So far weve basically agreed that clear cases are the way to go for that aloe green. Like someone mentioned, the Spigen and Mous options are the big names, but i like these two for travel:

• Ringke Fusion Clear Pixel 8a Case: Very thin but has holes for a lanyard which is clutch for NYC.
• Caseology Capella MagSafe Clear Pixel 8a: Good protection plus MagSafe magnets. Grab an amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Pixel 8a too.

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid for Pixel 8a Clear works well. It survived my concrete drops without hiding the aloe color, though it adds a tiny bit of bulk... still decent for the price.

Re: "So far weve basically agreed that clear cases..."

• I totally agree that clear is the way to go, especially with that aloe color. It looks too good to hide! Honestly, if youre worried about the budget before your trip, you can definitely get reliability without spending the full 70 bucks. I've been using the JETech Case for Google Pixel 8a HD Clear for a bit now and im super happy with it. It doesnt feel like a brick at all but it has decent corner bumpers which is basically what you need if youre a frequent dropper. Its way cheaper than some big name brands but feels just as solid. Also, dont sleep on a good screen protector for those NYC sidewalks. The Milomdoi 3+3 Pack for Pixel 8a is a great budget pick because you get extras in case you mess up the first install or crack one during your trip. No complaints here, it works well with the fingerprint sensor too. Have a blast on your trip!

Late to the party but i've been through a dozen Pixels over the years. Most people recommend those Spigen clear cases, and while they're fine for the price, they usually look pretty beat up after a few weeks. If you're really dropping your phone twice a day like you said, basic clear plastic usually just transfers that shock right to the frame. Plus, in my experience, those cheaper clear cases turn that nasty yellow color so fast it'll ruin your aloe vibe before your trip is even over. Actually, it's worth pointing you toward something a bit more premium if you have 70 bucks to play with. Check out the Mous Clarity 2.0 Pixel 8a Clear Case. It's built with this AiroShock material that basically absorbs the energy instead of just being a thick wall of rubber. It's way thinner than those chunky rugged cases but handles drops from way higher... seen people toss phones off ladders in these things and they survive fine. Since you're headed to NYC and dropping it that much, you absolutely need a glass protector too. Dont skip it. The amFilm OneTouch Tempered Glass Screen Protector 3-Pack for Pixel 8a is my go-to because they include an alignment jig. It makes it impossible to mess up the install. Honestly, spending a bit more now on a Mous case might seem steep, but it's way cheaper than a screen repair in Manhattan lol. Grab those and you're good to go.

> i was looking at spigen cases online because everyone swears by them but they look so thick and ugly and i really dont want to hide the green color if i dont have to. I feel you on the Spigen look, its pretty utilitarian and honestly, Ive been kinda disappointed with their recent drop test specs. They just dont feel as robust as they used to. IIRC, some testing showed their clear TPU yellows way faster than brands like OtterBox or even RhinoShield. If you want protection without the brick feel, maybe look into RhinoShield? Not sure if theyve released their full bumper line for the 8a yet tho... their stuff used to be the gold standard for minimal bulk but their recent quality control has been a bit hit or miss from what Ive heard on some tech forums. Its honestly super frustrating trying to find a balance between aesthetics and actual shock absorption. Just my two cents, but those big heavy duty brands usually let me down these days when it comes to style.