Low-cost electronics might not get much press, but Samsung’s Galaxy A series represents some of the best non-flagship phones around. The promising Galaxy A16 competes with other good-performing phones that don’t demand major investments and is one of the most well-rounded entry-level devices ever.
While the plastic body resists major damage pretty well, it’s still worth wrapping in a case. After all, those of us who appreciate affordable phones aren’t usually in the position to replace a device in the middle of its lifespan due to unexpected damage. These cases from Samsung and several reliable third-party manufacturers will keep your Galaxy A16 in pristine condition throughout its promised 6-year software update lifespan.
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Premium pickSpigen Rugged Armor for Galaxy A16
Spigen’s Rugged Armor entry for the Galaxy A16 balances premium materials and engineering with a reasonable form factor. Precise construction ensures buttons work consistently, cutouts and raised protective bezels are placed perfectly, and the case fits snugly with no wiggle room. There’s also just enough texture on the frame and back to keep a firm grip at all times.
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Premium pick
SaharaCase Raider Grip for Galaxy A16
The SaharaCase Raider Grip series boasts full-body safety for the Galaxy A16, thanks to a front panel with an integrated screen protector. The soft-touch frame minimizes your chances of dropping it in the first place, and shock-absorbing materials reduce the risk of damage if you do. Its transparent plastic won’t yellow, and shows off the back of your pristine phone.
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Best value
JETech Slim Fit for Galaxy A16
They don’t get much more affordable than the JETech Slim fit. Nor do they get much more compact. This low-cost model is also one of the rare aftermarket cases to match the phone’s OEM colors. While it doesn’t have any fancy features, it’s ideal for users who want a measure of protection but don’t want to add significant weight or bulk.
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Promoted pick
i-Blason ArmorBox for Galaxy A16
In partnership with i-Blason
$20 $23 Save
$3i-Blason’s ArmorBox is a beefy, feature-packed rugged case for the Galaxy A16. A virutally indestructible polycarbonate body houses schock-absorbing TPU bumpers as well as a kickstand for hands-free viewing in landscape or portrait orientation. The front frame snaps on easily and securely, negating the need for separate screen protector, and reducing the chance of dust damage.
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Samsung Card Slot Case for Galaxy A16
$19 $25 Save
$6Samsung’s first-party Card Slot case adds just a touch of functionality, but it can come in handy to have just enough space for an ID card. It’s made from premium materials with the precise fit you’d expect from an OEM accessory, and like the Galaxy A16 itself, doesn’t cost a whole lot. It comes in black or white.
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Spigen Tough Armor for Galaxy A16
If you’re OK with adding a little weight and bulk to the midsize Galaxy A16, the Spigen Tough Armor is as durable as they get. Extensive padding and reinforcement in all the right areas means your phone will stay safe from the most devastating drops. There’s a small but reliable kickstand, and it leaves the camera array fully recessed for peak protection.
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OtterBox React for Galaxy A16
$22 $30 Save
$8OtterBox is basically a household name in heavy-duty cases, and the React Series offering for the Galaxy A16 upholds that reputation. It’s relatively simple, but combines TPU cushioning and grip with impact-resistant polycarbonate in just right configuration for long-term security from nicks, cracks, and other drop damage. It’s made from 50% recycled plastic, too.
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Poetic Guardian for Galaxy A16
Sometimes you need 360-degree protection, and sometimes you don’t. The Poetic Guardian lets you choose between the two, with a pair of interchangeable front frames with and without a built-in screen protector. It comes in black or two-tone blue, with a transparent read panel and a punch-hole cutout in the screen protector so it won’t interfere with the selfi camera.
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Speck ImpactHero Slim for Galaxy A16
Few premium cases boast the rock-solid construction of Speck’s. Its ImpactHero Slim keeps your phone safe from everyday damage, and neither costs much nor takes up a lot of space. It’s actually one of the few Galaxy A16 cases with a certified drop rating — in this case, it’s an impressive 20 feet — making it a top choice for those in need of heavy-duty reassurance.
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Samsung Clear Case for Galaxy A16
$15 $20 Save
$5Samsung’s Clear Case makes a transparent case for the best straightforward option. It’s the slimmest case on the market, and you can trust it’s made from quality plastic that resists yellowing over time and fits Samsung’s entry-level device precisely. It weighs next to nothing, and can usually be found for less than $20.
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Ghostek Iron Armor for Galaxy A16
Something a little different from Ghostek’s typical cases, the Iron Armor confers nearly bulletproof protection on the Galaxy A16. Its padding and hard plastic body are as thick as can be, and it snaps securely into the included belt clip for those who need their device always at the ready. There’s also a kickstand and a slot for a credit card or ID.
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UAG Scout for Galaxy A16
Some heavy-duty UAG cases are advanced, multi-layer affairs, but the Scout takes the company’s rugged design philosophy in a simpler direction. Extremely resilient plastic with integrated cushioning protect the most impact-vulnerable parts of the Galaxy A16, and it weighs a little less than comparably protective cases. Unfortunately, it’s only available in black.
Low-cost protection for an entry-level winner
Make the right choice without spending a fortune
A $200 phone won’t see case entries from high-end brands like Mous or Peak Design. However, plenty of reliable manufacturers have already entered the fray, and none of them ask too much for dependable Galaxy A16 protection. Spigen’s Rugged Armor is one of the best, sitting partway between high-end ruggedness and sleek convenience. The SaharaCase Raider Grip sports a premium design and integrated screen protector, offering superior all-around protection that doesn’t weigh a ton.
Keeping in theme with the Galaxy A16 itself, the JETech Slim Fit costs around $10 and adequately prevents damage. It also matches the phone’s factory colors, which is rare among third-party cases. I-Blason’s ArmorBox protects better than any other, although it’s pretty bulky. If you’re looking for snap-on front frame protection that also supports third-party glass screen protectors, the Poetic Guardian is the one to get.
We’re also big fans of Speck’s ImpactHero Slim and UAG’s Scout lineups, which sport rugged materials and above-average protection, but don’t make the already somewhat large phone a lot larger. Above all, we’re happy to see so many top brands getting in on the Galaxy A16 accessory action, as it’s a better phone than you might expect from its low price. And, since you’ll save so much money by avoiding a flagship, you might have some left over for some of Samsung’s great OEM accessories.
