Featured in this article
A Samsung Galaxy The S26 case is probably the first thing you’ll buy once you’ve chosen your new device. Whether you went with the S26, the S26 Plusor the S26 UltraI’ve tested cases and screen protectors that will help minimize damage when you inevitably drop it.
Below are my favorites (so far), ranging from sturdy, durable cases to ultra-thin minimalist options. Don’t forget to check out our related guides, including the Best Samsung PhonesTHE Best foldable phonesand the Best phones with a headphone jack.
How to enable Qi2 charging on your Samsung Galaxy S26
Unfortunately, there’s no native Qi2 support on the Samsung Galaxy S26 range, meaning a magnetic phone case is the only way you can take advantage of it. Qi2 Charging Speeds And other benefits. We recommend several magnetic enclosures in this guide.
A note on magnetic accessories
Photography: Louryn Strampe
It’s important to note that due to Samsung’s camera design, some MagSafe or otherwise magnetic accessories don’t work well with the S26 line. I haven’t had a problem with one PopSockets handlebut I had problems with most magnetic wallets I tried to use. Power banks are also hit or miss. Anything square or rectangular may give you problems due to the design of the camera. This is a frustrating legacy of Samsung S25 range.
WIRED has historically not conducted drop tests because we do not have infinite test units, drop tests are notoriously difficult to control outside of a laboratory environment, and “dummy” phones are generally not an accurate and precise representation of the phone we wish to test. However, I am working to standardize a similar protocol. Remember that while a case or screen protector may offer some protection, it is not necessarily a guarantee against screen breakage.
For now, I test phone cases by evaluating fit, comfort, overall appearance, and checking the accuracy and responsiveness of buttons or additional features. Next, I will test additional cases from Zagg, Spigen, Casely, Otterbox, Mous, ESR and other brands. I’m going to track some down too magnetic accessories which work with the S26 series camera design.
Best Clear Case
Photography: Louryn Strampe
Spigen
MagFit ultra hybrid
This clear case from Spigen is affordable and looks awesome. There are 10 different styles to choose from, but I prefer this classic semi-transparent takedown look. The case is more thin than protective, but the printed graphics give you a little texture to keep your phone from feeling as slippery as it would without a case. My only minor complaint is that the volume buttons can seem a little difficult to press – not impossible at all, but just not as responsive as other cases I’ve tried. This remains an option to consider, especially if you want a minimalist case with a neat design.
Colors available 10 Materials Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane Thickness 0.4 inches (as a whole) Weight 40 grams MagSafe? Yes Manufacturer’s Drop Test Information Drop height of 1.2 m, 26 times Best Clear Case for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Photography: Louryn Strampe
brand
Ghost Case 2.0 (Galaxy S26 Ultra)
We’ve been fans of Dbrand’s Ghost Case 2.0 since its redesign, and I love it for the S26 Ultra as well. The edges are sturdy and grippy no matter how my smaller hands hold this bigger phone, but they’re not too intrusive or bulky. The transparent parts of the case are truly transparent without being magnets for dust or fingerprints. There is also an anti-yellowing guarantee; If your Ghost case turns yellow, Dbrand will replace it for free. The S Pen is easily accessible and the buttons are easy to find with a satisfying click response.
This case is available with or without MagSafe. I recommend choosing the with option, because why wouldn’t you give yourself a choice?
Colors available Clear Materials Not listed Thickness 1.8mm Weight 41 grams MagSafe? Yes (optional) Manufacturer’s Drop Test Information 12 feet
Best slim case
Photography: Louryn Strampe
This aramid fiber shell is ideal for those who want to prioritize finesse. It will offer a little protection, but I wouldn’t call it strong or particularly important. You’ll be better protected against scuffs and scratches than any major damage. The woven case has a bit of texture that makes it easier to grip, and it has a ring of magnets for MagSafe accessories and Qi2 charging. Keep in mind that your phone’s buttons won’t be protected at all. These cases also have Aaron Buttonsnamed after Aaron Swartz. Customizable NFC buttons can be used in multiple ways, from opening specific apps to turning on a flashlight or starting a playlist. The shell-shaped case tends to crack if you remove it too quickly: go slowly!
Colors available 3 Materials Aramid fiber Thickness 0.04 in Weight 1 ounce MagSafe? Yes Manufacturer’s Drop Test Information Not listed Best Rugged Case
Photography: Louryn Strampe
Zag
Rainier Snap Case with Kickstand
I’m generally a fan of minimalist cases that emphasize form over function. This rugged case isn’t so overtly tactical that your sleek new flagship phone will start to look more like military tech than a pocket companion. This is a two-piece case: place your phone in the bottom half and attach the frame to keep it secure. It remains thin and light, with hard plastic bumpers at the corners and a raised lip around the camera array. It has built-in magnets for MagSafe accessories and Qi2 charging, and I also like the built-in kickstand that stays unobtrusive until you decide to use it. The buttons could be easier to press, but I noticed that’s the kind of compromise you can expect if you want a case that’s more protective than pretty.
Colors available 2 Materials Thermoplastic polyurethane Thickness Not listed Weight 4.4 ounces MagSafe? Yes Manufacturer’s Drop Test Information 22 feet
Most design options
Photography: Louryn Strampe
Casetify was caught steal drawings other companies before. Do with this information what you will. There are dozens of designs to choose from for each of the S26 phones, ranging from simple designs to Instagram-worthy prints. There are also options for built-in kickstands, and the majority of cases are MagSafe and Qi2 compatible. My favorite is the mirrored body, which looks unique and has a well for the camera array rather than cutouts that sit flush with each lens and sensor. There are also dozens of custom case options if you want to mix and match features or add your own photos or text. These aren’t the grippiest cases I’ve tried, but the button cutouts are precise and I like that the cases feel substantial without adding too much bulk or weight.
Colors available Dozens Materials Not listed Thickness Not listed Weight Not listed MagSafe? Yes (optional) Manufacturer’s Drop Test Information 4.9 feet - Security & Privacy > Screen Lock & Biometrics > Fingerprints > Add a Fingerprint”],”. You may want to increase the touch sensitivity of your screen by accessing “[[“strong”,”Settings > Display > Touch sensitivity”],”.”]],”hasContextualCaption”:FAKE,”Functional tags”:[],”identifier”:”69ca7055817afe631d9fd43d”,”picture”:{“textalt”:”Image may contain electronic devices, cell phones, business cards, paper and text.”,”legend”:””,”Content type”:”photo”,”credit”:”Photography: Louryn Strampe”,”Segmented sources”:{“sm”:[{[{“height”:240,”width”:320,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_320,c_limit/dbrand-prism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”},{“height”:480,”width”:640,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_640,c_limit/dbrand-prism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”}],”Maryland”:[{[{“height”:480,”width”:640,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_640,c_limit/dbrand-prism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”},{“height”:960,”width”:1280,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_1280,c_limit/dbrand-prism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”}],”LG”:[{[{“height”:480,”width”:640,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_640,c_limit/dbrand-prism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”},{“height”:960,”width”:1280,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_1280,c_limit/dbrand-prism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”}],”xl”:[{[{“height”:480,”width”:640,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_640,c_limit/dbrand-prism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”},{“height”:960,”width”:1280,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_1280,c_limit/dbrand-prism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”}],”XXL”:[{[{“height”:480,”width”:640,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_640,c_limit/dbrand-prism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”},{“height”:960,”width”:1280,”URL”:”https://media.wired.com/photos/69cecd4839d131f3009c94d1/4:3/w_1280,c_limit/dbrand-pr ism-source-louryn-s26.jpg”}]}},”defaultImageForProductSummaryGrid”:{“textalt”:”Deaf”,”Content type”:”photo”,”Segmented sources”:{“sm”:[{[{“height”:240,”width”:320,”URL”:”https://stag-media.wired.com/photos/6329701f995b6da54b57efcb/master/w_3200,h_2400,x_0,y_0,c_limit/placeholder-image.jpeg?format=original”},{“height”:360,”width”:480,”URL”:”https://stag-media.wired.com/photos/6329701f995b6da54b57efcb/master/w_3200,h_2400,x_0,y_0,c_limit/placeholder-image.jpeg?format=original”},{“height”:480,”width”:640,”URL”:”https://stag-media.wired.com/photos/6329701f995b6da54b57efcb/master/w_3200,h_2400,x_0,y_0,c_limit/placeholder-image.jpeg?format=original”},{“height”:600,”width”:800,”URL”:”https://stag-media.wired.com/photos/6329701f995b6da54b57efcb/master/w_3200,h_2400,x_0,y_0,c_limit/placeholder-image.jpeg?format=original”}],”LG”:[{[{“height”:300,”width”:400,”URL”:”https://stag-media.wired.com/photos/6329701f995b6da54b57efcb/master/w_3200,h_2400,x_0,y_0,c_limit/placeholder-image.jpeg?format=original”},{“height”:600,”width”:800,”URL”:”https://stag-media.wired.com/photos/6329701f995b6da54b57efcb/master/w_3200,h_2400,x_0,y_0,c_limit/placeholder-image.jpeg?format=original”},{“height”:900,”width”:1200,”URL”:”https://stag-media.wired.com/photos/6329701f995b6da54b57efcb/master/w_3200,h_2400,x_0,y_0,c_limit/placeholder-image.jpeg?format=original”},{“height”:1200,”width”:1600,”URL”:”https://stag-media.wired.com/photos/6329701f995b6da54b57efcb/master/w_3200,h_2400,x_0,y_0,c_limit/placeholder-image.jpeg?format=original”}]}},”hasNativeImgLazyLoading”:TRUE,”isHedClickable”:FAKE,”isPromotion”:null,”name”:”Prism 2.0 Screen Protector (2-Pack)”,”offers”:[{[{“Offer URL”:”https://dbrand.com/shop/prism/galaxy-s26-tempered-glass-screen-protectors”,”price”:”$35″,”currency”:”USD”,”purchaseUri”:”https://cna.st/p/2SQUXCr65hrURCKtKXsQZN7JUBTVH4qji6rjePG2vM1DHyfBDXnmR6R3Z5izuhG7KqXfarz12NHsjf3LjiuV44oo6NwXc1AonSrbj Ym3E8KiSFopu4md7J86oNbJJyX7yxKPPywXzYRWUDJznW6ZKrxUCudCR7MuAFJhzbNJJUHhzUGHjhRhxeR8GjEPmtcfZwyhSQTFU91k2cgd5QYUipoaFuuX svd7c8Hh7EPHGGe42LtxvYzRRTBojDSQZatBqPBf48Dtw2a4medstm2MQpQp4GHDt6K5APf6Ra8W2vdy9nTHA9KDTNMSrLGo7Kz23zUUPLRUiZUozqpMz6a U4bGSarVL6kxRUgQGEdjCob2LS5HUirzM3mHLpEAjPNm5AZuFSybm8A2fsaS2HZmPC116EVm662b5hwExcFEHPC5dfV7eQfwcrgnAzifn5XKTW2DUTGvpjU”,”Seller Name”:”Brand D”,”country code”:”WE”,”Offer ID”:”69ca709925e78b430e85bf95″,”Reduced price”:””}],”promotionHed”:null,”promotional text”:null,”socialIconsProps”:{“links”:[]},”itemSocialSharesProps”:{“showBookmark”:TRUE,”links”:[]},”showLocalizedOffers”:TRUE,”hasCheckPriceFeature”:FAKE,”isUpcEnabled”:TRUE,”activateUnifiedVenueCard”:FAKE,”hint”:5,”showClampedProductDescription”:TRUE,”hasReadMoreFeature”:FAKE,”ProductDescriptionLineLength”:5,”isMobileView”:FAKE,”showMultipleImageCount”:4,”hasProsConsFeature”:FAKE,”hasRatingFeature”:FAKE,”benefits”:[],”disadvantages”:[],”rating”:””,”subtype”:null,”should use AmazonPrimeDayLiveAPIData”:TRUE,”textBadge”:null,”seal”:null,”commentsCount”:0,”order”:5,”total number”:6,”pre-header”:””,”showGalleryOrdered”:FAKE,”hasAffiliateLinkDisabled”:FAKE,”layout”:”ProductEmbed”,”component”:”unified_product_card”,”total_index”:1,”hasMultipleImage”:FAKE,”showProsConsData”:FAKE,”video identifiers”:[],”offersLength”:1,”hasBookmarkingFeature”:true}”>
Best screen protector
Photography: Louryn Strampe
brand
Prism 2.0 Screen Protector (2-Pack)
Dbrand Prism 2.0 screen protectors are “idiot-proof”. This is the easiest installation experience I’ve ever had with a screen protector. You’ll receive two tempered glass protectors, as well as a cleaning kit including alcohol wipes and a microfiber cloth. Unfortunately, there are no anti-dust stickers, which are usually included in screen protector kits from other brands. However, you get a raclette. Place the applicator case on top, remove the sticker, and your screen protector will be perfectly installed (and you can use the squeegee to remove any air bubbles you may encounter).
When you add a new screen protector, you will probably need to add your fingerprint again. Do so by accessing Settings > Security & Privacy > Screen lock & biometrics > Fingerprint > Add fingerprint. You may want to increase the touch sensitivity of your screen by accessing Settings > Display > Touch sensitivity.
Other cases to consider
Photography: Louryn Strampe
Spigen Heavy Duty Armor And Nano-Pop MagFit Holsters: These affordable cases both look good and perform well for the price. THE Nano-Pop the case was just a little too slippery for me, and the Robust armor the case’s kickstand was flimsier than I would have liked. But if none of our other recommendations appeal to you, these options aren’t the worst.
Dbrand Tank Case for $60: This case seems very tactical. If this is the look you’re going for, it’s worth considering. For me, I found the back textures a little too stimulating and unpleasant. I could never forget my phone case. The buttons are swappable and camera covers are present to ensure a consistent aesthetic. The case is durable and sturdy, and makes it easy to get a good grip on the phone. It just depends on what type of design you prefer.
Poetic Spartan, RevolutionAnd Tutor Case : I thought these three cases went very well. I liked the The revolution a built-in privacy cover for the camera, which also helped protect the large camera array from bumps and bruises. But I wasn’t a fan of the rest of the design: while the built-in kickstand is a nice feature, the whole case was too bulky for my preferences. THE Tutor was the thinnest, and I liked it for the most part, although the grippy black edges were a bit bulkier than I wanted. I didn’t like the The Spartan case integrated metal ring, tactical design or hard bumper corners. Overall, the Poetic cases I tried were attractively priced, but their designs weren’t my favorite. All three of these cases come with screen protectors, which work great (although you’ll have to install them the old-fashioned way).
More good screen protectors
Spigen AluminaCore Screen Protectors (2-Pack) for $19: Installation was easy, with a heavy-duty frame and peel-off sticker that leaves the protector exactly where you want it. I had some initial issues with the bubbles (which I was able to remove with the included squeegee), which is why it’s not my first choice. I like that you get two in case of installation issues, or as a replacement when you inevitably crack the first one.
Cases to avoid
Samsung Slim Magnetic Case for $70: If this thing costs $20, then sure. But it’s $70 for an extremely thin plastic shell with a built-in ring of magnets. The construction feels flimsy and the case is slippery as well. It’s almost easier to grip the phone without protection than to hold it with this case on it. There are simply too many other options on the market for this one to merit a recommendation.
Power up with unlimited access to CABLE. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe today.
