Best heavy-duty cases for Samsung Galaxy S22 in 2023
With these rugged cases, your Samsung Galaxy S22 can survive just about anything.
There's no denying the fact that Samsung's Galaxy S22 is a stunning-looking device, having a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen and an all-glass design with a soft-touch matte back panel. That said, it's still fragile — and, of course, expensive! — flagship smartphone that needs to be guarded well against any and all kinds of damage, even more so if you plan on using it for a long time.
While regular cases do the job well, they simply aren't sufficient if you routinely use your smartphone in demanding environments. For that, you're going to want to get one of these best heavy-duty cases for Samsung Galaxy S22. Whether you want one that features a built-in card holder or something that comes with its very own screen protector, here are some of the best options available out there.
These Samsung Galaxy S22 cases can take a beating
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Staff Pick
SUPCASE's Unicorn Beetle Pro series is well-known for offering the ultimate in protection for smartphones, and it perfectly fits the Galaxy S22. The case's dual-layer construction provides full-body coverage, and there's even an integrated belt clip as well as a kickstand. You'll need to buy a screen protector separately, but there are lots of solid options available to choose from.
Available colors: Matte Black, Metallic Green, Metallic Gunmetal, Metallic Orange, and Midnight Blue
If you prefer to get a rugged case and a screen protector all in one package, Poetic's Spartan series has you covered. Having a built-in kickstand, the case itself comes with raised corners for protecting the display, as well as the rear camera module. Not only that, there's also an extra frame bundled with the package that you can use with a tempered glass screen protector.
Lightweight yet tough
Spigen is (and always has been) a reliable choice for well-made smartphone accessories, and its Rugged Armor case is an easy recommendation for the Galaxy S22. Made from a flexible TPU material, it's not as bulky as some of the other heavy-duty cases, but still manages to impart a solid amount of protection, thanks to raised lips and Spigen's "Air Cushion" technology.
Available colors: Black, Blue, and Purple
Although the Galaxy S22's IP68 rating ensures it can survive well against water and rain, you might want to consider Oterkin's offering for added protection. The clear case improves upon the phone's waterproof properties, allowing it to be submerged in up to 6.6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes with no problems at all. As you'd expect, there's a screen protector included as well.
Affordable and stylish
If you're on a budget, Justcool's Dual Layer case is among the best heavy-duty cases you can get for Galaxy S22. It comes with reinforced corners and meets military-grade standards for drop and impact protection. The case also has raised lips around the screen and camera module for added protection. You even get precise cutouts for all the ports and buttons, as well as wireless charging support.
Available colors: Admiral Blue, Green, Night Purple/Baby Pink, and many more
Who says all heavy-duty cases have to look boring and dull? If you want something a bit more playful, AICase's Rugged Cover might just be what you need. It's available in a whole variety of funky dual-tone color combinations and imparts your Galaxy S22 three layers of military-grade protection. The case also has port covers to keep out dust and debris. Btw, did we mention the bundled screen protectors?
Available colors: Black, Orange, and Purple
Formerly known as ArmadilloTek, Caseborne is a company that needs no introduction. Its heavy-duty cases are among the best in the business, and the V Series is no exception. Providing five-layered protection to the Galaxy S22, this case is compliant with the toughest of military-grade protection standards. There's also an integrated kickstand for propping the phone up for easy media consumption.
Available colors: Black, Carbon Fiber, Crimson, Kevlar Black, and Mallard
If money is no object, UAG's Monarch is the heavy-duty case we suggest you get for your Samsung Galaxy S22. Despite having a featherweight design, it packs in five protective layers that can guard your premium flagship against just about anything and everything. The case's oversized buttons offer increased tactile response, and you even get wireless charging support. It claims to offer drop protection from a height of up to twenty feet.
Available colors: Red, Turquoise, Rose Gold, and many more
Even though it's a relatively compact device, Samsung's Galaxy S22 isn't exactly suited for anyone with smaller hands. If that includes you, LUMARKE's offering will help improve the device's in-hand grip with its integrated finger grip, which also doubles as a convenient kickstand. What's more, this ring also allows you to use the case (and thus, the smartphone) with a magnetic car mount.
Legendary durability
It's simply impossible to have any list of heavy-duty phone cases without an Otterbox. Rugged and stylish, this Commuter series case can protect your Galaxy S22 from even the harshest of falls and impacts with little to no effort. Its anti-microbial technology helps in keeping the external surface free of common micro-organisms, while the (relatively) thin profile ensures it doesn't bulk up your smartphone.
Clear back panel
Raptic's Shield is a heavy-duty case that shields (pun intended!) your Galaxy S22 from hard falls and impacts while still allowing you to show off its design, thanks to its transparent back panel. With this thing on, your smartphone can survive falling from a height of up to 10 feet. Then there are raised bezels, which do a great job of protecting the screen even if the phone were to fall face first on the floor.
Doubles up as a wallet
Easily among the most practical heavy-duty cases for Samsung Galaxy S22, Smartish's Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 not only offers solid protection for your flagship smartphone, but also doubles up as a wallet. Its built-in card compartment lets you stash up to three credit/debit/ID cards and even some extra cash. Also, the spring mechanism helps in keeping the cards secure, with the textured sides making for an improved in-hand grip.
Which heavy-duty case should you get for the Samsung Galaxy S22?
If you've recently gotten your hands on the petite Samsung Galaxy S22, chances are you're super excited. That's well and good, but as with any new smartphone, it's very important you pair your new flagship with the right accessories to ensure it stays like new for a long time.
A protective case is a must-have for any smartphone, and if you are someone who loves adventures or uses their phone in tough conditions, one of these best heavy-duty cases will give your S22 the protection it deserves.
Reliable and well-known, SUPCASE's Unicorn Beetle Pro is easy to recommend. The case comes in both mature shades, as well as fun hues that can brighten up your S22 with little to no effort. As expected, it offers increased protection against falls, drops, and bumps. The built-in kickstand comes in handy for hands-free usage, while the included screen-guard eliminates the need to buy one of the best Samsung Galaxy S22 screen protectors separately.
On the other hand, if you want something a bit slimmer and more affordable, take a look at AICase's offering, which comes in a range of playful colors. Then there's the Shield from Raptic, which is a spectacular mashup between a rugged cover and a transparent case. I am particularly fond of the iridescent shade that shifts its colors when under the lights. It has reinforced corners and looks even better if you've picked the white out of the available S22 color options.
I always gravitate to Spigen as my first go-to case whenever I buy a new phone, so I'd highly recommend opting for the Rugged Armor too, especially if you just want to purchase something quickly for the time being while you decide on another case.
The downside of getting the Rugged Armor is the lack of imagination, as almost all of the Spigen cases look the same and there aren't many colors to choose from. Among the best Android phones out there, I think the Galaxy S22 deserves something more sophisticated, but that's a personal belief. If you happen to think the same, do consider one of the other heavy-duty cases rounded off in this list.
All that said, you can be rest assured that these rugged S22 cases are the best of the best, both in terms of durability and looks. If you're looking for other types of cases to use instead of heavy-duty ones, or you just want to have different options, check out our roundup of the best cases for the Galaxy S22 as well.
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Christine Persaud has been writing about tech since long before the smartphone was even a "thing." When she isn't writing, she's working on her latest fitness program, binging a new TV series, tinkering with tech gadgets she's reviewing, or spending time with family and friends. A self-professed TV nerd, lover of red wine, and passionate home cook, she's immersed in tech in every facet of her life. Follow her at @christineTechCA.
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