Samsung’s Galaxy S21 (reviewed here) has a plastic rear panel instead of the glass finish sported by the Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a great idea to wrap a case around it to keep the phone looking as pristine as the day you unboxed it. We’ve done the legwork for you in your quest to protect your Galaxy S21, with slim, functional, and heavy-duty options for you to peruse at your leisure.
So join us after the break for the best cases we could find for the Galaxy S21.
UAG Lucent
Offering military-grade (MIL-STD 810G) drop protection whilst boasting a featherlight construction, UAG’s Lucent case brings a modern aesthetic that enhances your Galaxy S21’s appearance. There is a raised camera bevel and display surround to protect the lens and screen from scratches when the phone is laid on a flat surface. The case boasts a translucent finish with a progressive microdot pattern and is compatible with both wireless charging and wireless payment methods. Available in Orange, Ash, Ice, and Dusty Rose, you can grab UAG’s Lucent case for $29.95.
Buy it Now: UAG, Amazon
Incipio Duo
Available in Salsa Red, Black, and Indigo Blue, Incipio’s Duo slim-profile case for the Galaxy S21 has a dual-layer construction that features Impact Strut technology to protect the phone from drops of up to 12 feet. A raised bezel protects the screen, while the antimicrobial coating eliminates 99.9% of surface bacteria. Further Grip is added by the soft-touch finish while the buttons are also protected. You can buy the Duo case for $29.99 directly from the Incipio store.
Buy it Now: Incipio
Speck Perfect-Clear Ombre
Speck’s Perfect-Clear Ombre case features Presidio 2 Armor Cloud technology that cushions and protects the phone from drops of up to 13 feet. Sporting a soft-touch finish that both looks good and adds scratch-resistance, the case also boasts a Microban coating to reduce bacteria growth by 99%. The raised bezel protects the display when it’s laid face-down while the slim profile of the case maintains wireless charging compatibility. You can buy the Perfect-Clear Ombre case from Speck for $44.95.
Buy it Now: Speck
Gear4 Denali
With its black finish and orange accent, Gear4’s Denali case is both stylish and understated in its appearance. Sporting serious drop-protection of up to 16 feet with a no-slip grip and textured finish, the case has a reinforced rear panel made from D3O that helps absorb shock. The RepelFlex antimicrobial coating guards again the growth of odor-causing bacteria and the case is compatible with both mobile payments and wireless charging. You can pick up the Denali case from ZAGG’s online store for $49.99.
Buy it Now: ZAGG Online Store
Spigen Slim Armor Kickstand Case
The Slim Armor case from Spigen with a built-in kickstand lets you show off the colorway of your new Galaxy S21 handset while still adding in the ability to view your content hands-free via the discrete metal kickstand. Boasting Air Cushion technology that brings MIL-STD certification against drops, the case also has a hard shell rear panel that resists turning yellow like other transparent cases do after time. The raised bezel protects the display and the rear camera housing when the phone is laid on flat surfaces, with wireless charging and mobile payments compatibility maintained. You can grab Spigen’s Slim Armor case with Kickstand from Amazon for $36.95.
Buy it Now: Amazon
ESR Metal Kickstand Case with Camera Lens Protector
If $37 for a case is beyond your fiscal limit for spending on a smartphone case, ESR’s Metal Kickstand case offers similar functionality at a more affordable price with the addition of a camera lens protector that is bundled in. Made from a flexible polymer, the case provides increased impact protection while the raised edges protect against drops and scratches. The built-in metal hinge lets you put the phone in landscape or portrait orientation, and is adjustable from 30 to 60 degrees. The camera lens protector is smudge and scratch-resistant, while its ultra-clear finish doesn’t impact the camera’s ability to take great photos. ESR’s Metal Kickstand case with bundled in Camera Lens protector is available on Amazon for $19.98.
Buy it Now: Amazon
Smartish Wallet Case
Offering something a little different is the Smartish Wallet case that offers an ultra-light construction with protective air-pocketed corners and the ability to store 3 bank cards and some notes in the rear panel cutout. The sides add extra grip while wireless charging and mobile payments are still supported. Available in Black Tie Affair (Black), Flavour of the Month (Astro), and Chef’s Special (Grey), the Smartish Wallet case can be ordered from Amazon for $24.99.
Buy it Now: Amazon
