David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
- Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
Why You Can Trust CNET
6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000
The Samsung Galaxy S22 series is no longer Samsung's latest and greatest flagship lineup, but these phones are still outstanding devices. The S22 devices are excellent phones with powerful hardware and cutting-edge displays. These devices remain some of the best Android phones out there, but that doesn't mean they're impervious to drops, dents, dings and scratches. This is why it's crucial to protect your investment with a good case. With so many options available, though, choosing the best S22 cases can be difficult.
Finding a case that fits your budget is important, and there are many affordable cases out there, but there are also added features and functions you'll want to consider. And make sure you get the correct model when shopping for cases -- even the best S22 Ultra case is going to be too big for the base S22 phone, for instance. So what are some features to watch for while shopping for protective cases? And which offer top-notch protection? Your phone model and the way you use your phone may determine whether you want a rugged case or one with a slim and lightweight profile.
For example, the best S22 Ultra case options might include a kickstand, which is helpful because the phone is quite hefty. A slim case might be best for the smaller S22 Plus (with a 6.6-inch screen), which we like to refer to as the middle child in the S22 lineup. And a slim case might also be good for the standard S22 (6.1 inches), which is the most compact of the trio. A case with card slots or rugged protection might work best for your needs, or even a case that helps extend your battery life.
Everybody has their own opinions about which features make up the best Samsung case -- and the best case for phones in general. Ultimately, the best protection depends on your unique needs. That's why my picks come in a variety of styles, from clear to opaque, and from slimmer models to more rugged armor cases to folio wallet cases.
Note that some of the recommendations for these Galaxy S22 series cases are based on my experience using nearly identical models with preceding Galaxy smartphones, as well as iPhones. The cases below are listed at the starting price for the line, so make sure you're buying the case that matches your S22. The same goes for tempered glass for extra protection -- match the size to the specific model of your S22.
Without further ado, here are some of the best S22 Ultra case, Plus case and standard case options. I regularly update this best Samsung case roundup with new picks as more candidates arrive.
Leading case maker Speck brings a selection of protective case options to the Galaxy S22, including (from left to right in picture above) the Presidio Perfect-Clear Ombre, Presidio2 Grip and Presidio Perfect-Clear.
All the new models have very good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck's Microban antimicrobial coating. The cases start at around $9 in various color options. Sometimes Speck offers discounts to first-time buyers on its site.
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Tough but relatively slim S22 cases
Speck Cases
Leading case maker Speck brings a selection of protective case options to the Galaxy S22, including (from left to right in picture above) the Presidio Perfect-Clear Ombre, Presidio2 Grip and Presidio Perfect-Clear.
All the new models have very good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck's Microban antimicrobial coating. The cases start at around $9 in various color options. Sometimes Speck offers discounts to first-time buyers on its site.
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases that are right there with OtterBox and Speck. They're all lined with the company's D3O shock-absorbing material and feature beveled edges to protect your phone. Shown here from left to right are the Copenhagen (13-foot drop protection), Denali (16-foot drop protection), Milan (13-foot drop protection) and Crystal Palace (13-foot drop protection). All use some recycled plastic in their construction, but the Copenhagen, made out of 52% plant-based material, is technically the most eco-friendly.
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Slim, stylish protective S22 case
Gear4 Cases
British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases that are right there with OtterBox and Speck. They're all lined with the company's D3O shock-absorbing material and feature beveled edges to protect your phone. Shown here from left to right are the Copenhagen (13-foot drop protection), Denali (16-foot drop protection), Milan (13-foot drop protection) and Crystal Palace (13-foot drop protection). All use some recycled plastic in their construction, but the Copenhagen, made out of 52% plant-based material, is technically the most eco-friendly.
If you're looking for a cheap clear case for your new Galaxy S22, Spigen's Ultra Hybrid is a good value at around $15 to $17, depending on the version you get. I like the Ultra Hybrid S (second from the left in photo), which has an integrated kickstand. The Neo Hybrid, on the far right, is a fairly basic case, while the Cryo Armor (second from right) is a $22 triple layer "gaming" case that's designed to "absorb and dissipate heat from your phone during hours of gameplay."
No drop rating is listed for these Samsung phone cases, but most Spigen cases, except for the slimmest models, offer reasonable protection. If you want a tough case with decent protection, get one of its Armor models.
Note that a lot of these cheaper clear cases have a habit of turning yellow and degrading over time, which makes them less translucent. But they're cheap enough that you probably won't mind shelling out for a replacement if and when that happens.
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Top budget cases
Spigen Cases
If you're looking for a cheap clear case for your new Galaxy S22, Spigen's Ultra Hybrid is a good value at around $15 to $17, depending on the version you get. I like the Ultra Hybrid S (second from the left in photo), which has an integrated kickstand. The Neo Hybrid, on the far right, is a fairly basic case, while the Cryo Armor (second from right) is a $22 triple layer "gaming" case that's designed to "absorb and dissipate heat from your phone during hours of gameplay."
No drop rating is listed for these Samsung phone cases, but most Spigen cases, except for the slimmest models, offer reasonable protection. If you want a tough case with decent protection, get one of its Armor models.
Note that a lot of these cheaper clear cases have a habit of turning yellow and degrading over time, which makes them less translucent. But they're cheap enough that you probably won't mind shelling out for a replacement if and when that happens.
The company's super protective Defender series case is available for all the Galaxy S22 models, but most people want something less bulky. I like the Symmetry series cases -- they're slim with beveled edges, making them a good mix of sleek and protective. That said, I've come to like the more protective Commuter Series better, thanks to the grips it has on the back and sides, as well as having raised edges on the front that should help protect your screen. The raised bezel acts as a screen protector to keep your screen scratch-free and the camera module gets the same treatment.
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Best slim OtterBox S22 case
OtterBox Commuter Series
The company's super protective Defender series case is available for all the Galaxy S22 models, but most people want something less bulky. I like the Symmetry series cases -- they're slim with beveled edges, making them a good mix of sleek and protective. That said, I've come to like the more protective Commuter Series better, thanks to the grips it has on the back and sides, as well as having raised edges on the front that should help protect your screen. The raised bezel acts as a screen protector to keep your screen scratch-free and the camera module gets the same treatment.
Rokform's been making tough smartphone cases for years and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts -- including bike, car and motorcycle mounts -- that are sold separately.
Rokform's cases have removable magnets and they're compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. "With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts," Rokform says.
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Rugged mountable case
Rokform S22 Rugged Case
Rokform's been making tough smartphone cases for years and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts -- including bike, car and motorcycle mounts -- that are sold separately.
Rokform's cases have removable magnets and they're compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. "With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts," Rokform says.
Available in a few color options, Raptic's Shield case costs less than competing premium cases from Speck and OtterBox and is a pretty good value overall. It has 10-foot drop protection, as well as an antimicrobial treatment.
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Premium S22 case for a little less
Raptic Shield
Available in a few color options, Raptic's Shield case costs less than competing premium cases from Speck and OtterBox and is a pretty good value overall. It has 10-foot drop protection, as well as an antimicrobial treatment.
Samsung's Clear Standing Cover isn't anything fancy but it's a protective clear case that has an integrated kickstand. You can prop your phone up horizontally or vertically using the kickstand, which seems sturdy (it's larger than Spigen's integrated kickstand). Alas, it's currently out of stock but will hopefully ship soon.
Show expert take Show less
Show less
Best Samsung-branded S22 case
Samsung Clear Standing Cover
Samsung's Clear Standing Cover isn't anything fancy but it's a protective clear case that has an integrated kickstand. You can prop your phone up horizontally or vertically using the kickstand, which seems sturdy (it's larger than Spigen's integrated kickstand). Alas, it's currently out of stock but will hopefully ship soon.