Protection options
Cases for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are just starting to hit the market with plenty more on the way.
Some cases are available for both S6 and S6 Edge while others aren't (right now there are more cases for the standard S6).
In trying to boil down the best cases currently available, I steered away from bulkier cases and focused more on thinner cases that offered a decent degree of protection while mixing in a few folio cases for those who want a wallet-style case with more screen protection and some storage for credit cards and little cash.
Of course, when it comes to protective cases, personal taste is a big factor (and plenty of people don't bother with them), and we may have missed a few that you think should have been included. As always, we'll be updating this list as more products arrive.
Click the arrow to see the picks.
Speck CandyShell Inked
Speck, one of the leading case makers, is bringing its usual assortment
of case options to the GS6. You can get the standard CandyShell (solid colors) or opt for one of the models in its Inked line (the one you see here is called "Field Blue/Cadet Blue").
Price: $40 available at Amazon
Speck CandyShell Grip
I also like the CandyShell Grip, which is currently the only Speck case available for the S6 Edge. It's been available for other phones for the last few years.
Price: $35 available at Amazon
Verus Wallet case
Verus' folio-style cases aren't fancy and the Verus logo is displayed a little too prominently on the front of the cases, but they're well designed and affordable. This model is available in a few different color options and has three slots inside for credit cards.
Price: Around $22 available at Amazon
Otterbox Symmetry Series
OtterBox has a full slate of cases available for the GS6, including its flagship Defender Series tough case (available in a few different color options). If you don't want a case this protective, Otterbox does offer slimmer cases and hasa more fashion-forward case called the Symmetry (pictured) that we like.
The Symmetry is available in multiple color options, including the floral pattern you see here, as well as plainer, more conservative options.
Price: Around $45 (at Amazon.com)
See more info and pricing for Otterbox Symmetry Series case.
Spigen Wallet Case for S6 Edge
Spigen offers some of the best cases for the money, which is why I've included several models in this round up.
This its Wallet, a folio-style case with slots for credit cards and cash. Available in multiple colors for both the S6 and S6 Edge, though the design is arguably superior for the Edge version because it's easier to get the phone in and out of the case.
Price: $18 Galaxy S6 Case or Galaxy S6 Edge Case
Spigen Ultra Hybrid for S6 Edge
The Spigen Neo Ultra Hybrid is a simple and slim clear case that preserves the look of the GS6 Edge without adding much bulk. It also comes in versions where the side bumper is a color instead of clear.
Price: Around $14
Tech 21 Evo Check
We've always liked Tech 21 cases, which offer a good blend of protection in a slim design and feel good in your hand (they're easy to grip).
At $40, the Tech 21 Evo Check is a little expensive for what it is, but it's a favorite of editor Jessica Dolcourt, who isn't a fan of cases.
She wrote: "It keeps a low profile and is easily pocketable, but the slight check design on the back and multiple colors help give it some personality without being overbearing. Power and volume keys are extremely easy to press."
Price: $40
Incipio Octane
There's nothing terribly fancy about Incipio's Octane, which has a rigid exterior and soft interior, but it's a solid case for the money. Available in multiple colors, this one is also available for the S6 Edge.
Price: Around $20
Cover-Up Woodback Snap case
Cover-Up makes slim cases with real wood backs that it calls Woodback Snap cases.
I can't say that they're ultraprotective (as I said, they're slim), but they do have a lot of character, come in a variety of wood types and aren't all that expensive at around $26-$31.
Price: $26-$31
Pelican ProGear Protector
If you're looking for a tougher case, Pelican makes a few for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, including the sturdy ProGear Protector, which comes in a few different colors and is being sold through AT&T (it's currently $30 with a $10 discount online).
We're showing the S6 Edge version here, but it also comes in a standard S6 version.
I personally prefer the Protector, but the Pelican ProGear Voyager is an even tougher case that sells for around $10 more. However, it's only available for the standard S6.
Price: Around $30
Urban Armor Gear
A lot of people like Urban Armor Gear cases because they're very protective yet manage to maintain a slick, industrial look. Available in multiple color options, with some price variation according to color.
This case also comes in a version for the S6 Edge that costs about the same price.
Moshi iGlaze
I personally like Moshi's folio-style wallet cases and have used them with the Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6, but currently its iGlaze line is all that's available for the Galaxy S6 (nothing yet for the S6 Edge).
It's a little pricey at $35, but the iGlaze is a well made, attractive case that comes in black or pink. Moshi says the case is surface-treated with a proprietary hard-coating to bring a refined look of glazed ceramic (it looks like brushed aluminum).
I don't like the iGlaze XT as much, but it does show off your S6 better since it is a translucent case.
It's also worth noting that Moshi makes a nice screen protector, the iVisor Glass for S6. It, too, isn't cheap, but it does a good protecting your screen and is made out of real glass.
Samsung S-View Flip cover
The S-View Flip Cover for the Galaxy S6 features a rectangular peephole cut into the cover, giving you partial access to the screen.
The phone can sense when the cover is closed and switches to a minimized view when new updates arrive, putting the information in a tiny window that lines up with the cover's cutout. In this view, you can get access to information such as the time, battery status, the current music playlist, and caller ID.
The list price on this case is high ($49.99), but you can find it for significantly less online.
Available in multiple colors (prices vary by color).
Price: Around $35
BoxWave Crystal Slip
BoxWave makes several inexpensive cases for the GS6, including the Crystal Slip, a simple translucent TPU "gel" case. You can also get this case in other translucent colors, as well as solid colors.
Price: $13
Rokform Crystal V3 w/ Car Magnetic Dash Mount
Rokform is known for its rugged cases that feature a mounting system. Its new Crystal V3 ($39.99) includes a magnet mount that you can use in your car (you simply stick the magnet to your dashboard) or anywhere else you want to mount your phone.
A separate adapter (included) makes the case compatible with Rokform's wide selection of additional mounting accessories.
Currently, the case is only available for the Galaxy S6 and not the S6 Edge, and only available in this transulecent version. But Rokform should have additional S6 options in the future.
PureGear Slim Shell
PureGear makes a few different Galaxy S6 cases, including the Slim Shell Case pictured here (it's available for both the S6 and S6 Edge). If you're looking for something that's tough but not too bulky, there's also the DualTek Extreme Shock case, which also comes in multiple colors.
Price: $25
Obliq Slim Metal
Obliq's one of those no-name companies that you see selling cases on Amazon. They look a lot like models from other companies (Spigen, for example). Knockoffs? Could be.
Price: Around $15