ThinBorne vs. Arc Pulse case for Pixel 11 Pro: Super thin and bumper case compared

ThinBorne and Arc Pulse both aim to protect the Pixel 11 Pro without the bulk of a conventional case. However, their designs, materials, and approach to coverage are noticeably different.

Here’s a quick look at how the two cases compare before we break down those differences in more detail.

Both cases are alternatives to the thick shells commonly used for phone protection, but their designs have little in common.

ThinBorne keeps the familiar shape of a conventional case while reducing the material around the phone. At just 0.90 mm thin and 0.73 oz, it adds a physical layer around the back and sides without changing the Pixel 11 Pro's profile.

Arc Pulse pushes minimalism much further. Instead of wrapping around the phone, it uses separate upper and lower sections that slide onto the device. Most of the Pixel remains uncovered.

That makes Arc particularly appealing if hiding Google's design is your main reason for disliking cases. ThinBorne covers more of the phone, but its woven aramid fiber finish becomes part of the look instead.

ThinBorne's biggest advantage is straightforward: it covers more of the Pixel 11 Pro. Its 600D aramid fiber shell protects the back and sides against scratches, dirt, bumps, and everyday wear. The textured surface also adds grip without making the case noticeably thicker.

That coverage can be valuable even for careful users, as drops aren’t the only way a phone gets damaged. Dust, grit, keys, and rough surfaces can gradually leave marks on exposed areas.

ThinBorne is not designed as a rugged case, though. It focuses on maintaining the Pixel's slim profile while providing reasonable everyday protection. The included tempered glass screen protector extends that coverage to the display without requiring another purchase.

Arc Pulse’s bumpers protect areas that are particularly vulnerable during a drop while leaving the body of the Pixel largely uncovered. The Arc Pulse case for Pixel 11 Pro uses a metal outer shell to distribute impact forces and an inner layer to absorb shock. It offers drop protection up to 10 ft / 3 m.

The design also creates separation between parts of the phone and the surface underneath it. This can help prevent direct contact when you set your phone down.

There is still a trade-off - the exposed body remains vulnerable to dust, grit, and objects that come into direct contact with it. Keeping the entire phone scratch-free may therefore require a little more care.

On the other hand, very few cases let you see and feel this much of the original phone. That uniqueness is a big part of Arc Pulse's appeal.

There is no clear winner for magnetic accessories because the Pixel 11 Pro already has magnets built in. Google confirms that the Pixel 11 Pro supports Pixelsnap accessories, which use the Qi2 magnetic standard. Google also says Apple MagSafe chargers are compatible with the Pixel 11 series.

Arc Pulse leaves the center of the phone uncovered, allowing accessories to connect directly to the Pixel's magnetic system. ThinBorne covers the back but includes its own built-in magnetic array. That keeps magnetic chargers, wallets, stands, grips, power banks, and mounts usable with the case installed.

The Pixel 11 series may also have an advantage over its predecessor here. This test found stronger Pixelsnap magnets on the Pixel 11 series, with accessories attaching more securely than on the Pixel 10.

For magnetic accessories, this comparison is essentially a tie. The two cases simply get there in different ways.

ThinBorne uses 600D aramid fiber. Its fine woven texture gives the case a technical, carbon-fiber-style appearance while improving grip. Despite covering more of the phone, the material keeps the case thin and light.

Arc Pulse uses CNC-machined 7075-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum with an anti-scratch coating. An internal shock-dampening layer sits between the aluminum and the phone.

Therefore, ThinBorne gives the Pixel a new aramid fiber aesthetic, while Arc Pulse lets Google's original finish remain the main attraction.

For someone who likes both looks, the cases are different enough that owning both would not feel redundant.

ThinBorne starts at $69.69, while the Arc Pulse Matte Black version costs $69.99. Arc also offers a Silver finish version for $89.99.

ThinBorne arguably offers more for the money if coverage is the priority. You get the full-shell 600D aramid fiber case, built-in magnetic compatibility, and a tempered glass screen protector.

Arc Pulse gives you less physical coverage for almost the same starting price, but that is intentional rather than a missing feature. The money goes toward its machined aluminum construction, unusual two-piece design, and targeted impact protection.

Value therefore depends heavily on what you expect a case to do.

The ThinBorne vs. Arc Pulse case for Pixel 11 Pro comparison comes down to two very different approaches to keeping a phone slim and protected.

For careful users who want a thin phone case with more complete everyday coverage, ThinBorne offers a practical balance. Arc Pulse is the more unconventional choice, especially for anyone who wants targeted drop protection while keeping more of the Pixel 11 Pro visible - not to mention uniqueness.

The better choice depends on what you value more: seeing and feeling more of the original phone or covering more of it without sacrificing its slim profile.

For a closer look at the phone itself, watch this Google Pixel 11 Pro review covering some of the issues you may want to know about: