The best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases: 15 picks for protecting your smartphone

Samsung makes a variety of quality phone cases, but our favorite is the S-View Wallet. This is a "folio" case, meaning that it opens up like a book and has storage slots for your credit cards or cash. But unlike other folio cases, the S-View has a handy square cutout on the front that lets you check your notifications, the time, and more even when the case is closed.

If you're looking for something simpler, check out Samsung's Silicone case. This case is made with sleek silicone that's soft to the touch, but still sturdy enough to shield your Galaxy S23 from impacts. It'll also do a great job of protecting the phone from dirt and scratches.

With a fantastically stylish design, grippy back, and up to 16 feet of drop protection, the Gear4 Denali was already one of our favorite Android cases. But this Galaxy S23 Ultra version of the case also adds a built-in kickstand, giving the Denali even more value.

Urban Armor Gear (UAG) cases tend to have an incredibly industrial look, like they're built for war instead of your pocket. But UAG's best S23 Ultra case, the Metropolis LT Pro, manages to combine a slim and attractive look with unbeatable protection against any sort of damage. After all, it's made with the same Kevlar you find in bulletproof vests.

Not only will Spigen's Ultra Hybrid OneTap case keep your S23 Ultra safe, but it also includes a magnetic ring on the back that makes your phone compatible with MagSafe. This opens up an entire world of accessories, chargers, mounts, and more.

If you're an avid mobile gamer — especially if you're playing hardware-intensive games like Genshin Impact or Fortnite — check out the Spigen Cryo. This case has a special design that helps keep your S23 Ultra cool, even when you're running powerful apps.

There are few brands that give you more bang for your buck than Smartish. The Smartish Wallet Slayer is a slim but sturdy wallet/case hybrid that can hold cash and up to three cards. And unlike some wallet cases, the Wallet Slayer supports wireless charging — you'll just need to take the cards out first.

When it comes to leather Android cases, Bellroy is the king. Its Galaxy S23 Ultra case is made with premium "eco-tanned" leather that feels great to hold. Pair that with satisfyingly clicky metal buttons and four available colors, and you've got a wonderful leather case option.

Mous cases are famous for their functionality. This Galaxy S23 case — the fifth generation of the brand's Limitless case series — features a sleek design, microfiber lining to avoid scratching the phone, and even MagSafe compatibility. It comes in six different designs, including one made with leather.

Otterbox sells nearly a dozen different types of phone cases, and our favorite is the Commuter. This case has two signature grips on the back that help keep your Galaxy S23 secure, whether in your hand or pocket. Most models are also treated with an antimicrobial agent to ward off germs.

The Incipio Organicore is one of the coolest clear cases on the market. It's made entirely of plant matter, meaning the case is both 100% compostable and unbelievably light. Despite this, it's still tested for drops up to 14 feet high.

Torro is a relatively new name in the phone case industry, but we're impressed with its Galaxy S23 Ultra leather folio. For about $40 (less than most leather options), you'll get a finely crafted folio case that also doubles as a kickstand. It also has a magnetic clasp to lock the case closed when it's in your bag.

With a "rugged sandstone" back that keeps the S23 Ultra secure in your hand, the Caseology Athlex feels fantastic to the touch. And like many cases, it's got air pockets built into the corners that absorb the impact when you drop your phone. It's a great budget choice.

Our favorite Speck case is the Presidio2 Grip. This case is solidly built, and has angled grips etched into the back so it's hard to drop out of your hand or pocket. And like other leading cases, it's treated with an antimicrobial agent, and has air cushions to protect your S23 Ultra from hard impacts.

If you're a fan of Speck cases but don't like the Presidio2 design, check out the Presidio Perfect-Clear. This case features the same antimicrobial and air cushion tech — ensuring protection against drops up to 13 feet high — but is totally clear, putting the S23 Ultra's sleek look on full display.

Will a Galaxy S22 Ultra case fit a S23 Ultra?

No, Galaxy S22 Ultra cases will not properly fit the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra are very similar in size, but the S23 is just slightly bigger — it's 0.03 inches taller, and 0.07 inches wider.

This means that there's a decent chance that your Galaxy S22 Ultra case could essentially fit the S23 Ultra, especially if it's made of a pliable material like rubber or even leather. But even if the case fits, it's not going to be as safe as a case that's specifically designed for the S23 Ultra. And if the case is made of hard plastic, you also run the risk of scratching or cracking your S23 Ultra.

Does the Galaxy S23 Ultra need a case?

Like most premium smartphones, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is made out of some pretty strong materials. Samsung even refers to the phone's casing as "Armor Aluminum."

But no smartphone is invincible. And although a case won't make your S23 Ultra indestructible, it's the best way to protect your phone from damage. A strong case can save your S23 Ultra's screen or casing from cracking if it's dropped. It'll also help shield the phone from dirt, sweat, oils, and other damaging debris.

At $1200, buying a smartphone like the S23 Ultra is an investment, and it's one worth protecting with a case.

Does the Galaxy S23 Ultra have MagSafe?

In short, no. The only phones that have MagSafe built-in are iPhones, since the MagSafe technology is designed and owned by Apple.

But the Galaxy S23 Ultra does support wireless charging. Nearly any non-MagSafe wireless charger on the market will work with the S23 Ultra, giving you access to hundreds of possible accessories.

And although it's not built-in, there are a number of S23 Ultra cases that add MagSafe compatibility to the phone. These include the Spigen Ultra Hybrid OneTap and Mous Limitless 5.0, both of which are listed above.