Google has largely stuck with the same rear design language for its Pixel smartphones since the Pixel 6, which was released late in 2021. Althoughrecent leakssuggest that Google will go with a refreshed look for the Pixel 9 series' camera bar, ditching the mirror polish finish, one Redditor has taken matters into their own hands.
Google Pixel 9: Price, specs, news, features, and release date
Google’s biggest mobile shakeup since Tensor is almost here
The r/GooglePixel subreddit is home to all things Google, with information and support dedicated to Pixel, Nest, Chromecast devices, and more. A recent post on the subreddit, prefixed with “Unpopular opinion,” indicated that Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro owners can use Scotch Brite Pads “to do what Google should have done.” The thread’s poster,the_skinny_drummer, shared a gallery of images showing what their Pixel phones look like with a DIY finish (viaAndroid Authority).
The user said that they couldn’t stand the glossy finish on the Pixel 7 Pro and 8 Pro, and used Scotch Brite Pads to scrape the glossiness away in favor of a brushed metal aesthetic. The result, undeniably, looks cool, giving the Google Pixel a unique look that users have long been asking for. However, there are some things you might want to consider before you attempt this DIY mod.
This might diminish your Google Pixel’s trade-in value
Source: the_skinny_drummer / Reddit
Although the mod might not be enough to void your device’s warranty, considering that the Scotch Brite essentially just scratches the camera bar, there are other reasons why you should not try this at home. For starters, you may damage your Google Pixel’s camera lenses while attempting the mod. One wrong swipe with the Scotch Brite, and your photos might actually look like they were shot with a potato.
Additionally, sanding down the camera bar is a cosmetic alteration, and will result in a decreased trade-in value for your Google Pixel. That hasn’t stopped Redditors from praisingthe_skinny_drummer’s mod, with many replies on the post saying that the mod looks good. Others, however, suggested that the OP could have just purchased a skin. We second the latter.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the company’s top-of-the-line model, even if some might not quite love the polished metal finish of its frame. Either way, it’s still our overall top pick for the best Android phone in 2024.
