Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

Like any sane capitalist, I love getting new stuff. But there’s something heartening about those new things settling into age, like a fecund garden becoming slightly unwieldy, or a pair of shoes getting more comfortable as you use them.

Similarly, I’ve always enjoyed the way a well-made leather case ages as it weathers the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Traditionally called a patina, it’s the lived-in quality that a piece of leather inherits as it absorbs skin oils, scratches, and the unpredictability of weather.

It’s only been a month since the Pixel 11 series was announced and released, but Verizon already has the phone on sale without a trade-in or seemingly any other fine print caveat. The carrier requires users to sign up for the simplicity plan, but the Pixel 11 Pro can still be bought outright in this deal for just $479 – $620 off.

Dbrand is definitely best-known for its flashy skins and bombastic personality, but the company is now launching a more subtle brand in “MNML,” aiming to offer dead-simple cases that are comfortable and have good quality. These are available for the latest Pixel 11 Pro phones and, in person, they certainly get the job done.