The Chat Command

The best case for you will ultimately be what works best for your lifestyle, so don’t get too caught up in what we’re recommending. While our top pick is the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro, all of the other options on this list are great. It’s just about what you want. 

*MRSP at the time of writing. Please note the prices may change with promotions, discounts, sales, and more. 

Choosing a new case can often feel onerous. Here’s our breakdown of which of our recommended cases may work for particular desires and use cases. Keep in mind that more cases will hit the market soon, too.  

We’ve spent many hours testing phone cases, from big names like Casetify and Samsung to lesser-known brands, to show you that you have many options. The phone case your grandma recommends you try might be the worst phone case you’ve ever had, which is why it’s essential to consider these factors before you buy:

• Durability: Many people may only care about the aesthetic of a phone case, but if you’re looking for a case that’s meant to protect your phone from drops, cracks, and scratches, then you’ll want to level up to a durable option. 

• Material: Phone cases have, no doubt, come a long way. With time, companies have been able to source the best materials, including silicone, leather, plastic, metal, and even recyclables such as cardboard or paperboard (each with pros and cons). If you have a strong preference for your case’s material, keep that in mind when you shop. 

• Features: Phone cases these days have come a long way, and they sometimes offer extra features like screen protectors, stands, stylus holders, and more. If you want a specific feature on your case, consider making that one of your top priorities as you search, and be prepared to pay a higher price, too, potentially. 

• Design: Just like your eyes eat first when eating, you could say the same about phone cases. When choosing a phone case, it’s also important to consider its style and design; after all, you’re most likely carrying it around with you 24/7. 

The ZDNET team spends weeks with a phone case, using it in many environments like the office, outdoors, grocery stores, or at home. We do so to test how well a phone case can perform in various environments, as each environment tests its durability and protection.

Although you can test phone cases with just a simple drop from various heights, you should conduct your own testing in your frequented environments to see how they hold up. At the end of the day, the only way to know if a phone case works for you is to try it on your own phone.

Realistically, no. But if you’re feeling adventurous — maybe. The Z Flip 5 has dimensions of 85.1mm x 71.9mm x 15.1mm when folded (HxWxD). The new Flip 6 is just slightly smaller, with dimensions of 85.1mm x 71.9mm x 14.9mm when folded. While the difference appears pretty minuscule, and it may be possible to reuse Flip 5 cases on the new Flip 6, ZDNET always recommends outfitting a new device with a case specifically designed for the proper measurements for maximum protection and the best fit.  

While Samsung has a whole page dedicated to trying to convince you to make the switch to a folding smartphone, the biggest draw is what made flip-phones so ubiquitous in the late ’90s and early ’00s: They’re easier to fit into your pocket. A folding smartphone is a unique solution to the demand for bigger and better screens on our mobile devices while balancing screen size with portability and practicality.

A foldable phone also lets you take selfies and group pictures without contorting yourself into uncomfortable angles for the perfect shot or asking strangers to take family photos. With the larger, unfolded screen, you can also multitask in several apps to streamline your workflow. 

And a foldable phone brings back the satisfaction of snapping your phone shut to end an irritating call.