SpigenRugged Armor Designed for Pixel 6a Case (2022) - Matte Black

Spigen Rugged Armor cases are my go-to for several reasons. They offer a relatively slim encasement, provide moderate protection, and offer a professional appearance. They're also grippy without making them difficult to pocket. My last Rugged Armor case, for the Pixel 3a XL has served me well for over three years. My last attached photo shows the Pixel 6a case (left) and my three-year-old Pixel 3a XL case (right), if you're curious about how they compare in size or how these hold up.This Spigen case is relatively slim, only slightly thicker than the Pixel 3a XL case, but that's because the Pixel 6a is slightly thicker. It'll fit my pocket and my dash mount, no problem. At first I expected it to be super thick to protect the 6a's camera bar. It's not so bad, the back's material is about 2mm thick. Dimensions are shown in the attached photos.The length of the case is just over 6 inches. My calipers tapped out after that. (We'll never know the actual length, I guess.) Width is a hair under 3 inches. The height is as advertised at approx. 0.47 inches.Protection afforded by the Rugged Armor series is moderate. Remember, these cases are not huge rubber bricks like their "marsupial" competitors. That's a main reason for my repeated purchasing. I want something I can slip into my pocket without having to clip onto my belt. (Sorry all you bat-dads out there, I'm hanging on to what little dignity I have left.)The design of this case with respect to cushioning and materials is essentially identical to the one I've used on my Pixel 3a XL for the last three years. I've carried it every single day since then. It's been bumped and dropped too many times to count, but the phone has survived without any cracks, chips, or scratches as a result. Over time dust and grit can work its way between the case and phone causing some surface wear, but that is easily remedied with occasional cleaning. I don't know if the "Air Cushioning" feature is legit or a gimmick, but my phone is still mint after all this time.The styling of this 6a case is reapectable. The faux carbon fiber inlays, top and bottom of the back, are convincing. They reflect light like the real thing, as can be seen in my first photo. They're also inset, so they should be somewhat resistant to cosmetic wear. The finish is matte and grippy, even more so than my last Rugged Armor case. The first photo also does a pretty good job of capturing the texture. Additionally, I really like the scalloped or carved texture on the sides of the phone. That will help me hang on during the extreme sports I don't play. Maybe one day.I was curious to see how this case would protect the camera bar. The stock photos make it look like there could be a raised ring to protect the lens from damage. The top of the bar is raised in relation to the carbon fiber inlays, but is in-plane with the rest of the back. We'll see if the 2mm thick material is enough to keep the lens off of table tops when the phone rests on its back. The lip around the front of the case will keep screen from contacting a flat tabletop if laid face down. Big fan of that feature. Don't expect it to save your screen from a drop on gravel or asphalt, though. That's not something this style of case can mitigate.The cuts for the speaker ports and USB-C charging port seem adequate. I would have liked a slightly larger opening for greater compatibility with the most bulky USB-C accessories, but it is larger than the opening on the 3a XL case. I don't expect any real issues.The buttons are cut through around portions of their peripheries. That makes them easy to press and preserves the tactile function of the phone's buttons beneath. This is also shown in one of the attached photos.Overall, this seems like another quality Spigen Rugged Armor case. I've relied on these models for years, and they've always served me well. I'm pleased with the improved styling and slim profile for the Pixel 6a. The slightly larger USB-C port is also a welcome feature, although it could be a little larger. Comfort and grip are excellent, while still allowing easy pocketing.For now, I'm completely satisfied with this purchase, but I will report back if my assessment changes. Thanks for reading!

My 7th different model Spigen case (really, I counted), and I wouldn't buy another brand now.At least for how I use my phone, it's pretty much perfect. This one goes on my new Pixel 6a and like all the others is a perfect fit for the specific device.Older versions sometimes took a little use to break-in the TPU in areas that flex (like the cover on the power and volume buttons) but recent versions have been ready to go from first use. No break-in period.What I like in general:* Edge protection with a raised lip so you can safely put the device face down, but without a giant rim to catch crumbs.* Textured enough to not slip, but not so much to get stuck in jeans.* Perfect cut-outs where needed. All of my cables fit the ports properly.* No rough edges or poor finishes, everything looks polished.* Raised lip prevents accidental presses at the edges, but doesn't interfere with any part of the screen.* Anonymity for the device if you're carrying a high-end model somewhere it might be eye-catching.Other thoughts or concerns:* If you have 2 devices, the rubber is higher friction between the two cases if they live in the same pocket or bag (it is meant to not slip, after all).* The black case hides your pretty case color and makes it easier to leave the device behind on a dark surface.* If you're movement or strength impaired, the buttons do take slightly more effort to press through the TPU. You may consider Spigen's other version which leaves the buttons exposed.* The screen is not protected against direct strikes to the middle by something smaller than the width of the case. In my experience that's very rare, but the case will not protect against that if it happens.Overall, like every Spigen Rugged Armor I've used, it's just right for the job. I carry my phones in a lot of random places and it's nice to not have to worry about dropping or bumping them. The Pixel 6a in particular is VERY slippery (it'll slide off even a slightly slanted surface) so highly recommend putting a case on your 6a, especially this one.

Phone Case (black) for Pixel 6a, quite durable. It has saved my phone from numerous near disasters. The fit is proper, it's easy to clean, and there is enough flexibility to accommodate the magnetic plate I installed to my phone for the phone stand at my desk. 18 months in and zero problems. 5 stars

It's not the best looking case, but it's easy to install and protects the phone. It is slim and doesn't add much size.The grip is much better than the phone itself, but still a little slippery.I'd like a different color, but black is the only one available.