Other Cases to Consider

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Spigen Tough Armor ($23) and Nano Pop MagFit ($20) Cases: These affordable cases both look nice and perform well for the price. The Nano Pop case was just a little too slippery for me, and the Tough Armor case’s kickstand was flimsier than I’d have liked. But if none of our other recommendations tickle your fancy, these options aren’t the worst.

Dbrand Tank Case for $60: This case looks very tactical. If that’s the look you’re after, it’s worth considering. For me, I found the back textures to be a little overstimulating and unpleasant. I wasn’t ever able to forget about my phone case. The buttons are swappable, and there are camera covers to help ensure a cohesive aesthetic. The case is durable and sturdy, and it makes it easy to get a good grip on the phone. It just comes down to the kind of design you prefer.

Poetic Spartan ($29), Revolution ($26), and Guardian ($25) Cases: I thought all three of these cases were just fine. I liked the Revolution’s built-in camera privacy cover, which also helped to protect the large camera array from bumps and bruises. But I wasn’t a fan of the rest of the design—while the built-in kickstand is a neat feature, I found the entirety of the case to be too clunky. The Guardian was the thinnest, and I liked it for the most part, although the black grippy edges were a little bulkier than I wanted them to be. I didn’t like the Spartan case’s built-in metal ring, tactical design, or rigid bumper corners. Overall, the Poetic cases had appealing prices but their designs just weren’t my favorites. All three of these cases come with screen protectors, which work fine (though you’ll have to install them the old-fashioned way).

OtterBox Profile Series Case for $40: I initially liked these slim, clear cases, but I didn’t love the way the ring of magnets looked on the back. I’m not sure if that’s because it was incongruous with the multi-lens cameras of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, or because of the color, but aesthetically I wasn’t a fan. The buttons on this case are also too resistant. But if you want a clear case that has some pizzazz, it might be an option worth checking out.

Another Good Screen Protector

Spigen AluminaCore Screen Protectors (2-pack) for $20: Installation for this screen protector was easy, with a foolproof frame and a peel-off sticker that leaves it exactly where you want it. I had some initial issues with bubbles (that I was able to remove with the included squeegee), which is why this isn’t my top pick. I do like that you get two in case of issues with installation, or as a replacement when you inevitably crack the first one.

A Case to Avoid

Samsung Slim Magnet Case: If this case cost $20, then I’d say sure, go for it. But it’s $70 for an exceedingly thin plastic shell with a ring of magnets built in. The build feels flimsy, and the case feels slippery. It’s almost easier to grip the phone with no protection rather than to hold it with this case on it. There are simply too many other options on the market for this one to be worthy of a recommendation.

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