Review: Pixel 7 turns into a work of art with the Carveds Live Edge wooden case

Cases for Google Pixel phones have long been an afterthought. For a long time, designs were boring and bland. Things are definitely getting better with time, and a wonderful example of this is the Carveds Live Edge wooden case, which turns your Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro into a true work of art.

Carved has been around for a while at this point, with the brand’s big selling point in a sea of ​​case offerings that are one-of-a-kind wood and resin designs. Each case looks slightly different from another. And, for Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, it’s taken a step further with Carveds Live Edge cases.

Live Edge cases are made from stabilized burl wood and colored resin, as Carved explains. This leads to a case that looks like wood on all sides because it is. Each case is cut using a CNC process to make the final product one whole piece of wood. It is coated in resin to help it stand the test of time and prevent splinters and other damage. Over the few weeks I’ve used the case, it’s still gorgeous, with a little more texture as it wears a bit.

With each case being handcrafted this way, each one is also unique. Carved claims that each design is unique and what you see on the website is what you are buying. And, if someone else gets it first, that’s it. The design will not come back.

Honestly, I’m really impressed with the final product as well. The fit is great and the feel in the hand is also pleasant. It’s a little boxier than most, but not in a bad way. Carved has also paid attention to detail. The buttons are clickable and tactile, and the sides have an etched pattern that gives you even more grip.

I was also shocked to learn that the case supports MagSafe! A magnetic ring is built into the case, which works with MagSafe accessories. This doesn’t cause any problems on wireless chargers and is really useful, given the prevalence of MagSafe accessories out there. I can also happily call it the best looking MagSafe case for the Pixel 7 series, like most others are quite boring.

Is there a trick? Well, for one, the $189 price tag is no small price to pay for a smartphone case, even one that is actually handmade and one of a kind. But it’s also hard to argue against it. There is nothing else like it on the market today and I am delighted every time I look at it.

Carved, in particular, also offers much more affordable cases that have a similar look but with a rubber bumper, but these aren’t currently available for the Pixel. Why? The mold, the company tells me, is quite expensive, so Live Edge is all that’s available for now.

But there is also a functional drawback here. I have found, especially while traveling, that the opening for the USB-C port is too small for many charging cables. Some small profile cables will fit, but most I tried needed at least a little wiggle to fit, and even then, occasionally, the cable might come loose and be easily removed. I’d be more concerned about this if it weren’t for the fact that, realistically, most people who use this case probably use wireless charging as well, but it’s still a quirk that I’d love to see address carved into future versions of the case.

I can’t decide for you whether or not a Carved case is worth it for your Pixel, but I can say that I enjoyed it much more than I expected. I also know through my father’s obsession with Carveds iPhone cases that the company’s customer service is absolutely top notch, and again, the case designs really speak for themselves.

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