Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Case - Simple, MagSafe and MagSafe with Peak Design SlimLink

Anybody reading this likely knows that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a very odd charging coil placement. This means there are very few cases with the correct MagSafe placement. Furthermore, I'm a big fan of Peak Design's SlimLInk mount options. I have a lot of their mounts. Sadly, they don't yet make cases for folding devices.

The case is 2mm thick (back plate). Case is 76.6mm wide, 158.2mm long. When closed, the phones measures 15.2mm thick (plus the camera bump sticking out 2mm past the case back plate but only protruding about 0.7mm past the camera bump).

After trying to McGyver plenty of different cases, I finally had the fortitude to try my hand at designing one myself. I had NO IDEA what I was doing whil trying to learn Fusion 360. This is IMPORTANT, because THIS is the reason I'm not sharing those Fusion 360 files. They are a complete mess. Since then, I've learned a lot on how to make components and such. But in my project, it's one giant, confusing mess that nobody will be able to figure out. Sorry.

I still thought it was worth sharing the STL files in case someone else like me is frustrated with the options. This case isn't perfect, but it's the best I could find in the entire world that satisfied all my requirements.

The case should be attached using 2mm acrylic double sided tape that can be purchased on Amazon (for electronics and such, example: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07W5PY93Z ). It's very difficult to design a case that snaps on with zero shifting. In fact, even the purchased ones I tried shifted a bit. I applied this tape in various strategic locations so that it would stay put. I also wanted the case to be extremely snug since I mount my case on bicycles, PWC, boat… and with all the bumps, the phone can sometimes shake really hard. So the case fits VERY tightly.

There are three parts:

• Front case is a typical perimeter piece. Tape is used in various spots so that it grips really well.
• The camera surround piece is printed as a separate piece and drops into the back case very well. You can optionally glue it with superglue or something of the sort. But there is no need. Once dropped in place and with the phone installed, the camera surround doesn't move at all. It will add a raised lip around the bump.
• The back piece has 3 options. MagSafe, MagSafe & SlimLink, and Simple. Self explanatory but more details below.

The MagSafe options rely on this magnet: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CLCWQJCW?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

Unlike many other “MagSafe” compatible rings, this one ACTUALLY has magnets inside. Most are simple metal plates with no magnets. Having magnets inside increases the strength.

I also didn't want the magnet sticking out, so I designed the cases so that you can drop the magnet and it will lie under a very thin layer of plastic. I'm sharing a photo of a yellow prototype so you can see through the plastic where the ring is located.

The MagSafe ring is simply dropped into place and I held it there with a piece of masking tape. But you could also use the acrylic tape once more. Note that you can't use the ring built-in adhesive since that would flip the magnet polarity.

IMPORTANT: The alignment of the MagSafe/coil is CORRECT. In fact, I'm pretty sure I was the first person to post anything about this before the phone came out via Reddit ( https://www.reddit.com/r/PixelFold/comments/1f3oa0q/charging_coil_location_on_p9pf_careful_with_cases/ ). The next day, a bunch of articles discussed this problem, Google followed up later with a diagram, phone case makers recalled their cases, etc. I aligned and confirmed the alignment by doing the following:

1. I purchased a case that had the magnet in the “correct position”.
2. I found actual X-Ray pictures of the internals, measured the volume button length, calculated the number of pixels on those pics, then did a ratio measurement to figure out where it was in mm from that volume button position. The determined position aligned perfectly with the purchase case from #1, so that manufacturer did figure it out correctly.
3. I simply tested this over many weeks now on various chargers from Anker, no name, and Peak Design. They all work perfectly.

The phone uses a sensor to determine the open/close state of the phone which relies on a magnet. Even with the purchased case, I sometimes have small odd things like it won't turn on the screen when I unfold the phone. It seems practically random. It works 99% of the time for me. But if you're having issues, you can turn on in the phone settings “Robust open/close detection” (search for Robust). This makes everything work flawlessly. I also tested battery life after turning that on and I couldn't tell a difference.

Peak Design SlimLink: For those that love this feature, you can rip out the SlimLink adapter plate directly from an old case or purchase one from their universal adapter plate, etc.  I ripped it out of an old case, cleaned it and then dropped it into the case. Once again, used a bit of acrylic tape to keep it in place. Note that because there is a MagSafe ring around it, it means that the mount is held via a fairly thin piece of plastic since it's kind of an “island”. Surprisingly, assuming your first layer is good, it's still very strong. I did some testing and it's certainly not coming out.

FINALLY: I have an orienation magnet on mine (hence why it's in the pics), but I didn't include this in the uploaded models. It's really not necessary for most. I used again a magnet that I ripped out of my Peak Design case. I wouldn't bother again since the MagSafe ring I used has magnets as well making the connection pretty darn strong.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• I printed this with PETG personally using a 0.1mm layer height and 100% infill. I have NOT tried TPU. This isn't an impact resistant case.
• I used a carbon fiber build plate to transfer the pattern.
• A little bit of bridging is necessary for the cutouts for speakers/mic/etc. No supports necessary.
• Install the case on the phone is a little tricky when it comes to the back piece. Install the camera surround around the camera bump first directly on the phone. Then install the back case on the phone by concentrating on the camera bump FIRST. You essentially need to prioritize that spot first because the tolerances are pretty tight. You'll have a lot of difficulty installing it otherwise (remember from above that I wanted the case to hold TIGHTLY). 
• The camera module allows for the top part of the case to not shift around at all. But the bottom part of the case has nothing to prevent this. Hence the 2mm acrylic tape once more. I installed a few pieces of tape to ensure the case doesn't shift when I open the phone up and such.