Moment's new cases can make your Pixel 3 camera even better

With a new two-tone Gorilla Glass 5 back panel, you’re going to want to look after the new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Moment, makers of smartphone cases and cinematic lens attachments, already has a couple of new cases out for the latest Google phones. We got a chance to pick some up at the Made by Google event yesterday and have been using them for the last day. Here are a couple of thoughts, some photos for reference and a discount code in case you want in.

Moment has three new cases available: an all black version with a canvas back panel, a two-tone walnut wood version, and another with a tan Horween leather panel at the bottom. I’ve been rocking the straight black version on the black Pixel 3 and David’s been using the tan leather one on the white Pixel 3 XL. So far, we like ’em. They’re also a part of the Made for Google program, so you know they have Google’s approval as well.

There’s no getting past the fact these cases are thick though. It almost seems a shame to hide the sleek shininess of the Pixel 3 under layers of rubber, but that added bulk means you’ll get a lot more protection. If you drop your phone or just generally bash it around a bit, then you’ll be getting a lot more durability than you would from a super-thin case. The new cases also have a fiberglass frame so it’ll hold up better and they’re lined with what feels like suede to keep the back of your phone pristine.

There’s a large cutaway for the USB Type-C charging port and twin speaker grills on the bottom (which is a little odd seeing as both Pixel 3s have stereo front-facing speakers). Molded buttons let you control the power and volume buttons and they’re only marginally harder to locate through feel alone than the Pixels’ actual buttons.

There’s a slight lip around the front of the screen, so you can safely lay your Pixel 3 face down without worrying about it getting all scratched up. The huge space around the rear-mounted fingerprint reader makes locating it blind an absolute breeze. This might be my favorite thing about these cases, barring the whole added protection thing of course.

Naturally, there’s also a mount for Moment’s lens attachments (which we unfortunately didn’t bring with us) around the camera. Moment’s existing lenses will all fit though and the sexy new $145 anamorphic lens is already shipping to Kickstarter backers if you want to get into more cinematic smartphone videography.

If you buy the Moment Pro Camera app right now for $1.99 you can save 20 percent on cases, lenses, and other assorted Moment kit by using the discount code you’ll get with the app. It only works until October 12, so act fast if you want to take advantage of the offer.

Have you ever used a lens attachment on a smartphone? What’s your favorite type?