Released in 2018, Samsung’s flagship smartphone returned in the form of the Samsung Galaxy S9. Marketed as a premium Android device, the S9 boasts an enhanced camera, a new fingerprint scanner, and a 1440p Super AMOLED display.
The Galaxy S9 is built to last years, but to keep your S9 running strong, we suggest investing in a durable case that can strengthen your grip on this otherwise fragile and slippery smartphone. To help you find the right offering for you, we’ve rounded up a few of the best options on the market.
Ghostek ATOMICslim Case
Boasting a dual-layer design that combines strong lightweight aluminum and a flexible TPU inner skin, this case from Ghostek really is one of the toughest you can find for the Galaxy S9. It has been drop-tested to military grade and can withstand falls from as high as 12 feet, with its shock-absorbing corners helping to deflect impacts. It also offers a scratch-resistant transparent back and raised lips for the screen and camera lenses. If that wasn’t good enough, it also supports wireless charging and provides an anti-slip grip.
OtterBox Defender Series Rugged Case
If you want superb dual-layer drop protection, then the Otterbox Defender is worth checking out. Its soft inner layer absorbs shock and the hard outer shell deflects damage, providing some of the sturdiest possible protection you can get from a case. You do also get port covers to keep dust out of your headphone jack and charging port. It also comes with an antimicrobial coating, helping to reduce the bacteria your hands come into contact with while using your phone.
Youmaker Heavy Duty Galaxy S9 Case
Here’s a very reliable way of providing your Galaxy S9 with all-over protection. It combines a rugged (yet lightweight) case with a built-in screen protector, which can be attached to the front of the phone to provide 360-degree protection. The main case has been military drop tested, so it will keep your phone in one piece if it happens to slip out of your hands. There’s also a fold-out kickstand, so you can use the case to watch TV or video chat with friends.
Catalyst Impact Protection Case
A longtime favorite among iPhone users, Catalyst has created its first protective case for the Samsung Galaxy S9. This rubber case is extremely durable and features a grippy design, making it easy to hold. It’s also able to handle drops of nearly 10-feet, thanks to its proprietary cushioning system. And the best part of all is the Catalyst case is slim and unobtrusive, ensuring your phone maintains its naturally gorgeous form factor.
Spigen Liquid Crystal Case
With a flowery flourish, this lightweight TPU case will protect your Galaxy S9 from minor falls and bumps. There are air pockets in the corners, but this is also a thin case, so it’s not going to offer rugged protection. It’s transparent, with good openings for the camera, fingerprint sensor, and all ports, as well as tactile button covers. If you’re not keen on the flowers, you can get the Spigen Case in a plain clear version, sparkly variants, or a matte black case.
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Case
Proving that you don’t need to spend big to get rugged drop protection, the Supcase Unicorn Beetle offers complete dual-layer coverage with a built-in screen protector. There are tactile button covers, port covers to keep dust out, accurate openings for the camera and fingerprint sensor, and ridged sides for enhanced grip. This case even comes with a holster and belt clip. It will safeguard your S9 from falls of up to four feet. The screen protector is the weak for us — it’s too easily scuffed — and the flaps can be fiddly, but this case does offer a lot for the money. You can get it in black for $20 or choose from blue, pink, or the pictured white for $23.
Rhinoshield SolidSuit Case
We’ve been fans of Rhinoshield’s CrashGuard Bumper for years now. It’s ideal if you want to add solid drop protection to your phone without covering it up. But the case maker has started to craft some other cases that are worth a look, and for the Galaxy S9, we’re recommending the SolidSuit case. The Rhinoshield SolidSuit Case offers impressive drop protection that has been fully tested up to 11 feet, so you can be confident that your S9 will survive drops unscathed. It’s also a slim, light case with accurate openings, tactile button covers, and a raised lip around the top and bottom of the screen. You can get a plain black one for $30 or pay an extra $5 for the carbon fiber finish.
Carved Traveler Wood Case
If you’re looking for a blend of natural wood and gorgeous artwork, then you have to head over to Carved. You’ll find basic, durable black plastic cases with grippy sides fitted out with a stunning array of back panels crafted from real wood and painted or inlaid with eye-catching designs. You can opt for plain wood if you prefer, but there are lots of great designs worth considering. The fit of the Carved Traveler Wood Case is good, and it will provide basic protection, though you’ll want to look elsewhere if drop protection is a top priority. These cases are really all about the style.
Noreve Tradition D Case
Leather cases don’t get much more luxurious than this. Saint Tropez, France-based Noreve is an expert leather case maker that offers an extremely wide range of different leather finishes, colors, and other extras. The Noreve Tradition D is a folio-style case with a simple closure and generous openings for easy access to everything from the camera to the volume buttons. It’s a padded case that feels good in the hand and offers all-around protection, but it does inevitably add some bulk to the svelte S9. Prices start at around $46 for fake leather and head toward $100 for special handcrafted finishes.
UAG Plyo Case
The Plyo series from Urban Armor Gear is a bit sleeker and more refined than its standard range. You still get an impact-resistant core and reinforced corners for good drop protection that meets military drop-test standards, but the main body is transparent and devoid of extraneous detail. Ridged edges enhance your grip, and the button covers are oversized to make them easy to find and press. There is also a surround above and below the screen to prevent it from touching surfaces. The UAG Plyo Case comes in four translucent colors and won’t interfere with Samsung Pay or wireless charging.
Scooch Wingman Case
We like the clever design of the Scooch Wingman Case, especially its versatile, curling kickstand on the back. You can curl it around your finger to hold your S9 securely, use it as a landscape or portrait stand, or insert it into the air vent in your car. The case itself has all the cutouts you need for easy access, tactile button covers, and reinforced sections top and bottom that cover the corners and guard against drop damage. Scooch also donates 10 percent of each purchase to programs that support victims of crime and domestic abuse.
Mous Real Aramid Carbon Fiber Case
The Mous Real Aramid Carbon Fiber Case combines a flexible TPU bumper with a polycarbonate back and a magnetic mounting system. The back plate to finish it off and give it a distinctive look is carbon fiber, but you can also get wood, leather, or a shell-effect finish. These svelte cases only add 2.3mm to your Galaxy S9’s profile. There are air pockets inside to ensure drop protection and each case ships with a screen protector.
Incipio DualPro Case
If you’re worried about cracking that curved display, then the Incipio DualPro Case is a sound investment. This has been one of Incipio’s bestselling cases for a decade now — and with good reason. It covers the S9 from every angle, with a protective lip around the screen, tactile button covers, and generous openings for the camera, fingerprint sensor, and ports. It boasts an understated style in matte iridescent colors, including lilac, rusted gold, red/black, and rose quartz/gray. There’s also a sleek black option if an iridescent case isn’t for you.
Speck Presidio Folio Case
We’re big fans of Speck’s Presidio Grip case, but for the S9 we’re recommending this new Presidio Folio case. You get the same excellent drop protection for falls from up to 10 feet, and the cover provides complete coverage and also folds back to act as a landscape stand. Inside the cover, there’s a hidden slot that opens to reveal space for three cards. It’s durable, protective, and comes in heathered black, dolphin gray, blue, or red, all paired with gray.
Tech21 Evo Check Case
The Tech21 Evo Check case assures that your Galaxy S9 will be able to endure drops from elevations of up to 12 feet, which is almost a two-story plunge. The polycarbonate shell merges with Tech21’s proprietary Flexshock material to protect your Samsung smartphone. Complete protection never felt so efficient, with a lightweight, skinny casing that comes outfitted with flexible button covers and sufficient openings for charging or connective plug holes. It’s a thin case when you consider the level of security it grants, and it has all the cutouts you require for effortless access plus stretchable buttons for accuracy. Aside from black, this sheer check-patterned case comes in various colors, including aqua, fuchsia, gray, midnight blue, and orchid.
Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet Case
Everyone admires leather for its sturdiness and stylish looks. The Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet Case supports leather’s majestic attributes, presenting a polished aesthetic, voluptuous texture, and, of course, top-quality protective performance. SnakeHive’s folio cases are manufactured from Nubuck leather and are available in different colors, such as black, navy, plum, deep green, moss green, orange, and honey gold. The wallet-style design encloses your Galaxy S9 for total protection in contrast to a conventional case. The magnetic cover can fold back to serve as a landscape stand, and the case also comes with three card pouches and a more spacious pocket on the back.
Griffin Survivor Clear Case
Since the Samsung Galaxy S9 looks so svelte, you may reject the thought of putting it inside a case, even if you’re concerned about breaking the phone. Luckily, a see-through case like the Griffin Survivor Clear Case offers an attractive solution. This case provides you with plenty of protection, but you can still accentuate the sleek lines and jaw-dropping colors of your S9. The transparent case comes at a low price and shields your phone from falls up to four feet high, even if you drop it on cement. While military drop-test standards can vary, this case has added drop protection on the sides to absorb any impact. That, paired with the Griffin name and outstanding reputation, should be sufficient to encourage you to try this case.
Editors’ Recommendations