Arc Pulse Pixel 10 Pro XL Case Review 2025

The Arc Pulse is just two small metal pieces that snap onto your phone. Does that really work? We were skeptical, too. That’s why we had to do this Arc Pulse Pixel 10 Pro XL case review.

We’re here to find out if this strange and futuristic case is worth it compared to any other Pixel 10 Pro XL case out there, or if it's all just a gimmick. Let's find out.

Arc Pulse is a brand that was started in 2019 by a few founders who were tired of hiding their new phones. They wanted to create a case that protected the phone's most vulnerable spots—the corners and camera—while leaving the rest of the phone's design visible. 

According to tech sites like Android Authority, Arc Pulse has made a name for itself by creating these "minimalist aluminum shells" for high-end phones.

Here are the key features:

• Materials: Aerospace-grade Aluminum 7075-T6

• Inner Layer: Shock-absorbing elastomer

• Design: Two-piece minimalist bumper

• Protection: 10-foot (3m) drop-tested

• Fit: Pressure-fit (slide-on) design with no glue

• Price: $69.99 (Matte Black) / $89.99 (Silver)

We spent time with the Arc Pulse to see how it holds up in the real world. This case is all about trade-offs. You get an amazing look and feel, but it's not like any other case you've used before. Here is our detailed breakdown.

The build quality is the first thing you notice. It's made of CNC-machined aerospace-grade aluminum, the same stuff used in planes. The two pieces slide onto the top and bottom of the phone and lock in place with a secure pressure fit.

Handling the Arc Pulse is a very different experience. Because it's just a top and bottom bumper, you are mostly touching the phone's original sides. The metal itself is a bit smooth, which is a big change from grippy silicone or plastic cases.

MagSafe integration is now a must, and the Arc Pulse is fully compatible with regular wireless charging. The metal parts don't cover the charging coil, so you can drop it on any Qi charger without a problem. However, it does not have magnets built in.

This is the Arc Pulse's biggest claim. For such a tiny case, it promises 10-foot drop protection. The magic is in its dual-layer design. The hard outer aluminum shell disperses the force of an impact, while the soft inner elastomer layer absorbs the shock.

Style is the main reason you buy this case. It's designed to complement the Pixel 10 Pro XL, not cover it. You can still see the phone's color and design. It comes in Matte Black and Silver to match the phone, adding a high-tech metal accent.

At $69.99 for Matte Black, it costs more than most premium cases. You are paying for the unique design and the expensive aerospace-grade materials.

We checked Trustpilot to see what real-world users are saying, and the Arc Pulse has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars. When you read the reviews, it's clear why it's not a perfect 5. People seem to either love the product and have a great experience, or they have a terrible time with the company's shipping and support.

Here’s a look at what buyers are saying.

Positive Feedback:

• “The products are top notch and the customer service A1. I will be buying more products.” - Andre Owens

• “The best case and the best support. I had a few questions, and their team responded immediately.” - Kevin Simmonds

• "it’s a great product and beautifully designed. i got so many compliments from random people about the products" - Vuong Le

• "Love the arc product. Its so counter intuitive leaving the phone naked and beautiful while being so well engineered and protective." - Ph

• "Really good customer service, super cool and unique product that you will use every day... It’s totally living up to the expectations" - Noah

Negative Feedback:

• "Terrible Pre-Order experience with promise that cannot be kept... ARC decided to stay silence!" - James Chang

• "Awful awful order fulfilment. Year after year I order this superb product and every time, the order fulfilment process is beyond awful... Multiple emails go unanswered." - coolmercury

• "Sadly disappointing... It's been 5 weeks since I made my order, but I still haven't received the product. I tried contacting support... unfortunately no response" - Danda Boerma

• "STILL no refund a month after return was received... It is now November 9th, and I have yet to receive e a refund for my item!" - Cassidy Dubarton

• "A pattern of negligence and incompetence. Ordered for iphone 15... not delivered... Fast forward two years, i order a case for iphone 17. Same issue, no communication, no update" - Osman Kudsi

• "I was hoping the material would have been stickier so that my phone didn't slide." - Christopher

The Trustpilot reviews show a very clear split. The people who receive their case on time generally love it, praising its premium feel and unique, protective design. 

However, there is a very large number of reviews complaining about terrible pre-order experiences, months-long shipping delays, and a customer service team that simply doesn't respond to emails. It seems that while the product itself is good, buying it can be a real gamble.

If you like the idea of a minimalist case but aren't sold on the Arc Pulse, you have other great options. Here are a few alternatives that offer protection without the bulk.

As the creators of the ThinBorne thin phone case, we offer a different take on minimalism. Our cases are made from 600D aramid fiber, not 1500D, which is the same material used in body armor. 

It's incredibly thin (as thin as 0.04 inches) and lightweight, but also extremely strong. Unlike the Arc Pulse, our case provides full 360-degree protection, covering the back and all sides of your Pixel 10 Pro XL. 

We also integrate MagSafe-compatible magnets directly into the case, all while keeping that "barely there" feel.

Here’s what YouTube says about us:

You can't go wrong with the case made by Google. It's designed to fit the phone perfectly and offers a slim, soft-touch feel. While it doesn't have the high-tech look of aramid fiber or aluminum, it provides good everyday protection from scratches and small drops in a simple, elegant package.

If your main concern is protection, Mous is a top-tier choice. Their cases are famous for offering extreme drop protection without being as bulky as an OtterBox. They use a special "AiroShock" technology to absorb impact and often come in premium backings like wood, leather, and aramid fiber.

The Arc Pulse for the Pixel 10 Pro XL is a beautiful, premium, and very specialized product. It's for the person who truly hates cases but is willing to pay a lot for 10-foot corner protection. It succeeds perfectly at its goal: protecting the phone while showing it off.

However, for its high price, you have to accept major trade-offs: a slippery grip, an exposed back, and no MagSafe. For many people, a thin aramid fiber case or a simple TPU case will offer more practical, all-around protection for a lot less money.