The Galaxy S21 is available in three sizes and the case you choose could also be partially decided by the S21 mannequin you have got. The flagship S21 Ultra, which has a 6.8-inch display, is the heaviest of the bunch and is not a telephone you essentially wish to maintain in your hand on a regular basis, which is why I like utilizing a case with an built-in kickstand, so I can prop it up. The similar is likely to be mentioned for the smaller S21 Plus (6.7-inch display) and the usual S21 (6.2 inches), neither of that are compact. But all people has their very own opinions about telephone instances and everybody has totally different wants, which is why my picks for the most effective Samsung Galaxy S21 collection instances are available in a wide range of types, from slimmer fashions to extra rugged instances to folio pockets instances.Note that a number of the suggestions for these Galaxy S21 collection instances are based mostly on my expertise utilizing practically similar fashions with previous Galaxy smartphones, in addition to iPhones. Where a number of merchandise are proven, the value listed is the beginning value for the road. Make positive that you simply’re shopping for the case that matches the particular mannequin of your S21 (Ultra, Plus or normal).I frequently replace this roundup with new picks as extra candidates arrive.
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Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra: Not as robust as we might hoped
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Speck
Leading case maker Speck brings a choice of instances to the Galaxy S21, together with (from left to proper in image above) the Presidio Perfect-Clear, Presidio Perfect-Mist, Presidio Perfect-Clear Ombre, and Presidio2 Grip. All the brand new fashions have superb drop safety (13 to 16 ft, relying on the mannequin) in addition to Speck’s Microban antimicrobial safety. The instances begin at $40 in numerous colour choices, however Speck is at present providing 30% off your first order sitewide.
Amazon
If you are in search of an affordable clear case in your new Galaxy S21, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid is an efficient worth at round $12 to $15, relying on the model you get. I just like the Ultra Hybrid S (on left in picture), which has an built-in kickstand.No drop ranking is listed for the case, but it surely looks like Spigen’s clear instances provide cheap safety. If you desire a robust case with stronger safety, Spigen’s Tough Armor case (on proper in picture) is an possibility for $18 to $19 and likewise has an built-in kickstand. Note that numerous these cheaper clear instances have a behavior of turning yellow and degrading over time, which makes them much less translucent. But they’re low-cost sufficient that you simply most likely will not thoughts shelling out for a substitute if and when that occurs.
Samsung
Available in brown or black, Samsung’s leather-based case presents a hardened protecting layer across the cameras whereas delivering a pleasant leather-based really feel the remainder of the way in which round. Leather does not have an effect on wi-fi charging or something, so you’ll be able to pop this in your telephone and have it really feel good with out sacrificing something.
Samsung
Samsung’s Clear Standing Cover is not something fancy but it surely’s a protecting clear case that has an built-in kickstand. You can prop your telephone up horizontally or vertically utilizing the kickstand, which appears sturdy (it is bigger than Spigen’s built-in kickstand). I frequently use this case.
Clckr
I’ve change into a current fan of Clckr’s instances, which characteristic a built-in stand and grip strap that folds out and clicks into place on the again of your telephone. Clckr sells simply the stand-strap accent to stay on the again of your telephone or on a case, however the case with the built-in stand accent is healthier. The choice for the S21 is at present fairly restricted (there’s solely a transparent model S21 and S21 Plus, not the S21 Ultra), however maybe the choices will develop over time.The instances aren’t rugged however they’re protecting sufficient, with raised edges to guard the display. The ones I’ve used with different telephones have held up effectively over time. With the stand clicked in place, you need to use your gadget hands-free in both portrait or panorama mode. Note which you can wirelessly cost your telephone with this case on, although it’s important to be extra cautious about putting it in the suitable spot on a wi-fi charging pad for it to work. The new fashions have antimicrobial safety.
Amazon
The firm’s tremendous protecting Defender collection case is out there for all of the Galaxy S21 fashions, however most individuals need one thing much less cumbersome. I just like the Symmetry collection instances — they’re slim with beveled edges, making them a very good mixture of glossy and protecting. That mentioned, I’ve come to love the extra protecting Commuter Series higher, due to the grips it has on the again and sides, in addition to having raised edges on the entrance that ought to assist defend your display.
ArmadilloTek
Sometimes you want greater than a median case, and whereas there are lots which declare “ruggedness” there are only some keen to again that declare up. ArmadilloTek’s Vanguard collection is MIL STD 810G rated, which implies it may survive drops of as much as 20 foot due to its multilayer design. Even with these layers in between the telephone and the charger, considered one of which features a pull-out stand, this case nonetheless helps wi-fi charging.
Gear4
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes instances which are proper there with OtterBox and Speck. They’re all lined with the corporate’s D3O shock-absorbing materials and have beveled edges to guard your telephone. Shown right here from left to proper are the Havana (10-foot drop safety), Denali (16-foot drop safety), Crystal Palace (13-foot drop safety) and Copenhagen (13-foot drop safety). All use some recycled plastic of their building, however the Copenhagen, made out of 52% plant-based materials, is probably the most eco-friendly.Prices vary from $30 to $50 for the top-end Denali, which is the Gear4 case I most likely like finest.
Amazon
Particularly with the 2 bigger fashions of the Galaxy S21, I discover that having an built-in kickstand is a pleasant characteristic and the ESR kickstand case is about as reasonably priced as you get at round $15, the identical value as Spigen’s Neo Hybrid S.
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Cyrill is a sub-brand of Spigen and like Spigen, its instances typically promote for lower than $20. Cyrill does not have fairly the identical choice for the Galaxy S21 because it does for the iPhone 12, but it surely has some protecting clear instances with floral designs (pictured on proper), in addition to the Brick Matte Finish Bumper case, which has a soft-to-the-touch end (pictured on left). It has a raised body on the again that gives some further safety for the digicam lenses. The corners of the case are raised as effectively.
Amazon
Some folks wish to have full-screen safety, so that they go along with a folio case that covers the display. The Strada Via is a brand new folio case from Otterbox that has a soft-to-the-touch end and stays closed due to a set of magnets. It’s additionally received a slot for storing a bank card or two. The solely factor I did not like about it’s that it does not convert right into a kickstand for video viewing.
Amazon
X-Doria has introduced its Raptic Shield case to the Galaxy S21 collection. Available in a couple of colour choices, it prices lower than competing premium instances from Speck and OtterBox and has 10-foot drop safety, in addition to an antimicrobial therapy. I’m personally keen on X-Doria’s Raptic Air case (13-foot drop safety), however that mannequin is not obtainable for the Galaxy S21 fashions.
David Carnoy/CNET
For the Galaxy S21, UK-based Mous makes its Clarity Lite ($55) clear case with anti-yellowing tech in addition to its Limitless 3.0 case ($60), which is available in a couple of totally different eye-catching types (Aramid Fiber is proven on left). They’re all lined with the AiroShock materials that the corporate says delivers wonderful safety in a slim design. They do appear sturdy and all embody a lifetime guarantee.Mous’ Limitless 3.0 instances are suitable with the corporate’s Limitless 3.0 equipment. That features a pockets that magnetically adheres to the again of the telephone case and some mounts, considered one of which is an air-vent mount in your automobile. It’s additionally price noting that the Limitless 3.0 instances are the one ones I’ve seen which have a SIM-card storage slot on the within of the smartphone case for worldwide vacationers within the behavior of SIM-swapping.Mous offers 10% off on first orders by means of its web site. We anticipate we’ll see these instances on Amazon within the close to future, maybe with higher pricing.
David Carnoy/CNET
Lifeproof’s Wake case is made out of recycled ocean plastic. It’s attractively designed however I would not name it tremendous robust — it is not enclosed on the backside and has 6-foot drop safety. (Note that some instances on this record have increased drop-protection rankings.) Lifeproof presents $15 off your first order on its web site.
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