I have a weakness for vibrant phones, and Google is well aware of this.

      Color has a peculiar way of seizing my attention. It could be a vibrant bouquet of flowers, a colorful bottle on a shelf, a quirky piece of home decor, or even the small detail of a pair of earbuds. I approach phones with the same mindset; if a phone comes in an interesting color, I’ll likely notice it first.

      Phone manufacturers seem to be aware of this as well. Apple has been incorporating colorful iPhones for years, with the iPhone 5c being a notable early example. Google has also embraced color with its Pixel series, particularly since the Pixel 5 era. Over time, I've come to feel that Google excels in phone colors more than most others. They don’t just apply a bright hue to the back and call it a day; their colors often have character. This sentiment was reinforced when Google showcased the Pixel 11 series at its Made by Google event. The colors immediately stood out to me, reminding me of why Pixel colors rank among my favorites in the industry.

      The Pixels are anything but understated.

      This year, Google has introduced four Pixel phones: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. What I appreciate is that Google hasn’t relegated color to an afterthought. There’s substantial personality within the lineup, whether you prefer something that blends in or a phone that boldly stands out when you take it out of your pocket. The Pixel 11 is undoubtedly the most playful model, available in Frost, Hibiscus, Obsidian, or Pistachio. In contrast, the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL are offered in slightly more sophisticated shades like Canyon, Olive, Fog, and Obsidian. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold opts for simplicity, presenting just Olive and Obsidian. So, while Google tends to reserve its more adventurous colors for the standard Pixel, at least the Pro models avoid being limited to various shades of gray.

      And then there’s Hibiscus. Oh, Hibiscus. This is definitely the color I would choose this year. It instantly brings to mind the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange, sharing the same unapologetically vibrant vibe. These are phones that refuse to fade into a black case or sit quietly on a table; they thrive on visibility. Hibiscus, in particular, is a color I can visualize spotting from across a room, instantly recognizing which phone it belongs to. Criticize my taste if you wish, but subtlety has never been my forte.

      That’s precisely why I admire what Google is doing. Look around the Android landscape, and you'll see numerous beautiful smartphones, yet many manufacturers still play it extremely safe with colors like black, white, silver, gray, and the occasional dark blue. While they may look premium, over time they can blur together. Pixels rarely face this issue. Even the softer tones exhibit some character, while colors like Hibiscus and Pistachio genuinely stand out. They are bright, fun, and instantly identifiable without making the phones seem cheap. Amid a sea of increasingly serious smartphones, Google seems content to let its Pixels shine a bit brighter, and I fully support this.

      Everything is color-coordinated for you.

      Google has carried this vibrant energy over to its official cases, a detail that I appreciate more than I anticipated. If you fall for the Hibiscus Pixel 11, as I clearly have, there’s no need to hide that personality under a dull black or gray case. Google offers a matching Hibiscus case, allowing you to protect your phone without losing the look you initially loved.

      Whenever a smartphone brand introduces a striking or unique color, finding a case that complements it can be challenging. You might have several case options, but they often end up being black, gray, navy blue, or another shade that doesn’t quite match the phone. If you want to keep that beautiful color visible, the go-to solution is usually a transparent case.

      I’ve traversed that path many times and am not particularly fond of it. A clear case may look fantastic initially, providing protection without obscuring the phone, but over time, dirt collects along the edges, fingerprints become more visible, and some clear cases eventually start to appear yellowed and worn. Suddenly, the stunning phone you wanted to showcase doesn’t look nearly as appealing. Then you go and buy another clear case, restarting the cycle.

      That’s why I appreciate Google’s approach. If I’m purchasing the Hibiscus Pixel 11, I can select the matching case and maintain that vibrant appearance. Google doesn’t stop with cases; even the Pixel Ring Stand incorporates some color this year, with options in Canyon, Olive, and Black. This means you can mix and match accessories to coordinate with your phone and case instead of pairing a vivid Pixel with a bunch of mundane accessories. It’s a minor detail, but it contributes to the entire lineup feeling more thoughtfully designed. Google is not