If you’ve taken the plunge and splashed out on a new Galaxy S3 phone then you’re going to want to invest in a decent case. Galaxy S3 cases come in all shapes and sizes. You can get top notch protection to guard against knocks and drops or you can go for a stylish eye-catching design. You can find options to suit any budget. We’ve got them all right here for you to peruse.
Let’s dive in and find the right Samsung Galaxy S3 case for you.
Also check out our roundup of the best Samsung Galaxy S4 cases.
Body Glove Tactic Case ($30)
A hard outer shell and an absorbent gel lining takes care of drops and shocks, while the gel ribs down either side provide great grip and make your S3 easier to hold. There are cut outs for the camera, the headphone port, and the Micro USB port, and gel covers for the volume and power controls. A choice of two tone color schemes gives it a pleasant look and the gel highlights also ensure your phone doesn’t slip when you put it down on smooth surfaces.
D. Bramante 1928 Leather Wallet ($50)
Handcrafted using the finest Indian leather, the D. Bramante 1928 Leather Wallet flips open like a book and has a magnetic closure. Inside you’ll find four slots for cards on the right with a cash pocket behind them. On the left there’s a larger pocket for your S3. Although there’s a cut out to make removing your phone in a hurry, this isn’t a case you’ll want to keep your phone in all the time because you have to remove the S3 in order to use it. Consider it a good travel case.
Cygnett UrbanShield Case ($30)
Brushed aluminum gives this case a premium look, which is combined with rubber, providing impact protection and better grip. The cut outs are all present and correct, so there’s no need to remove your S3 once it is snug inside this case. It doesn’t add much bulk and it comes with a screen protector to prevent any scratches on that display. You can also get this case with a carbon fiber or a silver finish on the back plate.
Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case ($100)
Power hungry would be a fair description of the S3, so if you want some extra juice then consider this battery case from Mophie. It will deliver just under a complete charge, which is enough to keep your S3 ticking for an extra few hours. It adds a little bulk and weight, but it’s actually pretty slim for a battery case. You get the usual LED indicators to show the power level, and the functions are all still accessible. It provides basic protection, though we wouldn’t advise dropping it deliberately.
Musubo Mummy ($30)
It may be inspired by Ancient Egypt, but this Musubo offering stops short of fully mummifying your Galaxy S3. It’s a malleable case, made from TPU, and it has a nice glossy finish. It fits snugly on the phone and it’s comfortable to hold. The cutouts are accurate, and there doesn’t seem to be any problem with flash glare on photos. It also comes with a wee plastic stand that supports various positions for sitting your S3 in portrait or landscape. Several colors are available, but white is best for the real mummy effect.
Belkin Shield Fade ($30)
For a minimalist, eye-catching design, you might be tempted by the Shield Fade. There’s a choice of two-tone color combinations and they’re all finished in high gloss plastic that matches the S3 nicely. It’s very slim and the cutouts are large, so it doesn’t interfere with operating the phone, but you can’t expect more than basic impact and scratch protection. The small Belkin man logo finishes off the premium look. Shop around and you’ll find it discounted.
OtterBox Galaxy S3 Armor Series ($100)
We wouldn’t ordinarily include two cases from the same manufacturer on the list, but OtterBox has unveiled its toughest case yet. The Armor Series is waterproof, dust proof, drop proof, and crush proof. A super tough case like this is always going to be bulky; that’s the price you pay for this level of protection. You can drop your S3 from 10 feet onto concrete, submerge it up to 6.6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, or apply two tons of pressure, and it will survive with the Armor case.
Arkon XXL Running & Workout Armband ($18)
Music is essential when you’re out running, and no one wants to miss calls, but you need an armband that can protect your phone from sweat. This Arkon armband is a good fit for the S3 and it’s not too expensive. The neoprene is comfortable and sweat resistant, the plastic window allows you to see the display easily, and there’s a cutout for your earphones. It’s a solid design, and you’ll find there’s room to pop cash or cards in there as well, should you need to.
Seidio Convert Combo ($50)
This combo pack includes the Surface case, which is a pretty standard, sleek case with the usual cutouts. On top of that you get a rugged skin and skeleton which includes covers for the controls, ports and the camera lens. You also get the Convert holster for easily clipping your phone to your belt and protecting the screen. The package is completed by a precision cut screen guard. You won’t find too many Galaxy S3 case options with protection for that lens, and this is a nice adaptable solution for different scenarios.
Cruzerlite Persona Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 ($14.90)
If you’ve never tried a TPU case then it’s about time you did, there’s a good reason so many Galaxy S3 cases are crafted from it. It’s lightweight; it doesn’t scratch; and it feels solid, but it’s also malleable enough to absorb the shock from bumps and peel off the device with ease. This range from Cruzerlite is slim and offers full access to your phone’s functions. They’re also fun, with Android mascot designs in various eye-catching styles.
Next Page: 10 more of the best Samsung Galaxy S3 cases.
iLuv Designer Hardshell Case for Galaxy S3 ($35)
You’ll find a range of artistic designs in iLuv’s hardshell case range from Snoopy, to more grown up options like these Pangborn Art Collection designs. The case itself is molded, hard plastic with a laminated design. It’s slim, tough, and durable. These hardshell cases are also smooth, so they work well if you’re slipping your phone in and out of tight jeans.
Vaja Agenda Leather Case ($95)
Here’s a premium leather case that can be customized to suit you. Choose the colors you want for the outer skin and the inner lining. The cover is crafted from two types of leather – there’s a grainy effect on the outside and smoother leather on the inside. The fit is perfect, and the case opens like a book and closes securely thanks to a magnetic closure. Unlike most leather cases, it doesn’t block any access to ports or controls.
Ballistic SG Maxx Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 ($50)
If you want tough protection then the four layers provided by the Ballistic Maxx should give you some peace of mind. There’s a molded screen protector, a shock absorbent polymer, a polycarbonate shell, and a soft, silicone layer with reinforced corners. To round off, it has a durable holster attachment. It comes in a range of two-tone colors and it does add bulk, but it also offers serious protection from falls.
ROCK Quicksand Case for Galaxy S3 ($19.10)
The distinctive Quicksand case from Rock is pretty stylish. It’s a polycarbonate (durable) shell with a sand-like finish that offers grip and won’t age easily. It’s tough, thin, and lightweight with all the usual cutouts you’d expect to find. It comes in a range of colors and sits flush with the screen, so it doesn’t compromise the look of the S3.
Cimo S-Line Back Flexible Cover TPU Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 ($8.93)
One of the main advantages of TPU is that it is soft and malleable so this case is easy to fit and it is shock absorbent. The edges are raised slightly to protect the screen and the case does provide some grip which prevents slips. The cutouts give you access to the ports you need and it’s nice and slim. It is cheap (in fact if you shop around you’ll probably get it cheaper than the direct price quoted above) so the quality isn’t amazing, but it offers good value for money.
OtterBox Commuter Case ($35)
OtterBox cases are some of the strongest on the market. Great quality from a name you can trust, this Commuter Series case from OtterBox offers dual layer protection. The inner silicone absorbs impacts and the outer polycarbonate bears the brunt of any bumps or falls. Silicone plugs protect your phone’s ports and there’s an adhesive screen protector to guard against scratches. The device can be used without any need to remove the case. This case strikes a good balance, protecting your phone without adding too much bulk. If you need something stronger check out the Defender Series.
Diztronic TPU Case ($9.90)
There is no need to spend big if you want basic protection with a slim form factor. You can choose from a variety of colors to suit your phone and these Diztronic TPU cases are flexible and durable. The cases have all the necessary cutouts and each one comes with a screen protector
Elago G5 Leather Flip Case ($35)
Leather is a good, durable material and it feels comfortable to hold. This case fits the S3 like a glove and it can be opened and closed like a book. All the features and ports are accessible and the front panel protects the gorgeous screen when you put the device in your pocket or in a bag.
Acase Superleggera PRO Dual Layer Protection ($15)
Like the OtterBox Commuter series, the Acase Superleggera PRO offers dual layer protection, but at a much cheaper price point. There is an inner silicone sleeve that fits the phone perfectly and a snap-on outer case made of hard polycarbonate. You’ve got access to all ports and controls so you never need to remove it. The case is also fingerprint and dust resistant. It comes in a nice range of colors with the black inner case creating a nice two-tone effect.
iSkin aura ($40)
If you want something stylish above all else then the iSkin aura is worth considering. The rubber-coated polycarbonate is tough and fits the phone snugly. The back of the case features a two-tone aluminum panel that matches the S3 design. It snaps on and provides cutouts for access to phone features and ports. There’s also a little loop for attachments and a screen protector.
Next Page: 10 more of the best Samsung Galaxy S3 cases.
Speck FabShell ($35)
This is a single piece case that combines a hard plastic shell with a rubberized bezel and button covers and patterned fabric on the back. The case offers good shock absorption and protection from knocks. The fabric back makes it comfortable to hold and provides a splash of style. If you prefer a plain color then check out the Speck CandyShell range.
Incipio Silicrylic DualPro Hard Shell Case with Silicone Core ($30)
A polycarbonate outer shell and a silicone core is a popular combo and Incipio employs it to great effect with this case. It is a snug fit, gives you all the access you need, and looks really stylish with that distinctive camera cutout and two-tone color effect. It also comes with a screen protector.
Spigen Neo Hybrid Color Series Case ($27)
This Spigen case comes in an unusual variety of two-tone color combinations. It’s another case with the dual layer approach. You’ve got a TPU back cover with a polycarbonate frame. It also comes with a screen protector and it offers the usual access to buttons and ports so you don’t ever really have to remove it.
Design Your Own Case Mate Barely There Case ($35)
What could be more of a personal statement than a case with your own design on it? The basic Barely There case from Case Mate is a popular option for a simple, one piece, lightweight case. For an extra ten bucks you can upload your own photograph or piece of artwork and have it printed on the case.
Aduro Shell Holster Combo Case with Kick-Stand ($17)
With a screen as gorgeous as the one on the Galaxy S3 you will want to watch movies or TV shows from time to time, and that’s when a case with a kick-stand can be very useful. This case is a shell holster with a rubberized back cover for easy grip. The holster clip swivels and locks and you can remove the phone easily from the holster but keep it in the case. The kick stand on the back works in portrait or landscape mode. The holster does add a fair bit of bulk. This case is currently discounted on Amazon.
Griffin Survivor with Belt Clip ($50)
Military grade protection is on offer with the Survivor case from Griffin. It’s a polycarbonate frame wrapped in shock-absorbing silicone with a built-in screen protector and hinged plugs for the ports. If you’re working or playing outdoors and you want your S3 with you, but you don’t want to risk any damage, then the dirt, sand, rain, shock, and vibration protection then this case provides could be just what you need. There’s also a detachable clip for fixing it to your belt or bag.
Zenus Galaxy S3 Masstige Oak Wood Block Diary ($30)
A flip open style like this, with pockets for your credit cards and ID, can be very handy if you want a true wallet replacement. This case is hand-crafted from synthetic leather and it has a stylish oak effect around the bottom. It’s an attractive price for a folio case, even although the leather is synthetic, and it gives good basic protection all around the device. The only flaw is the lack of a closure and you may have trouble keeping that white section pristine.
Luvvitt Genuine Leather Pouch ($30)
Simplicity itself, this premium grade leather pouch from Luvvitt has a soft interior lining and should provide durable protection for your S3. It fits like a glove, adding minimal bulk, and it comes in a wide variety of colors. There’s a small logo on the front and turning over reveals a speaker cut-out and also a flap. If you pull on the flap you’ll find it is a magnetic slider mechanism and it’s a quick way of pulling your S3 out of the pouch, while the flap slides back into place automatically.
Body Glove Drop Suit Case ($25)
This is a simple rugged case for extra grip and protection against drops. It’s a gel case with side bumpers and reinforced corners that absorb the impact of falls and keep your S3 protected. You’ll find all the standard cutouts and it’s available in black or navy. Body Glove also talks about the embedded anti-microbial agent, although stain-causing bacteria or odor on your phone is not a common problem, is it? Shop around for this one; we’ve seen it less than half-price on Amazon.
Urban Armor Gear Case ($35)
Rugged builds are all the rage—and why shouldn’t they be? Urban Armor Gear’s premium offering is durably lined with a lightweight and impact-resistance core and features a scratch-resistant, HD screen protector for maintain the pristine interface of your Galaxy S3. Standard cutouts on the back ensure camera lenses are still exposed, while minimizing washout due to flash interference, and the large button covers provide plenty of surface area so you can spend less time fumbling with buttons. It’s protection where it counts most.
Have you been using another case for your Samsung Galaxy S3? If you want to recommend one, or let us know how you got on with one of our suggestions above, then please post a comment.
