by The updated Galaxy S23 was only released in February and is the latest in a long line of outstanding phones. But just because the Galaxy S22 series isn’t Samsung’s flagship phone anymore doesn’t mean it’s a cause for concern. The S22 series are all excellent phone options, with powerful hardware and state-of-the-art displays. These cutting-edge devices remain among the best Android phones out there, but that doesn’t mean the devices are impervious to drops, dents, and scratches. It is all the more important to protect your investment with a good case. But with so many options available, it can prove a bit difficult to decide which case is right for you.
Finding a suitcase at the right price for your budget is important and there are many affordable suitcases out there, but there are also additional features and functions to consider when considering suitcases. And make sure you buy the right model when buying cases – even the best S22 Ultra case will be too big for the basic S22 phone, for example. So which features should you look for when buying protective cases and which offer top-notch protection? Your phone model and the way you use your phone can determine whether you want a durable case or one with a slim and light profile.
For example, the best S22 Ultra case options might include a kickstand, which is helpful since the phone is quite hefty. A slim body might be best for the smaller S22 Plus (with a 6.6-inch screen), which we like to call the middle child in the S22 range, as well as the standard S22 (6.1-inch), the most “compact” is of the trio. A case with card slots or rugged protection might work best for your phone, or even a case that extends battery life.
Everyone has their own opinion on what features make the best Samsung case – and the best case for phones in general. Ultimately, the best protection depends on your individual needs. For this reason, my selections come in a variety of styles, from clear to opaque, and from slimmer models to sturdier armor cases and folio-sized wallet cases.
Note that some of the recommendations for these Galaxy S22 series cases are based on my experience with near-identical models on previous Galaxy smartphones iPhones. The cases below are listed at the starting price for the line, so make sure you buy the case that fits your S22. The same goes for tempered glass for extra protection – adjust the size to the specific model of your S22.
Without further ado, here are some of the best S22 Ultra case, Plus case, and Standard case options. I’ll update this roundup of the best Samsung cases regularly with new tips as more candidates roll in.
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Leading case manufacturer Speck is bringing a selection of protective case options for the Galaxy S22 including (left to right in the image above) the Presidio Perfect-Clear Ombre, Presidio2 Grip and Presidio Perfect-Clear.
All new models have very good drop protection (13 to 16 feet depending on the model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial coating. Cases start at around $20 in a variety of color options. Speck sometimes offers discounts to first-time buyers on its website.
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You will receive price alerts for Gear4 Cases
British case maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases to match the OtterBox and Speck. They’re all lined with the company’s shock-absorbing D3O material and feature beveled edges to protect your phone. Shown here from left to right are Copenhagen (13ft crash protection), Denali (16ft crash protection), Milan (13ft crash protection), and Crystal Palace (13ft crash protection). All use partially recycled plastic in their construction, but the Copenhagen, which is made from 52% plant-based material, is technically the most environmentally friendly.
Prices range from $30 to $50 for the top-end Denali, which is probably the Gear4 case I like best, although it’s currently on sale along with several other options for just $10
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Receive price alerts for Spigen Cases
If you’re looking for a cheap see-through case for your new Galaxy S22, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid offers good value at around $15-$17, depending on the version. I like the Ultra Hybrid S (second from left in photo), which has a built-in kickstand. The rightmost Neo Hybrid is a fairly basic case, while the Cryo Armor (second from right) is a $22 three-layer “gaming” case designed to “pull heat away from your phone during hours of gaming.” absorb and dissipate”.
There is no drop protection listed for these Samsung phone cases, but most Spigen cases, except for the thinnest models, offer adequate protection. If you want a sturdy case with decent protection, get one of the Armor models.
Note that many of these cheaper clear cases have a habit of yellowing and degrading over time, making them less translucent. But they’re cheap enough that you probably won’t mind paying for a replacement if and when that happens.
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Receive price alerts for the OtterBox Commuter Series
The company’s super-protective Defender series case is available for all Galaxy S22 models, but most people want something less bulky. I like the cases in the Symmetry series – they’re slim with beveled edges, making them a good mix of sleek and protective. Still, I like 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 aim to 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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You will receive price alerts for Rokform S22 Rugged Case
Rokform has been making rugged smartphone cases for years, and apart from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with a variety of mounts – including bike, car, and motorcycle mounts – which are sold separately.
Rokform cases have detachable magnets and are compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included magnet in the middle. “If the bottom magnet is still intact, you can still charge wirelessly while using the magnetic mount and all of our mounts,” says Rokform.
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Raptic’s Shield case comes in a few color options and costs less than competing premium cases from Speck and OtterBox, and overall it’s pretty good value. It has 10ft drop protection as well as an antimicrobial treatment.
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You will receive price alerts for Samsung Clear Standing Cover
Samsung’s Clear Standing Cover isn’t fancy, but it’s a see-through protective case with a built-in kickstand. You can place your phone horizontally or vertically using the stand, which seems sturdy (it’s larger than Spigen’s built-in stand). Unfortunately it is currently out of stock but will hopefully be shipped soon.
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Available in black, burgundy and light grey, the Samsung leather case offers a comfortably soft feel with decent edge protection in a slim package. Unfortunately, there’s no kickstand, but if you’re looking for a clean, elegantly designed case, this Samsung-branded case is for you. It also provides good protection for the rear camera lenses. I personally like the color Bordeaux.
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You’ll receive price alerts for Otterbox Strada
If you have a phone with a big screen, it can be a good idea to get some extra screen protection with a folio case that also has slots for a couple of credit cards. Otterbox’s folio case, the Strada, has a beautiful design with a magnetic closure. The only downside is that it doesn’t convert into a stand for watching videos. It’s only available in black for now.
Otterbox also makes the Strada Via Folio, but I prefer this model.
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You will receive price alerts for Cyrill Cases
Cyrill is a Spigen sub-brand, and like Spigen, its cases generally sell for less than $20. Cyrill doesn’t have quite the same selection for the Galaxy S22 as it does for the iPhone 13, but it does have some protective floral patterned clear cases (pictured right) as well as the brick matte finish case (the blue and red cases in the photo) that are soft to the touch. It has a raised frame on the back that provides extra protection for the camera lenses. The corners of the case also have a raised lip.
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You will receive price alerts for ESR Kickstand Case
On the two larger models of the Galaxy S22 in particular, I find that an integrated kickstand is a nice feature and the ESR Kickstand case is about as affordable as you can get at around $20. It should get closer to $15 over time.
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Receive price alerts for LifeProof Wake
The LifeProof Wake sleeve is made from recycled ocean plastic. It’s attractively designed, but I wouldn’t call it super sturdy – it’s not closed at the bottom and has a 6-foot drop protection. (Note that some cases on this list have higher drop protection ratings.)
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You will receive price alerts for Mouse Limitless 3.0
For the Galaxy S22, UK-based company Mous is bringing its Limitless 3.0 case ($60) to the Galaxy S22. It comes in a variety of eye-catching styles, all lined with AiroShock material, which the company says offers excellent protection in a sleek design. They appear to be durable and all come with a lifetime guarantee.
Mous’ Limitless 3.0 cases are compatible with the company’s Limitless 3.0 accessories. These include a wallet that magnetically attaches to the back of the phone case and some mounts, one of which is an air vent mount for your car.
It’s also worth noting that the Limitless 3.0 cases are the only ones I’ve seen that have a SIM card slot on the inside of the smartphone case for international travelers who are in the habit of swapping SIMs. You can also grab selected styles on sale now at Mous.
