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20 best cases to keep your beautiful Galaxy Note 5 looking like new

Samsung’s phablet line continues to go from strength to strength. The Note 5 delivers an enormous screen and plenty of handy phablet features designed to take advantage of the extra real estate. It’s also one the best-looking smartphones around, but the potential cost of glass curves and metal edges can be measured in chips and cracks. It’s fragile and a little bit slippery, so the smart move is to find some stylish protection that fits both your smartphone and your budget.

These are the best Galaxy Note 5 cases available right now, whether you’re looking for a something that revels in matte minimalism or a case designed to take more than just a tumble. After all, it happens to the best of us.

Poetic Affinity Case ($15)

Poetic Affinity Case
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This case utilizes clear polycarbonate, which allows the Note 5’s design to shine through, and features a TPU frame that improves grip and absorbs the impact of bumps and falls. It’s also outfitted with extra reinforcement at the corners and edges, raised bezels to safeguard your phone’s display and camera lens, and ridged sides that help reduce the risk of drops. The openings for the ports and S-Pen work well, too, as do the button covers. Wireless charging even works with this case on, though you might find that your phone gets a bit warmer than usual.

Cover-Up Woodback Snap Case ($25+)

Cover-Up Woodback Snap Case
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This warm, wooden panel makes the perfect exterior for the Note 5, one that’s also comfortable to hold. You can choose from a wide range of wood types, too, including walnut, maple, and mahogany. The shell made of a slim, black plastic, though, it still features openings for your phone’s buttons, ports, and camera despite its minimalist design. The back panel snaps securely into place and will guard against the occasional scuff and knock — just don’t expect rugged drop protection.

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Series Case ($21)

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Case
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This is a solid protective case that won’t break the bank. It’s made from a combination of tough polycarbonate and flexible TPU. Your Note 5 snaps into the case and there’s a front panel with a built-in screen protector that fits on top to keep your display safe. You also get a holster with a 360-degree, swiveling clip. The button covers work well, as do the accompanying port covers. You can still use the S-Pen with this case on, too, and utilize wireless charging. If you don’t like the pink build, you can always opt for the black, white, or green varieties. The Unicorn Beetle Series is both affordable and rugged.

($20)

Rhino Shield Crash Guard Bumper
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Covering up the gorgeous framework of the Note 5 seems like a travesty. Fortunately, Rhino Shield offers a solution that will leave your phone’s design intact while imbuing it with some real drop protection. Not only can the Crash Guard handle falls from up to 11.5 feet, but it also leaves the front and back of your Note 5 completely open, thus only providing protection where it’s needed. It sports accurate openings for the ports and S Pen, too, along with tactile button covers. The bumper also extends front and back — to protect those glass surfaces — and comes in red, blue, or white.

($15+)

Tech21 Evo Tactical Case
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Here’s a relatively slim and lightweight case that still offers plenty of drop protection. The Evo Tactical will keep your Note 5 safe and sound, protecting it from falls up to 6.6-feet high. The case features a simple design with a textured matte finish and lined gloss highlights. There are generous openings for quick access to your phone’s ports and camera. The button covers are easy to find without looking and, though a little stiff at first, they work well. The textured finish also adds some grip and additional comfort. The protective combination of TPU and a silicone interior helps it absorb unwanted shock, and there’s a lip around the front that’s designed to protect the screen.

($10)

Diztronic TPU Case
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For anyone with simple tastes looking to safeguard their Note 5 from scratches and bumps, this case could be a winner. It’s very thin and features a matte soft touch finish that’s available in grey, black, or navy blue. The cut-outs are accurate, the button covers are good, and it also boasts a slight lip to help keep the screen from coming into contact with any surface you set it on. It’s not going to offer much in the way of drop protection, and we don’t like the gloss logo on the side, but this basic TPU case offers great value for money.

Noreve Tradition D Case ($50)

Noreve Tradition D Case
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If you’re seeking a classy covering for your Note 5, then Noreve’s leather line-up will certainly do. Flip open this folio-style case and you’ll find a slim protective shell you can easily slot your Note 5 into. The genuine leather exterior is padded and neatly stitched, and you’ll also find openings for easy access to your phone’s ports, buttons, camera, and S Pen. The basic black version will fit right in with a corporate environment, but you can actually choose from a wide range of different textures and colors if you’re willing to spend a little more money.

Mophie Juice Pack ($100)

Mophie Juice Pack
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The battery in the Note 5 is rated at 3,000mAh, but you’ll find that the 5.7-inch display is pretty power hungry and the phone often doesn’t make it through a full day. Fortunately, Mophie’s Juice Pack has a 2,500mAh battery inside, offering up to an extra 13 hours of talk time. It should also boost the battery life by about 60 percent, while maintaining a relatively sleek profile in the process. It offers a protective frame around the display and proper drop protection, too, with cushioned corners and edges. It’s unobtrusive as well, outfitted with a simple power button and four LED indicators on the back for viewing the remaining power.

Pelican ProGear Voyager Case ($26+)

Pelican ProGear Voyager Case
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If you need solid drop protection that meets military standards, then this case from Pelican is worth a look. It wraps a flexible, shock-absorbing layer in a polycarbonate shell, with extra rubber reinforcement on the outside where you need it most. It also comes with a screen protector, so every angle of your Note 5 is covered. There’s a pronounced lip around the front to further safeguard the display, along with button covers and cut-outs large for quick access to ports and features such as the S Pen. You also get a holster with a swiveling belt clip in the box, which conveniently doubles as a kickstand.

Tumi Astor Co-Mold Case ($40+)

Tumi Astor Co-Mold Case
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This case is a bit pricey, but it offers a unique style given it’s crafted from coated canvas. The frame of the case is a tough, plastic blend that offers some drop protection, and comes outfitted with a raised edge around the screen to stop it from coming into contact with anything. The real attraction is the textured canvas backing, though, which looks and feels really nice. It’s also slim and lightweight, with precise openings for the ports and easy-to-press button covers.

Seidio Dilex Pro Case ($40)

Seidio Dilex Pro Case
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You can rely on the classic dual-layer design of Seidio’s cases, which combine patterned TPU designed to dissipate impact shock on the inside with unbreakable polycarbonate on the outside. The case also features a strong, metal kickstand on the back that quickly slides away and is held in place magnetically. The soft-touch coating makes it comfortable to hold, too, and the button covers are good. Sadly, it’s a fairly bulky and features some tight cut-outs that may be an issue depending on the cables you use.

Caseology Vault Series Case ($15+)

Caseology Vault Series Case
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Here’s an eye-catching case that won’t break the bank. Caseology goes with a tried-and-tested combination of malleable TPU on the inside, with an outer layer of textured polycarbonate that comes in either black, silver, or gold. The TPU portion is quite slim, but it does offer basic drop protection. The openings are quite generous as well, though, they might still be tight with some cables. The button covers are a little stiff at first, but overall, the sleek case is quite good for the money.

Incipio Octane Pure Case ($25+)

Incipio Octane Pure Case
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Here’s a nice, slim case that delivers protection without completely masking your Note 5’s style. The back panel is completely transparent, comprised of virtually unbreakable polycarbonate that’s molded to fit the Note 5 perfectly. There’s also a flexible TPU bumper around the edge that absorbs impact shock, along with a melange of color choices and easy-to-use button covers for the utmost protection. You’ll even find generous openings for the built-in camera and the ports.

Otterbox Commuter Series Case ($40+)

Otterbox Commuter Series Case
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If you’re looking for some decent drop protection, then the Commuter Series from Otterbox is always a good bet. It’s a step down from the top level Defender, but it still combines a rubber inner that dissipates shock, a hard polycarbonate shell, and an adhesive screen protector for complete coverage. Your Note 5 can take a tumble in this case and emerge unscathed, so it’s ideal if you’re prone to dropping your phone. You can choose from a wide variety of different color combos for the inner and outer layers to achieve the look you want.

 

Speck Candyshell Grip Case ($31+)

Speck Candyshell Grip Case
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The Candyshell Grip has an eye-catching design, but it’s not style over substance given the rubber ridges add some valuable grip. This case is a classic combo design with a hard shell and a flexible layer to take the sting out of bumps and falls. It meets military drop test standard 810G and the raised lip at the front even protects the screen. The button covers and cut-outs work well, too, and you can snag the case in a variety of different color options. It is quite chunky, but it will keep your Note 5 safe from harm.

Olixar Leather Wallet Case ($16)

Olixar Leather Wallet Case
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You can’t really go wrong with a classic, black leather case that functions as a folio wallet. The Olixar case has a minimalist, black plastic shell inside that holds the Note 5 firmly in place. You’ll also find genuine leather with a magnetic closure covering the exterior of the shell, and inside the cover on the left, a series of pockets for stowing your ID and credit cards. A larger pouch on the back renders it suitable replacement for your wallet as well, and there’s a modest opening on the back so you can use the camera without removing the case.

Body Glove Satin Case ($25)

Body Glove Satin Case
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The Body Glove Satin Case is reasonably slim and finished with a brushed aluminum effect and high-gloss accents. The sides have a series of diagonal lines to lend the case some extra grip, while the precise openings offer full access to the camera, ports, and buttons. The case can handle the occasional drop and it also features an antimicrobial element, which makes it ideal for those of us who’re never without hand gel. It currently comes in black, pink, or purple.

Urban Armor Gear Magma Case ($26+)

Urban Armor Gear Magma Case
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The industrial look of UAG’s wares may not to be for everyone, but at least they’re incredibly reliable. The outer shell features a translucent honeycomb pattern, surrounding by a protective screen and skid pads designed to prevent the Note 5 from coming into contact with any surface directly. The over-sized button covers make the controls easy to find and operate, and the case meets the military drop test standard 810G, so its toughness won’t come into question. The translucent version comes in clear, ash, or red, or you can even opt for a solid, and very cool metallic-looking version. They look chunky and heavy, but thankfully, each is light as a feather.

Pure Gear Slim Shell Case ($12+)

Pure Gear Slim Shell Case
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These slim cases are designed to keep a low profile. They combine flexible rubber and a tough, polycarbonate frame in a single design that’s easy to snap on. You’ll find it matches the Note 5’s curves, and the cutouts perfectly match up to the ports. The case offers basic all-round protection and decent button covers, plus it’s available in either clear or black, with a subtle back cover that doesn’t encroach too much on Samsung’s sleek design.

Spigen Neo Hybrid Carbon Case ($10+)

Spigen Neo Hybrid Carbon Case
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This new case from Spigen is an interesting prospect. The TPU shell features a striking carbon fiber texture, matched with a hard polycarbonate frame outfitted with metal-coated buttons. The shock absorbent inner section also relies on a web pattern to help dissipate shock, while the tough frame gives the entire build a more solid feel. The cut-outs are precise, and the interchangeable bumpers are textured for added grip. The bumpers come in various colors, and furthermore, there’s even a clear TPU inner available. Definitely a great looking case.

This article was originally published on August 17, 2015 and last updated by Simon Hill on May 26, 2016 to add cases by Poetic, Cover-Up, and Supcase, and to remove some older cases.

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Simon Hill
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Simon Hill is an experienced technology journalist and editor who loves all things tech. He is currently the Associate Mobile…
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