Thinborne vs. Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL Case: Comparing the Thinnest Cases in 2025

Almost a year later, we still love the Pixel 9 Pro and use it to this day. It's as durable and premium as it claims, and frankly, going without a case that hides its sleek design doesn't sound that bad. However, that's still too risky. What we really needed is a case that keeps it minimal, and two popular options come to mind: the Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL case and Thinborne’s aramid fiber Pixel 9 Pro XL case. Both promise protection without bulk, but they do so in strikingly different ways.

After doing research, we decided to break down what makes each of the market’s thinnest cases great for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. In this blog, we’ll write the features that make each case worth it.

For users who value both function and form, the choice of case shouldn’t undo what the Pixel gets right, especially not with something bulky or overbuilt.

That’s why ultra-thin cases like Thinborne and Peel Flex exist: to protect your device just enough, while still letting the Pixel shine.

Thinborne is for professionals who want functionality (like magnetic charging) without the visual weight of a typical case. It even resists fingerprints and wear thanks to a carbon fiber-textured finish.

The Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL case is made from soft-touch TPU with no logos or branding. It’s flexible, featherlight, and made to feel like the phone is case-free. It focuses on aesthetics and maintaining the Pixel’s original in-hand feel.

Both cases share the same goal: don’t ruin the Pixel’s design. But how they do it, and who they’re for, couldn’t be more different.

In a crowded phone case market, Thinborne takes a surgical approach: cutting everything unnecessary and focusing purely on performance, feel, and design synergy.

Built from aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber, Thinborne is precision-engineered to be an ultra-thin case that matters. Despite that minimalist form, it’s impressively strong, offering adequate protection against everyday wear while preserving the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s profile.

But this case is more than just about protection. Thinborne integrates a MagSafe-compatible magnetic ring, allowing for seamless wireless charging and snap-on accessory support resembling Apple's MagSafe.

Thinborne and Peel interpret thinness with two different engineering approaches.

Thinborne clocks in at just 0.04 inches thin (thinner than Peel!) and weighs 0.8 oz, offering one of the slimmest yet toughest case profiles on the market.

The Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL case, by contrast, uses a soft yet durable TPU that’s about 0.05 inches thick, making it feel almost invisible while staying soft to the touch.

Both are exceptionally light, but Thinborne edges out in precision-cut minimalism, while Peel leans into being “barely-there”. They’re perfect and unique in their own right, even if they target the same minimalist users who want protection without feeling like they’re using a case at all.

The Flex Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL case lives up to its name. Flexible, soft, and easy to install. The snug fit is great, but it can slightly expand over time due to its material, thanks to its TPU nature.

Thinborne is a case that maintains its form indefinitely, all thanks to aramid fiber. It’s designed with tight tolerances and wraps around the Pixel 9 Pro XL with accuracy.

If you’re looking for effortless installation and a forgiving material, Peel Flex fits the bill. However, if a case that retains its shape over long-term use is what you want, Thinborne offers a better structural fit with zero sag or looseness.

Thinborne balances slim design with impressive defense. Thanks to its aramid fiber construction, it offers scratch resistance, minor drop protection, and solid day-to-day protection, while still weighing less than 0.8 oz.

The Flex Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL case offers basic scratch protection and minor bump resistance. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a minimal feel over rugged safety.

If we consider the materials both brands use, Thinborne is for the users who want an ultra-thin case with durability. Peel is for those who want something to ward off wear without altering the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s footprint.

Both cases deliver clean, branding-free aesthetics, but differ in flavors.

Thinborne’s woven aramid fiber creates a subtle yet premium pattern that feels modern and refined, more performance-oriented.

The Flex Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL case has a semi-translucent, brand-less finish that blends into the phone’s original design. It's made for those who love the look of their Pixel and don’t want to change it.

Thinborne appeals to users who want a clean but slightly bold statement, while Peel is all about disappearing into the background. Either way, both prioritize sleekness over loud design.

With the ever-increasing desire to use MagSafe for Android, you can make your Pixel 9 Pro XL MagSafe compatible with a MagSafe case. This way, you have access to a vast library of MagSafe accessories and its ecosystem.

Thinborne is one of the ultra-thin Android cases in the market that includes built-in MagSafe compatibility. It’s built with a magnetic ring embedded in the case. It enables magnetic charging and MagSafe accessory support, without increasing thickness.

The Flex Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL case is thin and supports standard wireless charging. However, it lacks any magnetic components or Qi2 alignment features.

For users who want to pair their Pixel with MagSafe-style chargers, stands, or wallets, Thinborne offers a real advantage.

Thinborne is built to last. The aramid fiber won’t stretch, sag, or wear down with time, and the matte finish resists fingerprints and scratches. It’s made to look new even after months of use.

The Flex Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL case, being soft and flexible, is more prone to develop looseness with repeated removal or long-term wear. It’s a great case, but it may need replacement sooner if you’re hard on your gear.

Thinborne is at the premium end. This simply means you get a high-performance material, MagSafe support, and premium build while staying slimmer than most rugged cases.

Peel Flex costs about $35, making it more affordable but less feature-rich. If your top priorities are aesthetics and slimness on a budget, Peel Flex is a good value.

Here’s a table comparing their features and price point:

If a long-lasting case with real functional perks like MagSafe and superior protection is what you seek, Thinborne justifies its slightly higher price with more substance and value for what you pay for.

When it comes to ultra-thin protection for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, both Thinborne and Peel Flex deliver in distinctly different ways.

Thinborne offers a premium, performance-driven case with real MagSafe support, durable 600D aramid fiber, and a form factor that feels engineered, not just designed.

The Flex Peel Pixel 9 Pro XL case is for users who want to preserve the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s original look with an unobtrusive layer of protection.

Our verdict is if simplicity and subtlety are all you need, Peel Flex makes minimalism beautifully effortless. And if you value long-term durability and functionality, Thinborne is worth the extra investment.