The best Samsung Galaxy S22 cases you can buy

The Samsung Galaxy S22 might not have all the bells and whistles of its more expensive counterparts, but it’s still an investment worth protecting with a case. The good news here is that you have a lot of options, from slim and light cases to rugged and wallet cases. To help you pick the right case for you, here at Android Authority we’ve tested and selected the best Samsung Galaxy S22 cases you can currently buy, and separated them into handy categories for your reading pleasure.

See also: Phone case buyer’s guide | Mobile accessories

The i-Blason Ares is perfect for those who want a clear case that doesn’t skimp on protection. It offers 360-degree protection with texturized edges that are easy to grip. The Ares combines a shock-absorbing TPU bumper with a scratch-resistant polycarbonate back panel to keep harm at bay. There may not be a built-in screen protector, but the raised front lip offers ample protection in any situation.

If you want a simple, thin Samsung Galaxy S22 case, you can’t go wrong with this Spigen case. It has a fairly basic design and only comes in matte black, but the case itself is extremely affordable and fits the Galaxy S22 snugly. Spigen has long been a favorite of ours (and our readers) here at Android Authority, and for good reason. It isn’t the thinnest nor the most protective cases, but it definitely hits that Goldilocks spot that makes it just right for most people. If you want something with a little more character, check out the new Spigen Neo Hybrid with a super grippy texture on the back.

While still in the realm of “normal” looking Galaxy S22 cases, this option from Ringke checks of a lot of boxes. First of all, it’s thin and lightweight, with a variety of color options to choose from. But what really won us over is the inclusion of holes in the sides of the case for a phone strap or lanyard. You won’t find this feature on many other cases, and it’s extremely handy for those of use who are clumsy.

Most thin cases are fairly basic looking, but Caseology makes some really funky cases that are perfect for those looking for more style. First up is the Nano Pop, pictured above, which features a two-ton design that will turn some heads without adding too much bulk to your phone. If the two colors are two much for you, there’s also a sleek black and grey version that’s worth checking out. The Caseology Parallax is a bit more bulky, but adds a textured finish to the back of the phone and comes with even more color options. Looking for something more subtle? The Caseology Skyfall is a clear case with just a hint of color around the sides that’s one of the most elegant clear cases we’ve seen.

Spigen once again makes our list of the best Galaxy S22 cases, this time with a clear option that shows off the phone’s natural beauty. The Ultra Hybrid, as the name implies, has a combination of polycarbonate backing and a TPU bumper, which gives it solid drop protection without adding too much weight. If you want something a little lighter, Spigen also makes a Liquid Crystal case that’s quite a bit simpler. Both, however, are fingerprint magnets in our experience, and clear cases are generally more difficult to keep clean than other types of cases. It shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it’s worth considering before buying.

There aren’t a lot of differences between this and the option above, although we found that this one was slightly softer to the touch and easier to install. The standard clear version also suffers from fingerprint problems, but there are matte versions that largely solve this issue. Plus, it comes with the lanyard holes found on other Ringke cases, which most other manufacturers neglect.

ESR makes a trio of excellent Galaxy S22 clear cases, but our favorite is the Metal Kickstand case. As you might guess, it has a built-in kickstand that’s sturdy enough to support the phone in both landscape and portrait orientation. Most kickstands found on cases are too flimsy to be useful, and they’re already rare on clear cases to begin with. ESR’s other clear cases are the Project Zero, which is a no-frills thin case, and the Air Armor, which has military-grade drop protection. Any of these are great options, and all of them are quite affordable.

Otterbox is one of our favorite brands for rugged cases, and the company’s Defender series is the best of the best. Make no mistake about it, this is a thick and bulky case, but it’s made to take a beating. It also has a built-in belt holster clip for extra dad style points. The clip doubles as a kickstand, but honestly it’s not the best implementation so don’t expect too much in that regard. There are several color options to choose from, which you don’t always see from cases in this category. If you want a bit more texture, the Otterbox Defender Pro has a textured back and comes in at exactly the same price point.

Urban Armor Gear (or UAG for short) is yet another excellent brand for protective cases, and the Monarch is one of the most impressive Galaxy S22 cases we’ve ever seen. In terms of protection, it has everything you could ask for: five layers of material, reinforced corners, textured sides, and raised lips around the screen and camera module. Despite this, it’s surprisingly light. The company also now offers a Monarch Kevlar edition, which has an ultra-rugged Kevlar finish, but bears a slightly higher price tag.

For a nice middle ground between protection and weight, this Spigen case is one of the toughest the company makes. It features military-grade drop protection as well as a polycarbonate shell to prevent any scratches or external damage to the case. While it does also features a kickstand to prop the phone up in landscape orientation, in practice we found it a bit weak and flimsy. It’ll probably be fine for a phone as light as the Galaxy S22, but it isn’t the most durable kickstand we’ve tested, which is a shame because otherwise the case is fantastic. Like most Spigen cases, color options are limited. It comes in black and gunmetal grey.

Samsung always offers excellent first-party leather cases for its phones, and the Galaxy S22 is no different. Coming in black, green, or grey, they all feature a soft, supple leather that doesn’t add too much weight to your phone. The interior is lined with a soft microfiber, so you don’t have to worry about any damage to the phone itself. That said, this case doesn’t offer much protection, and it doesn’t have a lip on the front to protect your screen. We also wish there were a natural leather finish offered, but for that you’ll need to get a third-party case.

Don’t mind spending a little extra? Samsung sells a variety of first-party cases in its “View” lineup, each with a cover that displays information while closed. This allows you to check the time or your notifications without turning on your phone. This year also marks the return of the LED View cover, which features two pockets for cards on the inside. These two cases are a bit more pricey than other options on our list, but the added functionality makes them well worth the price.

Samsung widened its official case offerings recently to include these new strap cases, which are simple silicon cases with a built-in strap on the back to make them easier to hold. You can also use the clasp to attach lanyards or phone straps for even more utility. However, it only comes in two colors (white with a green strap or navy with an orange strap), and neither is particularly aesthetically pleasing. Being first-party cases, they’re also quite expensive, so unless you want a case right now we recommend waiting for more attractive options like the Otterbox PopSocket to become available for extra grippy bits.

How we test phone cases

We rigorously test smartphones, accessories, and other products in our reviews here at Android Authority, and we consider many attributes before recommending a phone case. This is also true for the best Galaxy S22 cases. Here’s a quick rundown of what we consider:

• Protection: There’s an obvious difference between thin and rugged cases, but there’s a lot of variation between options within each category. Where possible, we simulate real-world drops from different heights to see how they’ll hold up. We also consider design elements like corner protection, raised lips around the display and camera module, and covered buttons.
• Build materials and quality: Cheap materials are prone to breaking or cracking during installation. Poor molds can also lead to loose or tight fitting cases that also are not ideal. We closely inspect how well a case fits, as well as how easy or difficult it is to install and remove.
• Grip: Not everyone wants a grippy case, but those who do have high expectations. Apart from hands-on testing, we also test phones on different surfaces like wood or marble to see how prone they are to slipping. Typically, cases with ridges or bumps along the back or sides are the clear winners in this regard.
• Installation and removal: The Galaxy S22 is a well-built phone, but a case that’s too tight still runs the risk of damaging it if it’s too difficult to remove. If you have to apply excessive force to remove or install a case, that’s a big red flag in our book.
• Design and colorways: These are exceptionally persona choices, which is why we strive to include a wide variety of designs and colors to choose from. Where possible, we also include customizable cases that can be further tweaked to suit your personal style.
• Price: You don’t always get what you pay for. Often affordable cases have better build qualities and offer more protection than expensive cases. Brand plays a big role here, which is why we’re always on the lookout for new models and price variations.