Even though it’s over three years old at this point, there’s no denying that the Samsung Galaxy S21 continues to be a top-of-the-line smartphone. And since it’s an older model, it costs considerably less than this year’s best Android phones. Then there’s Samsung’s excellent software update policy, which ensures you get the most out of your investment.
But even though this flagship (interestingly) comes with a plastic back panel rather than a glass one, it’s still worth getting the right protective accessories. We’ve gathered a variety of attractive, functional, resilient cases that can take the harshest of beatings, hold cash and cards, or express your artistic side.
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Speck Presidio2 Grip for Galaxy S21
Best overall$10 $45 Save $35Speck’s Presidio2 Grip lineup features recessed ridges made of soft-touch plastic that help you keep a reliable hold. And in case it should ever slip, its premium engineering promises 13 feet of drop protection, thanks to internal air pockets and high-impact foam. It comes in black, gray, or blue, and sports a Microban anti-microbial coating to minimize bacterial growth on the outside.
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Pela Case for Galaxy S21
Premium PickPela’s phone cases are expensive but well worth the money, offering solid protection with a truly unique look. Dozens of designs are available in multiple colors, some with optional cardholder support. However, the standout feature of Pela cases is found in the materials they’re made from; each is made of flax straw “Flaxtic” and other plant-based materials, making them compostable. While other phone cases will end up in a landfill once you’re done with them, these naturally break down without harm to the planet.
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Spigen Liquid Armor for Galaxy S21
Best Value$13 $20 Save $7Liquid Armor is designed to make it harder to drop your phone — and then protect it when you do without adding needless bulk to your S21. A geometric texture on the back, grooves down the side rails, and a rubbery soft-touch finish all help you keep a solid grip. If you drop your phone, Spigen’s Air Cushion Technology will ensure it comes away unscathed. The only downside is that it’s available in just one color: Black.
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i-Blason Cosmo for Galaxy S21
Promoted pickIn partnership with i-Blason
The i-Blason Cosmo ensures your Galaxy S21 is protected from both sides, with a front piece that adds a lip to stop your display from touching table tops when placed face down. The Cosmo is comfortable to hold, thanks to how thin it is, and it will keep your S21 safe from most knocks and drops. Several colorful options won’t be to everyone’s taste, but they certainly stand out from the crowd.
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Moment MagSafe for Galaxy S21
$5 $50 Save $45Underneath this Moment case’s slim, simple exterior is a MagSafe ring that enables not only convenient wireless charging, but also connection with the various Moment (M)Force magnetic mounts and lenses. It also provides above-average drop protection, is made with more biodegrable materials than most other cases, and costs next to nothing, straight from the manufacturer.
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Crave Dual Guard for Galaxy S21
The moderately priced Crave Dual Guard comes in several interesting colors, and sports precision engineering and high-quality materials that ensure a perfect fit and consistent, easy button use. It’s relatively slim, comes with a lifetime warranty, and uses subtle, high-traction texturing on its back and sides help keep you from dropping it.
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Snakehive Wallet Case for Galaxy S21
$37 $40 Save $3The Snakehive Wallet Case is made of genuine leather that’s a joy to hold. The cover offers three card slots, so you can leave your wallet at home, and it can double as a stand for watching videos, although it only works in landscape orientation. The case is available in seven colorful finishes made from handcrafted leather that will wear into a unique, one-of-a-kind pattern based on how you hold and use the Snakehive over time.
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Otterbox Commuter for Galaxy S21
$30 $40 Save $10Offering Otterbox’s legendary protection in a (relatively) slim design, the Commuter series case can shield your Galaxy S21 from the toughest falls without breaking a sweat. It’s made from synthetic rubber and polycarbonate, offering up to three times the drop protection required for military-grade certification. Thanks to its slim profile, the case easily slips in/out of pocket without bulking up the phone. We only wish there more color options, apart from the offered blue and black.
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Casetify Impact Case for Galaxy S21
The Impact Case from Casetify will take almost any abuse you throw its way and look good doing it. It’s made of environmentally-friendly recycled plastic that still feels reassuring in hand, and there’s little doubt that your S21 will survive even harsh drops. However, the best reason to buy an Impact Case is personalization. With dozens of customizable designs, including licensed artwork from Star Wars, Disney, and more, you can make it your own. Whatever your taste, you’ll find something to love here.
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Otterbox Prefix Series for Galaxy S21
Otterbox cases are all about protection, and the Prefix Series is no different. While thicker than most cases, the Prefix is still slim for an Otterbox and won’t feel unwieldy in your hand. A lip around the front of the case keeps your display free from scratches but won’t interfere with Android’s gesture navigation. The Prefix comes in black or clear designs, with the latter available in four frame colors that can contrast well with your Galaxy S21’s finish.
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Ghostek Atomic Slim for Galaxy S21
$15 $20 Save $5The Ghostek Atomic Slim combines a metal frame with TPU, leather, or carbon fiber, depending on your chosen version. This unique design results in a case that will easily keep your Galaxy S21 safe and good looking. The only downside to the Atomic Slim is that, despite its name, it adds a lot of bulk to your S21, so you may want to look elsewhere if you have small hands.
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Ringke Air-S for Galaxy S21
Ringke’s Air-S is one of the most comfortable cases on this list, with a satin-smooth finish on the soft TPU that’s as grippy as it is pleasant to touch. The soft coating also prevents scratches, so the Air-S should look as good in a year as it will when you take it out of the box. While relatively thin, this case offers much protection, thanks to raised bezels that protect the display and lanyard holds for wrist straps.
Keep your Samsung Galaxy S21 shining like new
Samsung’s flagship smartphones generally tend to age quite well, and the Galaxy S21 is no different. Packing everything from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G SoC to a versatile triple-camera system, this thing is fully loaded. Even if you buy one today, it’ll continue to serve you well for quite a long time, provided you take good care of it. And this is where the best Galaxy S21 cases come into the picture.
Speck’s Presidio2 Grip uses soft-touch but firm polycarbonate to strike a balance between easy to hold and resistant to long falls. In fact, it’s tested to consistently withstand drops up to 13 feet. It also looks nice, without resorting to the angular, aggressive designs of some other rugged cases.
Pela’s cases cost a lot, but the fact that they are compostable makes the high price tag worth it. If you couldn’t care less about looks and just want a case that does its job well, Spigen’s Liquid Air Armor is the way to go. It’s quite minimal and looks simple, but the internal air cushioning and premium materials help keep your device protected from bumps and drops.
Then there’s Otterbox Commuter series, which offers military-grade protection without adding too much heft to your Galaxy S21. And if you’re after a dependable MagSafe case with the potential for expansion peripherals like mounts and camera lenses, the Moment case is the one for you.
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