Everyone wants to protect their new S3. Unfortunately the back plastic case cover is easily damaged in a fall ( I know from experience), and gorilla glass 2 may be strong I still don’t want to risk it cracking from a hand slip up. Therefore the only logical solution is a solid case capable of taking the damage instead of the phone.
I have tried a few cases and although they may not be a physically aesthetic as going without a case, or for that matter using a prettier case, it still gets the job done. I compiled a list of my favorite cases. Before I hear about it I did not look at the Kracken case by trident because XDA had a discussion about how it muffles the sound of the microphone. Although lately it seems like no one uses their phones to actually make calls, I still do. So without further to do lets take a look at the best cases I found.
1) BEST OVERALL CASE – OTTER-BOX DEFENDER
defender for galaxy s3
The Defender Series is rugged, essential smartphone protection. This case is made of a clear protective membrane, high-impact polycarbonate shell and durable silicone. It provides added protection against scratches, dust, drops, bumps, and shock.The Defender Series comes with a ratcheting belt holster that can also double as a viewing stand.
This case comes with a screen protector and a few color choices and can be found with a little internet search for about 30 dollars. Not the cheapest case, but for the price It gets the job done. I think the case feels pretty good in hand, and I don’t notice much lag with the touch screen. However I do not like the silicone, I HATE SILICONE. I’ve had otter-boxes that the silicone goes flimsy on and falls off. It hasn’t happened on this one yet, but I feel like otterboxes for iphones have less flimsy silicone. I’d still say this case will hold up to a drop and it definitely will keep your phone looking brand new.
- Impact absorbing silicone
- Hi-impact polycarbonate
- Port and button covers
- Built in screen protector
LIKES:
screen protector (putting on yourself kinda sucks)
belt holster
solid construction
DISLIKES
SILICONE
PRICE
A LITTLE TOO BULKY
Video review by someone for the defender for S3
2) BEST BUDGET CASE PHONEADVENTURES RUGGED
This armor case and holster combo offers heavy duty protection for your phone. The case provides 3 layers of protection. The 1st layer is silicone rubber gel that wraps around the device giving it the the shock absorption of a rubber case. The 2nd layer is made out of a strong durable plastic that has a built-in kickstand. Not only do we include a free screen protector but the case also comes with a rotating belt clip holster. The interior of the holster is lined with a micro fiber material to protect the screen of the phone when placed face in. This case is the ideal choice for those that need extra protection from drops and other potential accidents. Protect your phone in style with our rugged armor case and holster combo.
For about 7 dollars shipped you can get a pretty decent case. The RUGGED case doesnt have a screen protector like the Otter-Box, but It does have the two layer silicon (Bleh) and hard case. Furthermore for those who want a holster this case has one. I think the case fits pretty well, and the kickstand although cheap, will still work for those who want to use it. I have noticed a problem with charging the device because the silicone doesn’t allow for a larger usb cord.
- Made from durable high quality materials, provides maximum protection for your phone.
- Precisely cut openings to allow full access to all access to controls, buttons and screen.
- Provides protection and prevents scratches, chips and dirt from building up.
- Case fits Samsung Galaxy S III only.
- Accessory only, phone not included.
LIKES
COST
HOLSTER
KICKSTAND
DISLIKES
KICKSTAND (CHEAP)
LACK OF SCREEN GUARD
SILICONE
3) The Case For Those Who Hate Otterbox – Case Mate Phantom
Express your toughest style with the Phantom Samsung Galaxy S3 case. The Phantom case sports a sleek design fit for any lifestyle. The two-piece Samsung Galaxy S3 case impresses with its clean, aesthetic lines and fresh, on-trend colors for good looks and convenient function. A snap-on frame supports the front and sides of the Samsung Galaxy S3, protecting the screen while the case lays facedown. The multi-layer outer piece is constructed from our revolutionary DuoFlex and PolyCore materials. The DuoFlex soft finish creates a natural cushion and an easy-to-hold grip, while also covering each of the Samsung Galaxy S3 ports. The solid PolyCore material covers the interior for snug, hard shell protection.
For those of you who want a really rugged case case mate has a strong market. The Phantom like otterboxes offers dual layer protection and a screen guard. The building quality is amazing and this case is really the best you can get. However pricing is crazy at 50 dollars for just the case this one puts a wallop in your pocket and a holster is an additional 20. However if you want the best this is it, but keep in mind at 70 dollars for everything it might be cheaper to buy a screen digitizer and a back case If damage was to happen.
- Military-grade protection: Mil Spec Passed (Mil-STD-810F)
- Two-piece, tough case formed from DuoFlex and PolyCore materials
- Built-in screen protection
- Form fit feature covers back and corners
- Access to all ports and functions
LIKES
COVERAGE
BUILD QUALITY
DISLIKES
PRICE
4) The Option For Those Who Don’t Want A Built In Screen Protector – Body Glove
The Body Glove Drop Suit rugged case is designed to provide protection where and when you need it. Drop Suit is made of a durable gel material that resists the battles of everyday life. The case has reinforced corners with a unique shock dissipation system to absorb impact and defend against bumps and drops. The strategically placed side bumpers provide a secure grip and added drop protection. If protecting your device from the rigors of life wasn’t good enough, Drop Suit even provides protection from the elements you can’t see. The case includes an embedded anti-microbial agent that prevents the growth of odor, stain-causing bacteria, and other microorganisms. The Body Glove Drop Suit Rugged offers the ultimate protection for your Samsung Galaxy S III Smartphone.
For a case that offers basic drop protection the Body Glove Anti Microbial case is awesome. Unlike the other cases this case is a single layer TPU with extra protection on the corners for added drop protection. This case doesn’t offer a screen protector, but some people prefer to put their own on (reviews of screen protectors coming soon). However this case is good and doesn’t have all the bulkiness associated with two layer cases. At twenty dollars this case is very affordable.
- Durable gel material defends against bumps and scratches
- Uniquely designed corners that contain a shock dissipation system to absorb impact
- Side bumpers provide a secure grip and are reinforced for drop protection
- Embedded anti-microbial agent that prevents the growth of odor, stain-causing bacteria, and other microorganisms
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S III Smartphone devices
LIKES
SLIM DESIGN
STRONG FOR A SINGLE LAYER CASE
PRICE
ANTI MICROBIAL
DISLIKES
NOT AS PROTECTIVE AS OTHER CASES
5) THE CASE THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE REST PURE GEAR PX360
At 50 dollars this case is almost as much as a case mate without the option of a holster. However don’t let that fool you the PX360 has a few tricks up its sleeve. First of all it is a hard rugged plastic with a soft liner on the inside for shock protection, second of all it has a very useful clip holder. The holder can be used with a carabiner to hold the case to a belt, but it can also be used with the optional wrench tool it comes with that works as a kickstand ( and a bottle opener and a ruler). This case has to be screwed on which may intimidate some users, but unlike other screw on cases the wrench tool has multiple uses and easily attaches to a key ring. However this case does not come with a screen protector, although Pure Gear makes one of the best screen guards on the market which will work with the case.
- PX 360 Degree Secure Protection with screw-on case provides high impact resistance
- Drop Prevention added carbineer hole prevents loss or drop
- Rugged Design sporty yet sophisticated look works throughout the day
- Engineered Materials tested to handle standard drop test
- 360 Degree Protection added screen shield to protect against dings and scratches
LIKES
PROTECTION
TOOL ACCESSORY
WATER PROOF BAGGY ACCESSORY (FREE)
DESIGN ( WEIRD BUT COOL YOU WILL GET NOTICED WITH THIS CASE)
DISLIKES
DESIGN (THEY MAY BE WEIRD LOOKS)
SCREWED ON CASE
NO SCREEN GUARD
Overall all of these cases are solid choices for those who want to protect their S3. I am a case fanatic and I may switch cases, but all of these are good enough for me to use for the long run. The decision comes down to personal preference, and how much you want to spend.
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