Samsung just released a constellation of Galaxy S21 phones: the S21, the S21+, and the S21 Ultra. They're the company's new flagship phones and have the features to prove it.
The Galaxy S21 is an itty-bitty phone that "packs plenty of power into its small stature," according to our lead mobile analyst, Sascha Segan. It holds its own against the iPhone 12 mini, with 5G technology that networks don't even support yet. For those who want something more, by which we mean a larger screen size, there's the Galaxy S21+. If you really want to go all out, the Galaxy S21 Ultra delivers a high-quality superzoom camera that truly works, supports Samsung's excellent S Pen, and sets the bar for smartphone features in 2021.
And while the S21 lineup is slightly more affordable than the S20, it's still a big investment you'll want to protect. We make the case for several dozen of the best ones below.
UAG Lucent Series (Galaxy 21 )
True to its name, the UAG Lucent is light in every way except protection. It's impact-resistant but doesn't weigh your S21 down.
Gear4 Havana (Galaxy 21+)
The Gear4 Havana has reinforced corners to guard against drops and antimicrobial protection to ward off germs.
Totallee Thin Case (Galaxy S21)
Cases don't get any thinner than the Totallee Thin. It's perfect for when you want something to guard against scratches but still want to see your phone shine through.
Raptic Shield Iridescent (Galaxy S21)
If you're dazzled by the iridescent drama of the Raptic Shield case, don't let it distract you from its shock-absorption, impact-resistance, and even antimicrobial properties.
Gear4 Denali (Galaxy 21)
The Gear4 Denali gives you a good grip on your phone. If it somehow slips anyway, it has 16-foot drop protection.
Gear4 Copenhagen (Galaxy 21 Ultra)
The Gear4 Copenhagen takes its name from the capital of the most climate-friendly country in the world, and that's appropriate, since it can be recycled.
Tech21 Evo Wallet (Galaxy 21)
The Tech21 Evo Wallet has space for cards and cash and conveniently covers your phone's screen as well.
Speck Presidio Perfect Ombre (Galaxy S21)
The Speck Presidio Perfect Clear Ombre offers just a hint of color and a lot of impact protection.
UAG Civilian Series (Galaxy 21+)
The UAG Civilian series is for civilians who maybe lead a more rugged lifestyle than most. Aside from being impact-resistant, it has cushioned honeycombed protection built into it and shock-absorbing panels.
OtterBox Commuter Series (Galaxy S21+)
Your phone makes the same journeys you do, so put it in a sturdy OtterBox Commuter series case to get it safely from place to place.
UAG Monarch Series (Galaxy 21 Ultra)
The UAG Monarch series might be named for a butterfly, but it provides the toughest protection of all among the company's lineup of cases. It has five-layer protection, but remains fairly light.
Tech21 Evo Slim (Galaxy 21 Ultra)
The Tech21 Evo Slim is an understated case that will help keep your phone case for falls up to 8 feet.
LifeProof Wake Case (Galaxy 21)
The LifeProof Wake case rides the wave of environmentally friendly products. It's made of salvaged fishing gear and a dollar from each sale goes to a water-conscious nonprofit.
Case-Mate Soap Bubble (Galaxy S21+)
The Case-Mate Soap Bubble case looks like a soapy surface and is antimicrobial, too. The iridescent effect changes as it moves.
OtterBox Otter + Pop Symmetry Build Your Own (Galaxy S21)
Why buy a separate PopSocket when you can get the Otter + Pop Symmetry case with built-in support for one? Choose your own design for a bit of DIY.
OtterBox Defender Series (Galaxy S21 Ultra)
If you have a throw-it-in-and-go attitude when you take your phone along, then do your S21 a favor and put it in an OtterBox Defender. It's made to withstand a lot, and has antimicrobial silver for when things get gross.
Case-Mate Rifle Paper Co. (Galaxy S21)
Rifle Paper Co. is known for its pretty patterns, and the blue floral is a perfect pairing for this minimalist Case-Mate case.
Tech21 Evo Sparkle (Galaxy 21+)
Subtle shimmer graces the face of the Tech21 Evo Sparkle case, but germs won't because its surface is antimicrobial.
Speck Presidio2 Grip (Galaxy S21+)
The Speck Presidio2 Grip is a classic and comes in three colorways.
Speck Presidio Ultra Clear (Galaxy S21 Ultra)
The Speck Presidio Perfect Clear is the case to get if you want one you can see through since it guards against yellowing.
Case-Mate Twinkle (Galaxy S21 Ultra)
Give your phone some glam with the Case-Mate Twinkle. It has real glitter embedded into its shock-absorbent shell.
