The Samsung Galaxy S21 range is here, and while the smaller entries are still impressive, it’s the Galaxy S21 Ultra that’s stolen the show. With support for Samsung’s S-Pen, a massive 6.8-inch display with a dynamic refresh rate, and an incredible quad-lens camera system, it’s obvious the S21 Ultra is the new smartphone to beat in 2021.
But while Samsung’s new giant is powerful in hardware and software, it’s less invincible when it comes to facing down the big, bad world. A concrete sidewalk will end your $1,199 phone just as easily as it’ll take out a $300 budget device, so make sure you buy your new phone some protection to keep it safe. While we’re still waiting for some of the biggest manufacturers to get the ball rolling, there are still some great cases you can pick up right now, ahead of your Galaxy S21 Ultra pre-order.
Ghostek Atomic Slim Case
Ghostek is certainly making a name for itself, and with cases as good as the Atomic Slim, we can see why. The Atomic Slim uses a multilayer design with a soft inner layer and a hard outer shell to ward away bumps, scratches, and other hazards that could potentially damage your phone. A raised bezel helps to keep your phone’s camera lenses and big display protected when you set your device down, and the R7X shock-absorbing technology helps to shore up against drops and bumps. An excellent case, and although it comes at a relatively high price, it’s worth the investment to keep your phone safe.
LoveCases Blue Butterfly Case
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is a gorgeous phone, but it could always do with something to make it a little more unique. Choosing a case with a fun and funky design will do that, and LoveCases’s Blue Butterfly case fills that brief nicely. We really like the eye-catching design LoveCases has added to this case, but it’s not all just about the looks. It’s made from slim TPU, which means it will hold up well against minor bumps and scratches, though you may wish to turn to something more sturdy if you’re anticipating harder knocks in your device’s future. It’s well priced though, and its modest protection means this will make a good everyday case.
Olixar Leather-style Wallet Case
There’s no case style more classic than the wallet case. It’s a simple design, but it’s proven a winner, and you’ll likely see wallet cases everywhere. While it’s not real leather — not at this price — Olixar’s leather-style wallet case is still a case you should consider if you’re looking for a wallet case at a lower price. The PU leather looks like leather, and while it doesn’t feel exactly like leather, it’s durable enough to keep your phone safe. An inner pocket has space for spare cash, travel cards, or credit cards, and it can fold into a landscape kickstand as well, making it perfect for video watching on that 6.8-inch screen.
Nillkin Slim Protection Case with Camera Cover
The camera takes up a lot of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s rear side, and for good reason — the quad lens camera is packing some serious specs, and it’s sure to take some excellent shots. Nillkin’s slim case comes with the tools to keep that excellent camera safe, and has a simple slide-over cover for your camera module, keeping it safe from scratches and dirt. It’s a simple idea, but an effective one, and being able to cover your camera with a single movement, keeping it safe from fingerprints or worse is a great idea. Of course, you may forget to open it from time to time, but if you’re worried about your camera lenses, it may be worth the occasional moment of frustration.
Dahkoiz Clear Case
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a big, beautiful phone, and it would be a shame to hide that away. If that describes your attitude towards cases, then consider a clear case. Clear cases preserve as much of your phone’s natural beauty as possible, while still providing some protection against damage. Sure, you won’t get that feeling of cool glass in your hand, but at the very least you can rest easy knowing your phone is more protected. In protection terms, this isn’t going to be a rugged case. Instead, think of it more as a good daily case, that should protect against minor scratches and the occasional drop. It’s not heavy-duty, but it does have a raised bezel for screen and camera protection. A good, cheap case.