Google now provides Pixel warranties that are comparable to Apple Care+.

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      If you're prone to dropping your Pixel, Google's new warranty plan is ideal for you. They are introducing a two-year, one-time payment Preferred Care plan specifically for Pixel devices, which was previously only available for Fitbit products. Previously, the extended warranty was offered on a monthly payment basis.

      The new plan is applicable for the Pixel 7 and later, including the Pixel tablet and Pixel Watch 2 and 3. Here’s a price breakdown:

      - Pixel 7a: $99

      - Pixel 7: $149

      - Pixel 7 Pro: $199

      - Pixel 8a: $109

      - Pixel 8: $159

      - Pixel 8 Pro: $249

      - Pixel 9: $159

      - Pixel 9 Pro/9 Pro XL: $249

      - Pixel 9 Pro Fold/Pixel Fold: $279

      - Pixel Watch 2/Watch 3: $89

      - Pixel Tablet: $99

      These prices are applicable in the United States only and may differ in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada.

      Prakhar Khanna / Digital Trends

      While the one-time payments are quite high, they still present better value compared to monthly charges. For instance, the Pixel 7a costs $5 per month, totaling $120 over two years, while the one-time fee is $99. Though that’s just a $21 difference, the savings become more significant with higher-end models.

      The Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Fold are priced at $279 for the two-year plan, but would come to $360 if paid monthly over the same duration. Given the base price of $1,799, this seems like a reasonable investment to safeguard against damage.

      In addition to introducing this plan, Google has switched providers from Assurant to Asurion. The new provider will only cover devices shipped on or after February 24, 2025—meaning that for phones currently in hand, Assurant will still be the coverage provider.

      There are a few stipulations. You are allowed to make two claims per rolling 12-month period, with a maximum value of $1,500 per claim, and for cracked screen repairs, there is still a $29 fee. Replacement claims may also be fulfilled with a refurbished device.

      Essentially, you should still handle your phone with care. At the very least, consider using a case.

      Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more.

      4 ways Google Pixel phones could outshine Samsung in 2025

      While it may seem that Samsung holds the top position in the phone market due to its extensive reach, a closer look reveals a growing competitive environment. Samsung has struggled to innovate and maintain its significant advantage, leaving an opportunity for at least one company to present a meaningful challenge.

      Google aims to be that contender, and while there are superior phones in specific categories, it is the only manufacturer capable of disputing Samsung at every level. Samsung's success stems from its ability to invest heavily in reaching consumers, and Google is the sole company that can compete on this scale.

      Android 16 introduces a novel way to utilize the fingerprint sensor on the Google Pixel 9

      Biometric security features, such as unlocking your device with a fingerprint or face, are impressive. However, many times, users must activate the phone's screen to access these features. This is often because many fingerprint sensors are optical and require light to function. Fortunately, Android 16 will allow users to unlock their Pixel 9 without needing to turn on the screen, which also prevents the discomfort of staring into a bright display first thing in the morning.

      This feature was noted in the Android 16 Developer Preview 2, as reported by 9to5Google. The information suggests this functionality is exclusive to the Google Pixel 9 series since it appears in the settings search for the Pixel 8 Pro, but cannot be enabled there. This likely relates to the Pixel 9’s ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which does not need light to operate thanks to its improved hardware.

      Google might revamp a small, yet significant chip with the Pixel 10

      The upcoming Google Pixel 10 series may deviate from the Pixel 9 series by incorporating a different, yet crucial new component compared to its predecessors. According to an unnamed source speaking to Android Authority, the next generation of Google Pixel phones will utilize a MediaTek modem instead of the Samsung Exynos modem.

      MediaTek produces various 5G-capable modems designed for smartphones and other mobile devices, as well as for home networking. At the 2024 Mobile World Congress, it unveiled the T300 5G platform, which offers 5G connectivity for “power-constrained” devices such as wearables, showcasing its expertise in this field. For the Pixel 10, Google has reportedly chosen an unreleased MediaTek platform called the T900, which