While the Galaxy S23 Ultra might be a generation behind, it's still one of the best Android phones on the market. That worth needs to be protected, and the best way to do that is to grab one of the best phone cases.
Phone cases remain the best way to protect your Samsung Galaxy S23 from damage — no matter how durable Samsung has tried to make it. In our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review, we found the phone to be relatively durable against scratches thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2. But accidents happen, and even a basic protective case can help prevent catastrophic damage.
However, buying a case can be difficult due to how many options there are. We have compiled this list of the best cases we have tested to help you make an informed decision. It's also a great time to pick one up, as Black Friday is just around the corner so there will be a lot of great deals on the horizon.
Our list combines cases with varying features, such as the Speck Presidio 2 or the stylish Thinborne Aramid Fiber Case. With that, let's take a look at all the options available to you.
Best case overall
Colors: Black, Charcoal Grey, Blue
Materials: Polycarbonate
Weight: 3.17 ounces
+ Grooved ridges for grip
+ Air pockets for protection
+ 13-foot drop protection
+ Antimicrobial treatment for the surface
- Design lacks flair
The Speck Presidio 2 keeps the Galaxy S23 Ultra protected in more ways than one. It has raised edges around the camera to keep the lenses safe from scratches. The case offers 13-foot drop protection as well as what Speck calls the Presidio 2 Armor Cloud technology that forms an airbag around the phone and between the case, should you drop your S23.
Currently, this phone case is on sale, so now is a great time to pick it up for a 77% price decrease. The reviews all praise the build quality and the phone protection, however, it can be difficult to get it off the phone when it needs cleaning.
Thinnest S23 Ultra case
Colors: Black
Materials: Aramid fiber
Weight: 0.49 ounces
+ Ultra thin and light
+Eye-catching design
+ Good grip
- Only one color option
If you are looking for a durable case without all the bulk, then this CaseBorne Aramid Fiber case is a good option for your Galaxy S23 Ultra. While there’s no listed drop protection, you can expect the Aramid Fiber case to shield the phone against everyday wear and tear. It is extremely thin at 0.03 inches and fits the S23 Ultra like a second-skin. Not only does the matte carbon fiber look stunning, but it also provides a good grip for the phone.
Overall, customers seem to love the case with them praising the feel, the build quality and the looks, but as mentioned there are not a lot of options color-wise. Special mention goes to the strength of the magnets, which are often mentioned.
Best clear case
Colors: Clear, Iridescent
Materials: Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer
Weight: 2.53 ounces
+ MagSafe compatible
+ Bumper sides for protection
- Slightly expensive
-colored glass is lost on darker phones
Qi2 wireless charging is bringing MagSafe charging to Samsung’s phones, and Mous is already on the case with a MagSafe-friendly Galaxy S23 Ultra case. Whether you pick the Irisdescent version or the completely clear case, you’ll get AiroShock impact protection that helps protect the camera with a bumper-like design around the phone.
Mous cases are well known for their quality, and the protection they offer and this is no different. It's also got some style with the clear back, although this can be vulnerable to scratching. However, Mouse cases don't offer the best camera protection, which can be a turn-off for some.
Most stylish-looking case
Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Terra cotta
Materials: Leather
Weight: 1.16 ounces
+ Wireless charging compatible
+ Sleek looking
+ Uses recycled materials
- Other options offer more extensive protection
The Bellroy Leather Case is almost as sleek and elegant as the Galaxy S23 Ultra itself. It comes with a microfiber lining on the inside and eco-tanned leather on the outside. The case feels soft to touch and the finish is made to age well in the four colors it comes in. It has a slim-fit on the phone but offers slightly less protection against falls than what you might get from the other best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases.
Bellroy's case has been praised for its overall build quality and the color options on display. However, the issue is that many customers have complained that the camera holes don't always match up and the fit can leave something to be desired.
Hard-to-drop case
Colors: Black, White
Materials: Silicone
Weight: TBA
+ Unique design
+ Detachable grip
+ Smooth finish
- Limited color options
Samsung’s own Silicone Grip Case fits the S23 Ultra pretty snugly, as you might expect from a case that comes directly from the phone maker. The case has a unique design with a silicone grip on the back to hold onto that prevents drops while holding the phone or even while clicking pictures. The case itself has a smooth Silicone finish that feels good in the hand. It comes in only two colors but the grip itself is detachable and additional, more colorful options can be bought separately.
Most rugged case
Colors: Black, Orange, Purple
Materials: Thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate
Weight: 2.7 ounces
+ Extensive protection
+ Built-in kickstand
+ 21-foot drop protection
+ Under $25
- Adds some bulk
The Galaxy S23 Ultra might be a durable phone, but to make it even more rugged and add a layer of true toughness, you could consider the CaseBorne V. It has a hard shell design with a foam lining on the inside that combines to promise 21-foot drop protection. The case also features port covers to keep those openings safe from dust or water — and that includes the phone’s S Pen slot. This tough-looking case also has a built-in kickstand.
There's nothing like a kickstand on a phone case, as it makes so many things much better. The case has been praised for its sturdiness, with many claiming that it can take a real beating. Added to this is the overall quality of money that the case represents.
Best S23 Ultra case value
Colors: Black
Materials: Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Weight: 2.22 ounces
+ Military grade protection
+ Clear acrylic back
+ Less than $25
- Kickstand close to the camera array
True to its name, the ESR Shock Armor Kickstand Case comes with military-grade protection and shock-absorbing air-guard corners. It has a clever 2-part design with a clear back cover and a bumper around the sides of the phone for extra safety. There is a kickstand built into the camera array. While at first glance, it may not look that rugged, the polycarbonate frame and back cover promise to keep the Galaxy S23 Ultra protected from what life throws at it.
Getting a stand in a case this cheap is a real steal, especially when it has the added camera protection. If you want something cheap, but reliable then this is the case for you.
Most durable case
Colors: Kevlar Black, Clear, Crimson, Silver
Materials: Leather, Carbon Fiber, Polycarbonate, Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Weight: 2.08 ounces
+ 25-foot protection
+ Strong build using Kevlar material
+ Qi and MagSafe compatible
- An expensive option
The $99 UAG Monarch Pro Kevlar case is one of the pricier options among the best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases. But in return, you get a heavy-duty shock-proof cover that’s rated to survive 25-foot drops. The structure of the case is sturdy with five layers of protection, but you can still charge your phone wirelessly with both Qi and MagSafe technologies. The sides of the Monarch Pro have a traction grip so the S23 Ultra won’t slip easily.
Eco-friendly case
Colors: Black, Blue
Materials: Recycled plastics, D3O Bio
Weight: 3.2 ounces
+16-foot protection
+ Cool design
+ Uses recycled plastics
- Slightly heavy
Named after the mighty Denali mountain in North America, Zagg’s case is durable and strong, with 16-foot drop protection for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. It is made of D30, a shock-dispersing material that hardens on impact. Even better, that material repurposes recycled plastics, so you don't have to fret that protecting your S23 Ultra means expanding your carbon footprint. Available in two colors — either black or blue — the case looks stylish with a sleek design, with ridges that help provide a firm grip.
The Zagg case promises a lot, and it seems like it delivers on the majority of them. The design is stylish, without being ostentatious and being made of recycled materials is always a win. However, the heaviness can be a turn-off if you're looking for something you won't notice in your pocket.
What to look for in the best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases
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You’re getting a case for your Galaxy S23 Ultra to keep it protected, so it stands to reason that one of the main things to consider is drop protection. Though the edge of the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s screen is less curved than previous models, it’s still a design that’s not always easy to grip so the best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra case is going to feature the design and materials that help prevent chips, cracks and damage because of accidental falls. Cases that promise a 4-foot drop protection or more are what you should seek out.
Also make sure that you’re getting a case specifically designed for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Because the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus are different sizes, their cases won’t work with your larger phone, but even cases designed for previous Ultras may not be an exact fi, as Samsung can tweak phone dimensions, lens sizes and button placement.
To that end, a good S23 Ultra case should not make clicking side buttons like volume or accessing different ports including the S Pen holster too difficult. Your best bet is to stick to cases made for the S23 Ultra to ensure a good fit.
How we pick the best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases
We pick Galaxy S23 Ultra cases initially based on customer reviews, word-of-mouth and reliable brands. Sometimes we may call in cases for more detailed testing. When evaluating the best cases, we consider price, colors, protection and if there are any special features. Because phone cases are such a personal choice, we try to include a variety of styles to fit different tastes.
Which is the best Galaxy S23 Ultra case with MagSafe?
If you want to use Apple's magnetic wireless charging system with your Galaxy S23 Ultra, it's entirely possible. We like the Mous Clear Case and the UAG Monarch Pro Kevlar Case for their MagSafe abilities, although which one you should go for will depend on if you prefer your cases slim or chunky.
Can I use a Galaxy S22 Ultra case with the Galaxy S23 Ultra?
There's not much in it, but there are some size differences between the Galaxy S22 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Ultra that means their cases aren't quite compatible. You wouldn't notice it by looking, but trust us, you're best sticking with a Galaxy S23 Ultra-specific case for your S23 Ultra.
