Pitaka MagEZ Aramid Cases for the Pixel 4 Series and OnePlus 8 Series Are Here, and They Are Fab

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I’ve been a fan of Pitaka’s insanely thin yet protective Aramid cases since I first received one to try on my iPhone 7 Plus. I used them on every iPhone I owned until I switched to the Pixel 3 XL, when I was disappointed to learn that Pitaka wouldn’t have a case for my phone. When I moved to the 4 XL, there still wasn’t a case available, but that’s no longer true.

Pitaka has expanded its offerings to include The Pixel 4 series as well as the OnePlus 8 series; these cases now join the cases they offer for iPhones and the current Samsung Galaxy series and the brand new Huawei P40 series. This is a great thing for anyone who wants a protective case that makes their phone feel as true to its original shape as possible. For those of you who are unfamiliar with aramid, this page has a lot of information. Long story short, woven Aramid fibers make a tough yet flexible material that isn’t brittle. Aramid doesn’t block Bluetooth, WiFi, or cellular signals, and its raw materials are used within body armor, bullet-proof vests, and firefighters’ uniforms.

Pitaka’s MagEZ Aramid Cases are thin, light, protective, and they have thin metal inserts that allow for safe and seamless magnetic wireless charging or mounting on the magnetic accessories that Pitaka and other brands make. Let’s take a look at two of their newest models.

One Plus 8 Series MagEZ Aramid Case

On its own, the OnePlus 8 Pro weighs 7.1 ounces, and it measures approximately 6.5″ tall by 3″ wide by 0.4″ thick; if you count the camera array, the 8 Pro is 0.5″ thick on its top end. With the OnePlus 8 Pro inside, the Pitaka MagEZ case weighs 7.7 ounces, and it measures approximately 6.5″ tall by 3.05″ wide by 0.4″ thick; at the camera bump, the case measures 0.5″ thick.

The case may clock in at 0.6 ounces, but it feels incredibly light and thin. Aramid is grippy, so when this case is on your phone, your phone feels secure in the hand. The case is slick enough that it can be cleaned — either by washing it or by wiping it down with an antibacterial gel or wipe, which is very important right now.

The snugly fitting MagEZ case has perfect cutouts for speakers, buttons, cameras, and the LED flash. You’ll note that there is a raised, protective ridge around the camera; it stands about a millimeter beyond the array for back-down protection.

Because of the OnePlus 8 Pro curved display edges, the case does not have face-down protection, so it would be prudent to keep a screen protector on the phone.

I haven’t yet dropped the OnePlus 8 Pro that I am currently in the process of reviewing yet, nor have I dropped my Pixel 4 XL mentioned next. But from years of using Pitaka’s thin and light cases on my iPhones, I can attest that the case has worked perfectly in tandem with a good screen protector. None of my iPhones ever got a ding or scratch when dropped — which happens more often than I care to admit because I have a terrible habit of precariously perching my phone on the edges of shelves and tables. Derp.

Google Pixel 4 Series MagEZ Aramid Case

This is the case I have been waiting for. As protective and good looking as other cases I have used on my Pixel 4 XL might have been, on a chunkier phone, a thinner and lighter case is much appreciated. There is also a version available for the Pixel 4. On its own, the Google Pixel 4 XL weighs 7.2 ounces, and it measures approximately 6.3″ tall by 3″ wide by 0.3″ thick. With the Pitaka MagEZ case installed, the Pixel 4 XL weighs 7.8 ounces, and it measures approximately 6.3″ tall by 3″ wide by 0.4″ thick.

I like that the Aramid material is smooth yet grippy, and I love how it perfectly fits and protects my 4 XL.

Contributing to the light weight of the case is the fact that while the corners are all covered, the top and bottom are left open. There is a bit of back-down protection included in this case as well; the case rises about a millimeter above the camera array.

Unlike the curved edges on the OnePlus 8 Pro, the Google Pixel 4 XL has a more flat display, so the sides on the case come up to just beyond the display by about a millimeter. This is better than nothing, But I still recommend adding a screen protector just to cover all of your bases should your phone fall face flat on concrete or something similarly horrific.

Not only can the Pitaka MagEZ case be used with magnetic accessories, but there is also no interference when you use it with Qi chargers, so there are no trade-offs other than that a screen protector is always a wise choice. If you prefer using your phone naked, yet are interested in thin and light protection for your expensive mobile phone, the Pitaka MagEZ case is a great choice.

Pitaka MagEZ Cases retail for $49.99, and they are available directly from the manufacturer

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Incredibly thin and light cases that are strong and will hold up well; Case is slightly grippy in hand which helps keep you from dropping it; Smooth surface that can be disinfected as necessary;  No interference with cellular, WiFi, or Bluetooth signals (unlike carbon fiber); Depending upon the model, there may be some face-down protection; Back-down protection for camera arrays; Easy access to all buttons and ports; Next best thing to going naked

What Needs Improvement: It’s always wise to add a screen protector for extra drop and face-down protection

 

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About the Author

Judie Lipsett Stanford
Judie is the co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of Gear Diary, which she founded in September 2006. She started in 1999 writing software reviews at the now-defunct smaller.com; from mid-2000 through 2006, she wrote hardware reviews for and co-edited at The Gadgeteer. A recipient of the Sigma Kappa Colby Award for Technology, Judie is best known for her device-agnostic approach, deep-dive reviews, and enjoyment of exploring the latest tech, gadgets, and gear.