the Galaxy S23 has arrived and if you have, you might be looking for a new case for any S23 model you have bought. There are certainly plenty of Galaxy S23 cases to choose from, and we’re now seeing some manufacturers add magnetic properties to their cases so you can use them not only with Apple MagSafe accessories but non-Apple magnetic ones as well. accessories such as wallets, batteries and stands. .
Finding a case that fits your budget is important, but there are a few case features that you may want to consider. For example, owners of the Galaxy S23 Plus and S23 Ultra may want a case with an integrated kickstand because they’re larger phones (especially the Ultra) that you’ll want to prop up while watching. -watch the videos. That said, case selection comes down to personal taste, so I’ve tried to include a variety of styles in this roundup.
Note that, for now, the recommendations for these Galaxy S23 series cases are based on my experience using almost identical models of previous Galaxy phones, as well as iPhones. The cases below are listed at the starting price for the line, so make sure you buy the case that fits your S23. The same goes for the tempered glass for added protection – match the size to the specific model of your S23, whether that’s the Ultra, Plus or base model.
I regularly update this best Samsung case roundup with new picks as more candidates come in.
spec
Leading case maker Speck brings a selection of Galaxy S23 case protection options, including Presidio2 Grip (shown in blue), Presidio Perfect-Mist and Presidio Perfect-Clear.
All new models feature excellent drop protection (from 13 to 16 feet, depending on model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial coating. Cases start at around $40 in a variety of color options, and Speck often offers discounts to first-time buyers on its site.
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Clckr cases have a built-in kickstand and grip strap that folds and clicks into place on the back of your phone. Clckr only sells the stand/strap accessory to put on the back of your phone (or a case), but the Galaxy S23 Clear case with integrated kickstand accessory is even better and also available in a Textured version if translucency isn’t your thing thing. I wouldn’t say the cases are particularly protective but they are sturdy, with raised edges to protect the screen.
By clicking on the stand, you can use your device hands-free in portrait or landscape mode. Note that you can wirelessly charge your phone in this case, although you need to be careful about placing it in the right place on a wireless charging pad for it to work.
Urban Armor Gear offers several case options for the Galaxy S23 models in a variety of colors. I like the Pathfinder series, but I highlight the new Plyo Pro, which has a built-in “magnetic module” that looks a little like a MagSafe module and allows you to use magnetic accessories in the case.
UAG cases all have good corner protection and meet military drop test standards, with the Plyo Pro rating for 16-foot drop protection.
Gear4
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes the same cases as those from OtterBox and Speck. They’re all lined with the company’s D3O shock-absorbing material and have beveled edges to protect your phone. For the Galaxy S23, I like the Denali with Kickstand (pictured — 16-foot drop protection) and the Everest with Kickstand because they have built-in kickstands and are also protective and good for the hand. Milan (13-foot drop protection) and London (13-foot drop protection) also have great designs.
Amazon
If you’re looking for an affordable, clear case for your new Galaxy S23, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid is a good value at around $16 to $19, depending on the version you get. I like the Ultra Hybrid Zero One that has an imprint on the inside of your phone, which makes it look like the back of your phone is open and exposed when it isn’t.
I also like the Ultra Hybrid S ($20), which is a clear case with a built-in kickstand. The Neo Hybrid ($20) is a fairly basic case, while the Cryo Armor is a $21 triple-layer “gaming” case designed to “absorb and dissipate heat from your phone during hours of gaming .”
There’s no drop rating listed for these Samsung phone cases, but most Spigen cases, except for the slimmest models, provide reasonable protection. If you want a tough case with decent protection, get one of the Armor models.
Note that many of these cheaper clear cases have a tendency to yellow and deteriorate over time, making them less translucent. But it’s cheap enough that you probably won’t mind shelling out for a replacement if and when that happens.
You have received price alerts for Spigen Ultra Hybrid Designed for Galaxy S23 Ultra Case (2023) – Zero One
Amazon
The company’s super-protective Defender series case is available for all Galaxy S23 models, but most people want something less bulky. I love the Symmetry series cases — they’re slim with beveled edges, making them a great mix of sleek and protective. That said, I prefer the more protective Commuter Series better, thanks to the grips on the back and sides, as well as the raised edges on the front that help protect your screen. The raised bezel acts as a screen protector to keep your screen scratch-free, and the camera module gets the same treatment.
Samsung
Samsung’s Clear Gadget Cover has a built-in ring kickstand that allows you to raise the phone horizontally. You can also include other optional accessories in the case. The Gadget case works for all three S23 models but is especially important for the larger Plus and Ultra models.
Amazon
Especially with the two larger Galaxy S23 models, I find having an integrated kickstand to be a nice feature, and the ESR kickstand case is about as cheap as you can get at around $20. This can go down to around $15 an hour.
You have received price alerts for ESR Metal Kickstand Case, Compatible with Samsung S23, Clear
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Samsung’s new Frame case for the Galaxy S23 is an interesting concept. In the box you get a “frame” (we call it a bumper case) and two interchangeable backplates — one clear and one card slot — so you can go with either a wallet-style case or a plain case. Needless to say, you can also buy other backplates with different designs to give your case a new look if you’re crazy about it.
David Carnoy/CNET
Cyrill is a sub-brand of Spigen and like Spigen, its cases usually sell for less than $20. Cyrill does not have the same selection for the Galaxy S23 as for the iPhone 14, but it offers the UltraColor case, with a soft-to-the-touch finish. It has a raised frame on the back that provides extra protection for the camera lenses. The corners of the case have a raised lip as well.
You are receiving price alerts for Cyrill cases
Samsung
Available in black, green and camel, Samsung’s leather case offers a nice, smooth yet grippy feel with decent protection inside a slim package. Alas, there’s no kickstand, but if you’re looking for a clean, elegantly designed case, this Samsung-branded leather case fits the bill.
David Carnoy/CNET
For the Galaxy S23, UK-based Mous has done something slightly different. It brings MagSafe compatibility to its line of Samsung cases that come in a few different eye-catching styles, all of which are lined with AiroShock material that the company says provides excellent protection for a slim design (you can use MagSafe and other magnetic accessories in these cases. ).
Based on my past experience with Mous cases, they seem to be durable and all include a lifetime warranty. I’m personally a fan of the Iridescent model pictured, but the Walnut, Bamboo and Silver Pearl cases are also nice.
You have received price alerts for Mous magnetic connection cases
Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET
Incipio has its usual rugged line of cases for the Galaxy S23, including old favorites like the rugged Duo (pictured in red; 12-foot drop protection), Grip (14-foot drop protection ) and the Organicore (14-foot drop protection) , which is an eco case that is 100% compostable and is now available with a translucent back. It also has licensing deals with Kate Spade and Coach, and some of the cases offer eye-catching designs.
At $35, the Duo is the cheapest of the bunch, but look for prices to drop when the phones are out for a while.
David Carnoy/CNET
Rokform has been making tough smartphone cases for years, and apart from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with different mounts – including bike, car and motorcycle mounts – sold separately.
Rokform cases have removable magnets and they are compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. “Before the bottom magnet, you could still wirelessly charge while using the magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,” Rokform said.
David Carnoy/CNET
If you have a phone with a large screen, it might be a good idea to get some extra screen protection with a folio case that has slots for a couple of credit cards. Otterbox’s folio case, the Strada, is well designed with a magnetic clasp. Its only drawback is that it cannot be a kickstand for watching videos.
Note that the photo shown is of the Galaxy S22 Ultra case, but the S23 Ultra case is very similar.