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Best Samsung Galaxy S3 cases (pictures)

Looking for a case for your Galaxy S3? Here are CNET's current top picks.

David Carnoy
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
David Carnoy
Auduro_Shell_Holster_S3_2.jpg
1 of 24 Amazon

Aduro Shell Holster Combo with Kickstand

At $13, the Aduro Shell Holster combo case is one of the better deals out there if you're looking for a highly protective case that also features a built-in kickstand.

Price: $13

See pricing for the Aduro Shell Holster Combo from Amazon.com.

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2 of 24 BoxWave

BoxWave ColorSplash

This is your basic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) case that also has a built-in kickstand, which comes in handy for watching video. One small design note worth pointing out: with the kickstand folded back into the case, the back of the case isn't completely flat. The Colorsplash is also available in a red and a translucent version.

Price: $19

See pricing for the BoxWave ColorSplash from Amazon.com.

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3 of 24 Amazon

Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum

Case-Mate's classy-looking Barely There Brushed Aluminum case carries a list price of $40 but can be found for less than $20, which is what it should cost.

Price: Around $18

See pricing for the Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum from Amazon.com.

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4 of 24 Amazon

Cimo Gloss Back

While Cimo's Gloss Back isn't terribly fancy, it makes the list because it's slim and simple, has a nonslip texture (it's grippy), and costs around $9 shipped. It comes in multiple colors, but we're highlighting the translucent model.

Price: $9

See pricing for the Cimo Gloss Back from Amazon.com.

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5 of 24 Amazon

Covert Wallet Case

The Covert is simple and slim faux-leather wallet case that won't break the bank.

Price: $10

See pricing for the Covert Wallet Case from Amazon.com.

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6 of 24 Amazon

CrazyOnDigital Armor Case

CrazyOnDigital Armor Case is a simple tough case with a bit of design flair that you can get for less than $15 shipped. It comes in multiple colors, but the most popular model appears to be black.

Price: About $13

See pricing for the CrazyOnDigital Armor Case from Amazon.com.

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7 of 24 Amazon

CruzerLite Androidified

For those of you who wear your Android love on your case, the well-priced CruzerLite may be right up your alley. Comes in multiple colors, but I'm a little bit more partial to the translucent green case.

Price: $10

See pricing for the CruzerLite Androidified case from Amazon.com.

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8 of 24 Elago

Elago Breathe Case

A simple slim case, the Elago Breathe distinguishes itself with its perforated design. Available in multiple colors.

Price: $9.99

See pricing for the Elago Breathe case from Amazon.com.

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9 of 24 Elsse

Elsse Super Premium Folio Case with Stand

If you plan on watching a lot of videos on your S3, you should probably take a hard look at the Elsse Super Premium Folio Case with Stand. It has a folding origami-style flap that converts into both a horizontal and vertical stand. Available in multiple colors.

Price: About $15

See pricing for the Elsse Super Premium Folio Case with Stand from Amazon.com.

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10 of 24 Amazon

Nintendo Game Boy Case

Well, we had to put one novelty case in the roundup. This is it. It comes in multiple colors and is inexpensive.

Price: About $5

See pricing for the Nintendo Game Boy Case from Amazon.com.

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11 of 24 Incipio

Incipio Silicrylic DualPro Shine

Incipio makes a few different Silicrylic models that come in various colors. The DualPro Shine is a bit of a slicker version of the case, but you can save a few bucks by getting the standard Silicrylic, which also has a silicone interior wrapped in a hard-shell exterior.

Price: Around $21

See pricing for the Incipio Silicrylic DualPro Shine case from Amazon.com.

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12 of 24 Amazon

JKase Slim-Fit Streamline

JKase's Slim-Fit Streamline is your basic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) case that's inexpensive and distinguishes itself with some added grippy texture along its edges and a wave design on the back. It comes in multiple colors. This case is also sold as the BoxWave DuoSuit, but the BoxWave version costs more.

Price: Around $8

See pricing for the JKase Slim-Fit Streamline from Amazon.com.

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13 of 24 iSkin

iSkin Aura

I liked iSkin's Aura, which is also available for the iPhone 4/4S and other smartphones. With its two-tone aluminum back shield, it's certainly a sleek, eye-catching case (it comes in three color combos) and has a slim profile. Its only downside is its relatively high price.

Price: $35

See pricing for the iSkin Aura from Amazon.com.

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14 of 24 iSkin

iSkin Vibes

For its Vibes line, which comes in multiple colors, iSkin touts its Microban antimicrobial protection, which "helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause stains and odors." I'm not sure I've ever had a smartphone case with a B.O. problem, but hey, it makes for good marketing.

This one's a bit overpriced, but it is slicker than your average TPU case.



Price: $30

See pricing for the iSkin Vibes from Amazon.com.

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15 of 24 Amazon

MiniSuit Versatile Case Cover + Stand + Book Folio Wallet

The MiniSuit Versatile Case Cover + Stand + Book Folio Wallet is a faux-leather wallet-style case that offers excellent protection and has slots for credit cards inside the front cover. I didn't try this model but I did try Spigen SGP's nearly identical Illuzion, which retails for about $20 more. The only small issue I had with the case is that you really can't stick too much stuff inside the slots before it gets hard to close the cover. So, it's really just designed to hold a credit card or two, a driver's license, and some maybe some carefully folded $20 bills.

Price: Around $10

See pricing for the MiniSuit Versatile Case Cover + Stand + Book Folio Wallet from Amazon.com.

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16 of 24 OtterBox

OtterBox Commuter Series

The Commuter Series isn't OtterBox's most rugged case, but it is considered tough and it isn't as bulky as the Defender Series. It's also more affordable. Available in multiple colors.

Price: Around $16

See pricing for the OtterBox Commuter case from Amazon.com.

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17 of 24 OtterBox

OtterBox Defender

OtterBox brings its flagship Defender Series premium tough case to the Galaxy S3, available in multiple colors. You only get a slight discount off the list price when you purchase it online.

Price: Around $35

See pricing for the OtterBox Defender Series from Amazon.com.

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18 of 24 Amazon

Rugged Dual-Layer Impact-Absorbing Case

If you're looking for a tough case for your GS3, the Rugged Dual-Layer Impact-Absorbing Case, which features a built-in kickstand, is one of the better deals out there at around $12 shipped.

Price: Around $12

See pricing for the Rugged Dual-Layer Impact-Absorbing Case from Amazon.com.

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19 of 24 Amazon

Samsung Flip Cover

This is Samsung's official flip-cover case for the S3. It's a nice, thin case that offers good protection. Its only fault is that, at over $30, it's pricey for what it is. Available in multiple colors.

Price: Around $35

See pricing for the Samsung Flip Cover from Amazon.com.

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20 of 24 Sena Cases

Sena Classic Flip

Sena makes a few different cases for the Galazy S3, including the Classic Flip (pictured) and the Magia Wallet, both of which are availabe in a few different color options. While the company's cases are made of high-quality leather, their only drawback is that they're expensive.

Price: $55

See more info on the Sena Classic Flip case.

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21 of 24 Speck Products

Speck CandyShell

Speck makes a few different GS3 cases, including the Pixel Skin HD (pictured top right) and the popular CandyShell case, which you can see protecting plenty of iPhones. The CandyShell (pictured at bottom) comes in multiple colors and fits very snugly onto your phone. The inside is made of soft rubber, whereas the outer shell has a smooth plastic sheen that gives it a striking look.

While the list prices can be high on Speck's cases, you can usually find them for significantly less on Amazon. For instance, the CandyShell lists for $35, but can be had for closer to $20, depending on your color choice.

Price: Around $25

See pricing for Speck CandyShell from Amazon.com.

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22 of 24 Spigen

Spigen SGP Argos leather case

Spigen SGP makes several nice but somewhat pricey cases for the Galaxy S3. The first I'm highlighting the Argos, which is one of the slickest flip-cover style cases available for the GS3. It's available in multiple colors, including white and vintage brown, and is made of leather.

Price: $39.99

See pricing for the Spigen SGP Argos from Amazon.com.

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23 of 24 Spigen SGP

Spigen SGP Ultra Flip

Spigen SGP's Ultra Flip is one of nicest cases out there with a horizontal flip cover. That cover is made out of leather and the slim plastic case has a leather back glued to it (hopefully, the glue holds up over time). It's fairly pricey but it's a very slick case and comes in a few different color options.

Price: $34.99

See pricing for the Spigen SGP Ultra Flip from Amazon.com.

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24 of 24 Amazon

Urban Armour Gear Composite Case with Impact Resistant Bumpers

Another tough but affordable S3 case that you'll find anywhere between $20 and $24 on Amazon, depending on your color choice (white is the cheapest). I like the rugged design flare.

Price: Around $22

See pricing for the Urban Armour Gear case from Amazon.com.

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