Our Favorite Early Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus and S23 Ultra Cases – CNET [CNET]

February 25, 2023 David Carnoy technology

The Galaxy S23 has arrived and if you’re here, you’re probably looking for a new case for whatever S23 model you’ve bought. There are certainly a lot 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 accessories like wallets, batteries and stands.

Finding a case that fits your budget is important, but there are certain case features you may want to consider. For example, Galaxy S23 Plus and S23 Ultra owners may want a case with an integrated kickstand because they’re larger phones (the Ultra in particular) that you’ll want to prop up while watching videos. That said, case choice comes down to personal taste, which is why 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 nearly identical models with preceding Galaxy phones, as well as iPhones. The cases below are listed at the starting price for the line, so make sure you’re buying the case that matches your S23. The same goes for tempered glass for extra 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 arrive.

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Speck

Leading case-maker Speck brings a selection of protective case options to the Galaxy S23, including the Presidio2 Grip (shown in blue), Presidio Perfect-Mist and Presidio Perfect-Clear.

All the new models have very good drop protection (from 13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial coating. The cases start at around $40 in various color options, and Speck frequently offers discounts to first-time buyers on its site.

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Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET

Clckr’s cases feature a built-in kickstand and grip strap that folds out and clicks into place on the back of your phone. Clckr sells just the stand/strap accessory to stick on the back of your phone (or on a case), but the Galaxy S23 Clear case with the integrated kickstand accessory is better and also comes in a Textured version if translucency is not your thing. I wouldn’t say the cases are super protective but they’re sturdy enough, with raised edges to protect the screen.

With the stand clicked in place, you can use your device hands-free in either portrait or landscape mode. Note that you can wirelessly charge your phone with this case on, though you have to be more careful about placing it in the right spot on a wireless charging pad for it to work.

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Urban Armor Gear offers several case options for the Galaxy S23 models in a variety of colors. I like the Pathfinder series, but am highlighting the new Plyo Pro, which features a built-in “magnetic module” that looks a little like a MagSafe module and allows you to use magnetic accessories with the case.

UAG’s cases all feature good corner protection and meet military drop-test standards, with the Plyo Pro rated for 16-foot drop protection.

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Gear4

British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases that are right there with those from OtterBox and Speck. They’re all lined with the company’s D3O shock-absorbing material and feature 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 precisely because they have built-in kickstands and are also protective and feel good in hand. The Milan (13-foot drop protection) and London (13-foot drop protection) also have eye-catching designs.

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Amazon

If you’re looking for a cheap, 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 of the innards of your phone, which makes it look like the back of your phone is open and exposed when it really 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 that’s designed to “absorb and dissipate heat from your phone during hours of gameplay.”

No drop rating is listed for these Samsung phone cases, but most Spigen cases, except for the slimmest models, offer reasonable protection. If you want a tough case with decent protection, get one of its Armor models.

Note that a lot of these cheaper clear cases have a habit of turning yellow and degrading over time, which makes them less translucent. But they’re cheap enough that you probably won’t mind shelling out for a replacement if and when that happens.

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Amazon

The company’s super-protective Defender series case is available for all the Galaxy S23 models, but most people want something less bulky. I like the Symmetry series cases — they’re slim with beveled edges, making them a good mix of sleek and protective. That said, I’ve come to like the more protective Commuter Series better, thanks to the grips it has on the back and sides, as well as having raised edges on the front that should 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.

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Samsung

Samsung’s Clear Gadget Cover has a built-in ring kickstand that allows you to prop the phone up horizontally. You’ll also be able to attach other optional accessories to the case. The Gadget case is available for all three S23 models but makes more sense for the larger Plus and Ultra models.

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Amazon

Particularly with the two larger models of the Galaxy S23, I find that having an integrated kickstand is a nice feature, and the ESR kickstand case is about as affordable as you get at around $20. It could dip to closer to $15 in time.

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Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET

Samsung’s new Frame case for Galaxy S23 is an interesting concept. In the box you get a “frame” (we used to call this a bumper case) and two interchangeable backplates — one clear and one card slot — so you can go with a wallet-style case or plain case. Needless to say, you’ll also be able to buy other backplates with different designs to give your case a new look if you get bored with it.

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David Carnoy/CNET

Cyrill is a sub-brand of Spigen and like Spigen, its cases generally sell for less than $20. Cyrill doesn’t have quite the same selection for the Galaxy S23 as it does for the iPhone 14, but it does offer its UltraColor case, which has a soft-to-the-touch finish. It has a raised frame on the back that provides some extra protection for the camera lenses. The corners of the case have a raised lip as well.

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Samsung

Available in black, green and camel, Samsung’s leather case offers a nice, smooth yet grippy feel with decent edge protection in 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.

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David Carnoy/CNET

For the Galaxy S23, UK-based Mous has done something a little different. It’s brought MagSafe compatibility to its line of Samsung cases with a few different eye-catching styles, all of them lined with the AiroShock material that the company says delivers excellent protection in a slim design (you can use MagSafe and other magnetic accessories with these cases).

Based on my previous experience with Mous cases, they do seem 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.

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Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET

Incipio has its usual robust lineup of cases for the Galaxy S23, including old favorites like the sturdy 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’s 100% compostable and is now available with a translucent back. It also has licensing deals with Kate Spade and Coach, and some of those cases offer eye-catching designs.

At $35, the Duo is the most affordable of the bunch, but look for prices to come down once the phones have been out for a while.

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David Carnoy/CNET

Rokform’s been making tough smartphone cases for years, and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts — including bike, car and motorcycle mounts — that are sold separately.

Rokform’s cases have removable magnets and they’re compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. “With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,” Rokform says.

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David Carnoy/CNET

When you have a phone with a large screen, it can be a good idea to get some added screen protection with a folio case that also has slots for a couple of credit cards. Otterbox’s folio case, the Strada, is nicely designed with a magnetic clasp. Its only drawback is that it doesn’t convert into a kickstand for watching videos.

Note that the photo pictured is the case for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, but the S23 Ultra’s case looks very similar.

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