The Galaxy S21 is available in three sizes and the case you choose could also be partially decided by the S21 mannequin you’ve got. The flagship S21 Ultra, which has a 6.8-inch display screen, 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 identical is perhaps mentioned for the smaller S21 Plus (6.7-inch display screen) and the usual S21 (6.2 inches), neither of that are compact. But everyone has their very own opinions about telephone circumstances and everybody has completely different wants, which is why I’ve included circumstances in a wide range of kinds, from slimmer fashions to extra rugged circumstances to folio pockets circumstances.Note that a few of the suggestions for these Galaxy S21 sequence circumstances are based mostly on my expertise utilizing almost an identical fashions with previous Galaxy smartphones, in addition to iPhones. Where a number of merchandise are proven, the value listed is the beginning worth for the road. Make positive that you just’re shopping for the case that matches the precise mannequin of your S21 (Ultra, Plus or normal).I often replace this roundup with new picks as extra candidates arrive.
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Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra: Not as robust as we would hoped
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Speck
Leading case maker Speck brings a choice of circumstances 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 excellent drop safety (13 to 16 toes, relying on the mannequin) in addition to Speck’s Microban antimicrobial safety. The circumstances begin at $40 in numerous coloration choices, however Speck is at present providing 30% off your first order sitewide.
Amazon
If you are in search of an affordable clear case to 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 photograph), which has an built-in kickstand.No drop score is listed for the case, but it surely seems like Spigen’s clear circumstances provide cheap safety. If you need a robust case with stronger safety, Spigen’s Tough Armor case (on proper in photograph) is an possibility for $18 to $19 and in addition has an built-in kickstand. Note that plenty of these cheaper clear circumstances have a behavior of turning yellow and degrading over time, which makes them much less translucent. But they’re low cost sufficient that you just in all probability will not thoughts shelling out for a alternative if and when that occurs.
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 often use this case.
Clckr
I’ve develop into a latest fan of Clckr’s circumstances, which function 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 increase over time.The circumstances aren’t rugged however they’re protecting sufficient, with raised edges to guard the display screen. The ones I’ve used with different telephones have held up effectively over time. With the stand clicked in place, you should utilize your gadget hands-free in both portrait or panorama mode. Note you can wirelessly cost your telephone with this case on, although it’s a must to be extra cautious about inserting it in the best spot on a wi-fi charging pad for it to work. The new fashions have antimicrobial safety.
Amazon
The firm’s tremendous protecting Defender sequence case is accessible for all of the Galaxy S21 fashions, however most individuals need one thing much less cumbersome. I just like the Symmetry sequence circumstances — they’re slim with beveled edges, making them a very good mixture of smooth 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 screen.
Gear4
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes circumstances which might be 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 development, however the Copenhagen, made out of 52% plant-based materials, is essentially the most eco-friendly.Prices vary from $30 to $50 for the top-end Denali, which is the Gear4 case I in all probability like greatest.
Amazon
Particularly with the 2 bigger fashions of the Galaxy S21, I discover that having an built-in kickstand is a pleasant function and the ESR kickstand case is about as reasonably priced as you get at round $15, the identical worth as Spigen’s Neo Hybrid S.
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Cyrill is a sub-brand of Spigen and like Spigen, its circumstances usually 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 circumstances 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 prefer to have full-screen safety, in order that they go together with a folio case that covers the display screen. 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 sequence. Available in a number of coloration choices, it prices lower than competing premium circumstances from Speck and OtterBox and has 10-foot drop safety, in addition to an antimicrobial remedy. I’m personally keen on X-Doria’s Raptic Air case (13-foot drop safety), however that mannequin is not accessible 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 number of completely different eye-catching kinds (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 embrace a lifetime guarantee.Mous’ Limitless 3.0 circumstances are appropriate 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 to your automobile. It’s additionally value noting that the Limitless 3.0 circumstances 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 provides 10% off on first orders by means of its web site. We count on we’ll see these circumstances 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 circumstances on this checklist have increased drop-protection scores.) Lifeproof affords $15 off your first order on its web site.
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