Almost identical to the Cimo in all regards that a clear TPU case can have. It does perhaps a slightly better fit and quality (though still yellow tinge). It is incredibly flexible, more-so than the other TPU cases. The largest downside (for my needs) is it has virtually no lip. If you place the phone face down on a flat surface I’m sure that the screen will make contact in many situations. Overall is is a nice “barely there” case that doesn’t add bulk or size, but for $29 it is really hard to recommend over the Cimo.

Spigen Liquid Crystal ($11) - A combination of the Cimo and Totallee cases. It has a better lip than the Cimo and a better fit and overall quality. If you want a low-profile clear TPU case I think this is the one to beat.

Dretal Carbon Fiber Shock Resistant Brushed Texture Soft TPU ($8) - Unlike the other pure TPU cases this one is a brushed metal/carbon fiber black instead of clear. The case design is nice, but doesn’t seem the best quality, with minor imperfections in the melding of the parts. Also the carbon fiber pads on mine looked scratched/hazy out of the box on parts of them, something I’m sure will happen over time making this case not look as sharp. Apart from look, unremarkable in any other way (good or bad). While this is a very flexible TPU case (making the phone super easy to put in/get out), it isn’t a very grippy case and I found it slipping out of my hands more than the others. This would appear to be a “knock-off” of the Spigen Rugged Armor - a case not available when I was ordering my lot. For the small difference in price if you can get your hands on one I’m not sure why you wouldn’t opt for the Spigen.

Polycarbonate (PC) - TPU Hybrid Cases - Light-weight

These are the types cases I usually prefer (along with the mid-weight ones below). Their harder back brings some rigidity and strength to the case and the rubberized bumpers provide some additional protection. Overall I find these superior to pure TPU cases while in some cases adding very little additional bulk.

MoKo ($7) - This is like the PC/TPU version of the Cimo from above. Decently grippy, though not as much as some of the other cases in this category. It is stiffer with the PC back and the rubberized edges are also pretty hard. The buttons are responsive but like a lot of cases in this and the TPU category they volume button is not split (up/down). This can make it difficult to tell which direction volume you are pressing. Lip is pretty good - possibly the highest in this category. There are little nubbins on the back corners that raise the case slightly from the ground. While these might help protect the camera by raising it a bit more, I wonder if they act as a buttress to strengthen the corners, they seem largely unnecessary though a few models incorporate similar designs.

VRS Crystal Chrome ($12) - While more expensive I found this to be mostly the same as the MoKo, but lesser quality. The lip is also the lowest out of the cases in this category, though to be fair the case may be the thinnest (though not by much). Nothing really here that can make me recommend it over the MoKo, especially at this price.

Ringke Fusion ($9) - Very similar to the MoKo in all respects. Might be a little better quality, but I could just be influenced by the brand. Volume control is also one button, but buttons seem a bit friendlier to use. Like the MoKo it has little nubbins on the bottom corners (more stylized). Also has a place for a lanyard (if that interests you). I think this would be my pick in this category if only for the reason that you can get it in a “smoke” color. Even with a black phone I feel the smoke adds a bit of “texture” to the look and prevents yellowing better. I don’t think the Pixel is pretty enough that it needs a completely transparent case anyway.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid S ($14) - Basically identical to the Spigen Liquid Crystal but with a stiff PC backing. It has slightly larger buttons and a kickstand. Personally, I don’t like the way the kickstand offset feels in my hand and I don’t think I’d get much use out of it. I don’t have much experience with the kickstands and they seem a bit flimsy to me. I’d be worried about it breaking off and then just having a busted case. Volume button is also two-parts, which makes feeling for them a bit easier. Once or twice I felt this case was a bit “squishier” in my hands, but the phone might not have been seated well. If you want a clear case with a kickstand, this is probably a good bet.

Polycarbonate (PC) - TPU Hybrid Cases - Mid-weight

Along with the light-weights, I prefer these cases. It is often a fine distinction, but I tend to feel these cases have a bit more “padding” offering some more protection with a very minimal change in footprint. But, this designation is a bit subjective so you could group these with the lightweight above - the main difference being these aren’t all transparent all around.

SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle ($13) - I really wanted to love this case as it is what I had on my HTC M8. Unfortunately, while the back is highly tactile, the rubberized side bumpers are pretty slippery. The bumpers give a good lip, but they also extend around the back of the case a bit, creating what amounts to a small rear lip. This causes the back not to rest as snug in your hand causing the whole case less grippy. Additionally the power and volume buttons are basically flush with the case making it a bit difficult to find them easily (and also promoting a smoother/more slippery surface on the sides!). The buttons are responsive though and the case is really easy to swap on/off. It has a nice clean look and I think would offer a good amount of protection, but I don't think it is the winner for me this time around.

Ringke Fusion-X ($13) - Built like the Fusion but with some more meat on the edges, an overall stiffer case. A tad bigger all around than the Unicorn, and seemingly certified Mil grade tested. The design is more stylized - a “rugged” looking case while not being overly bulky. The texture of the design gives it some grip, which is good because otherwise it wouldn’t be very tactile. More defined volume buttons. Might be a competitor to Unicorn, except the sides are pretty slippery. It also has a lanyard hole.

This is probably a good choice for a more rugged look coupled with slightly more protection (at the expense of some added bulk). For me though the slipperiness of the case offsets the additional protection it might offer. I’d rather not drop it in the first place then have it be more protected when I do! But as a secondary “rugged” case for someone that doesn’t like overly bulky cases it might be a good fit.

UAG Plyo ($40) - A really interesting case. At first I thought it was the biggest in this category but it actually seems to be the same size as the Fusion-X (perhaps a hair smaller!). It is virtually the same size as the Unicorn Beetle and even the lightweight Ringke Fusion. Unlike these phones however it has straight, not beveled edges so it initially gives the appearance of it being longer, but it really isn’t (it might be a hair thicker, but when put side by side it is virtually unnoticeable). Seriously, I almost dismissed this case out of hand as being too large, but when I compare it again to other cases I was highly considering I see that it is similar in size.

It is Mil-spec tested and unlike the Fusion-X it is very grippy. Perhaps not as grippy as the Fusion, but a close second. As you also might expect with a thicker case the buttons and side “squeeze”seem a bit harder to press, but not unworkable (and Active Edge sensitivity can be adjusted). It has a smoky tinge to the color and a honeycomb pattern at the bumpers give it a cool look. The sides and back have a slight inward curve which is visually different and I think actually helps with the grip. While I haven’t tested any of these cases with wireless charging, UAG states that this is compatible - which would have been one of my only concerns for a "rugged" case. At $40 the price is relatively very high and this may be the only reason can’t recommend the case, or at the very least choose it for myself.

Polycarbonate (PC) - TPU Dual Layer Cases

I don’t prefer these types of cases, I find them to usually be bulkier and not usually provide more protection above the mid-weight single layer cases. They are almost never clear/clear-ish cases either though their dual layers can offer some interesting visual designs. My wife happens to be a fan of these, which is why I ordered a couple to check out.

Spigen Tough Armor ($17) - Honestly, I didn’t even realize this was a dual-layer case until I was reading some more about it for writing this review. I had it placed with the mid-weight cases above. Functionally I find it very similar to the Unicorn Beetle, despite it’s dual layers. It is basically the same size although with beveled instead of rounded edges. It was easy to put on/take off with both layers attached (part of the reason I didn’t realize it was dual layer).

The outer layer wraps around the middle and sides, but does not offer more protection around the corners. As the name implies, this is supposed to be “tough” and has some level of Mil-grade testing. I’m not sure I feel it would withstand that much more punishment than others in the mid-weight category though. It has the same flat buttons that the Unicorn does but the materials are not as grippy and can at times be quite slippery. Aesthetically, a very nice looking case but the all plastic kickstand mechanism seems flimsy. The kickstand does removes easily and they probably should have provided at least 2 spares with the case (which would have cost them pennies to do).

Spigen Neo Hybrid ($14) - Overall a really nice looking case - almost identical in size to the Tough Armor (perhaps a hair smaller all around). The outer layer wraps around the edges/corners of the phone than the middle like the Tough Armor. Unlike the Tough Armor, the edges are rounded as opposed to beveled. Volume/power buttons are easy to feel with good tactile feedback. I don’t think the thin outer shell is offering much more protection than the rubberized bumpers on the mid-weights above. It is however more grippy than the Tough Armor and also apparently has a Mil-spec rating. Unfortunately after several tries I still couldn’t get the outer shell to sit flush with the camera outline (it was raised around the camera's lower edge). Apart from that last issue, if you like dual layer cases and like the look of this one, I can recommend it.

Tudia Merge ($9.5) - Like the Spigen Tough Armor, the outer shell wraps around the middle and sides. It seems mostly aesthetic, but the metal look is very appealing and surprisingly not as slippery as the plastic on the Tough Armor. Buttons are a little stiff but overall feel good and the lip is sufficient. You can get it on and off easy without removing the back. This ended up being my wife’s pick.

BentoBen Slim Glitter Bling ($10) - This is mostly a “glamour case”, albeit a decently put together one. Quality is good although the paint on the edges will wear over time. On average the same length and width as many of the lightweight/midweight cases but a little thicker. Unfortunately this thickness doesn’t give it a superior lip (though it is sufficient). The buttons are a bit too recessed for my liking, but not stiff. The outer shell is actually pretty grippy due to the texture. We ordered this one only because my wife had the same one for her V20 and still she is opting for the Tudai this time around.

Miscellaneous Cases

Only one case doesn’t fit into the above categories. I ordered only to complete all the Spigen cases available for my phone to try it out.

Spigen Thin Fit ($10) - Basically a “non-case.” A small black clip-on that seems designed simply so you can use a magnetic holder without having to attach the magnet sticker to your phone directly. It adds virtually no bulk, but is slippery and would offer very little protection except from back scratches. Unremarkable for what it is and if you want something to prevent your keys from scratching the back of the phone it will work and probably slide in and out of your pocket easier than a TPU case. As for me, I’ll pass.

Well, that's all the ones I've tried out. Other well reviewed cases that I couldn't find on Amazon which I wanted to try:

Caseology Legion Series

Spigen Rugged Armor

Incipio DualPro Pixel 3 XL

Tech21 Pure Clear

Speck Presidio Stay Clear

For now, I think my choice is the Ringke Fusion, just like I had on my V20. Perhaps if the UAG drops in price I will move over to it.

If I check out any more or have any updated thoughts I'll update the thread.

I'll probably be hanging onto these cases for about a week before return, so please feel free to ask any specifics and I will try to get an answer.