Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Forbes
Forbes
Technology
Ryan Whitwam, Contributor

The Best Cases For Your Galaxy Note 9

An assortment of cases I tested.

The Galaxy Note 9 is a very, very expensive phone at $1,000 for the base model. You definitely don’t want to drop that kind of money and then drop your phone without protection. A good case can mean the difference between a forgettable non-event and a smashed phone that could cost hundreds to fix. I’ve tested the top cases for this phone from companies like Spigen, Casology, and Samsung itself. Here are the cases you should buy.

Best Slim Case: Spigen Neo Hybrid

The Neo Hybrid.

Spigen’s Neo Hybrid case doesn’t add too much bulk to the already gigantic Note 9, and it still offers a basic degree of protection. The top and bottom rise up just above the screen, and the edges slope down far enough so as not to interfere with the curved display. It’s a single piece, so there are no fiddly liners to get misaligned, and the button alignment is spot-on. The exterior has subtle Spigen branding and a textured pattern that looks nice and adds some much-needed grip. The case also comes in several colors. It’s a bargain at $16.99.

Best Rugged Case: Samsung Rugged Military Case

The Samsung Rugged case.

Samsung’s official Note 9 Rugged Military case has a bad name, but it’s a fantastic way to protect your phone. This case has a thick plastic frame that wraps around your phone without impinging on the screen. The material has some give, so it’ll cushion the phone in the event of a fall, and it’s also pleasant to hold. Samsung’s official case has perfect button and cut-out alignment as well. The ridges on the back are a tasteful accent that makes the case visually interesting and adds grip. The Samsung branding on the back is understated as well. The middle section of the case is also a kickstand for propping the phone up. This case is a bit spendy at around $35, but it’s worth it. This case isn’t always available at Amazon, but you can also get the case from Mobile Fun.

Best Clear Case: Spigen Ultra Hybrid

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid.

Clear cases have less to get wrong, but many of them still manage it. The best bet is the Spigen Ultra Hybrid. It uses a thin, rigid clear plastic that won’t discolor as easily as soft clear cases. The buttons also feel much nicer than the rubbery cases. The textured inner surface also helps minimize smudges from trapped skin oils. You do need to wipe the phone well, but it’s better than most cases for just $12.99.

Best Wallet Or Flip Case: Samsung LED View Flip Case

The Samsung LED View Flip Case.

If you want something to cover the screen of your phone when not in use, the official Samsung LED View Flip Case is the best option. When you close the cover, the case lights up the time with embedded LEDs. You can also assign the LEDs to display images when you get calls from selected contacts. There’s also a slot in the cover to keep a card or ID. It’s expensive at about $60, and some users complain about the cover refusing to stay closed. That has not been my experience, though. If Amazon is sold out, you can also check Mobile Fun.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.