Updated – Very Disappointing: Cracked Google Pixel Live Case

Cracked Google Pixel Live Case

I ordered my Google Pixel in November, receiving it just before Thanksgiving. Along with my phone, I also ordered the screen protector, and a custom designed Live Case. Being that I paid cash for the phone, I did not want to go without a case this time! Without even dropping it yet, I have a cracked Google Pixel Live Case.

Print Quality

The fidelity of the color saturation from what I designed, to what was on the case does bear some discrepancies. Overall, I am happy with the quality of the print job, but not the durability. The NFC push of the case design’s graphic as a wallpaper was a nice touch.

Since my Google Pixel has not been dropped at all. It goes in my pocket, on my desk at work, or nightstand at home. No scuffs, dings, or dents are in the plastic. Yet here sits my cracked Google Pixel Live Case.

The Cracks

Every corner on this case is cracked. One corner even boasts dual cracks. These case cracks are frustrating, due to the fact this device has not been abused. The fourth corner’s crack is still a hairline imperfection, it has not yet grown to the size of its siblings, and is not shown below.

Cracked Google Pixel Live Case - Photos by Chris-R.net
The bottom of the phone case, has cracks in the same spot on both sides. This looks like a structural issue, due to the symmetry.

Cracked Google Pixel Live Case - Photos by Chris-R.net
Here is a close up of one corner of the bottom of the case.

Cracked Google Pixel Live Case - Photos by Chris-R.net

This is the opposite corner on the bottom of the case.

Cracked Google Pixel Live Case - One Corner, Two Cracks - Photos by Chris-R.net

Notice the top of the case has two cracks near the front facing camera. Also present in the photo are signs that the case is already showing wear marks, from its time in my pocket. In under six weeks the case is already showing signs of wear?! Maybe the print quality is not as good as I had first thought.

Cracked Google Pixel Live Case - One Corner, Two Cracks - Photos by Chris-R.net

The case seems like it will be losing a corner if these cracks continue to grow.

Conclusion

My cracked Google Pixel Live Case is a pricey, aesthetically pleasing case. The quality of the print saturation is questionable, as is the durability of the case. Due to the price of the case ($40 USD) – I would rather spend a little more and get a more durable case that will actually protect this device.

Update: 12/27/16:

I spoke with Google Customer service, via their store’s chat – and after discussing the case issues with them, they agreed to credit me back for my case purchase price. I have already received the credit on my card.

Update: 01/11/2017:

The top left corner of the case just fell off in my pocket. Looks like it is time to find a new case to use.

Google Live Case Cracked all the way through - Chris-R.net

If anybody is interested in Google Fi service, I have a referral code available.

My new case: Spigen Neo Hybrid for Pixel review is now available.

2 Comments on "Updated – Very Disappointing: Cracked Google Pixel Live Case"

  1. I just had the same thing happen and was able to get a refund through Google. Bummer, I really like the custom Live Case that I got. It seems like a flaw in the design of the case itself. Could be related to temperature changes or flex? Dunno. Google’s customer service has been great to deal with, though.

    • I agree that they look great & appear to have an issue with the design and/or materials used. Mine hasn’t had to flex after initially popping the Pixel into it. Glad to hear Google is taking care of their customers, with what seems to be a growing number of cracked cases popping up online.

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