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Galaxy S5 case guide

No matter how light the Galaxy  S5 case is, it will add weight to your S5.  That is the reason why some S5 owners have no plan to add a cover or case for their S5.

The truth is that if the weight or bulky is your concern on Galaxy S5 case, you can always find a slim and light one. The weight of such slim GalaxyS5 cases can be less than 10% of Galaxy S5’s .

Some owners like the touch/feel of the Galaxy S5, they are reluctant to get a case for Galaxy S5.

The truth is that some Galaxy cases or covers  have even better build quality than S5.  Some can give better touch experience.

Why you should get a Galaxy S5 case, and why you should read this guide?

Although Galaxy S5 is water and dust resistant, you still should invest a few dollars on Galaxy S5 case (or cover)  to protect Galaxy S5  from scratches and bumps.

If you dropped your phone on the floor more than twice a year, you probably should even consider a hybrid cover for your Galaxy S5. Don’t be panic, some decent dual-layer hybrid cover only cost you about $10.

As far as the options for Galaxy S5 is concerned, you have so many options that you have no idea how to get a right case.

The price of Galaxy S5 case can vary from a few dollars to more than $50.

Although it is true that different Galaxy S5 cases may give different levels of protection, the expensive Galaxy S5 case does not necessarily give better protection. On the contrary, we noticed a lot of expensive cases actually is not as good as some cheaper ones.

Galaxy S5 case guide will recommend you some Galaxy S5 cases or covers  that give you the maximum value for your money.

In this guide, we use Galaxy S5 case to refer to cases and covers.

How to get a “right” Galaxy S5 case?

Right Galaxy S5 case means the case meets all your requirements and you get it within your budget.

To get the “right” case for your Galaxy S5, you can just follow this 4-step guide.

  1. Understand  the levels of protections you need. If you drop your smartphone quite often, you probably need a dual-layer hybrid Galaxy S5 case with decent impact protection, e.g., OtterBox case. Usually higher level protection need bulkier case or cover.
  2. Plan your budget for your Galaxy S5 case. You’d better have a clear idea how much you plan to spend on your  Galaxy S5 case. Do  not  just check the price tag. Expensive case or cover is not necessarily better than cheap ones. Or course, if you have higher budget, you may have more options. You may set the budget for your Galaxy S5 case as less than $10, $20, $40, $60 as you want. Very often, you may be swayed by the salesperson after entering a handphone shop. So, remember your budget when you go to any mortar and  brick stores. Sometimes, online shopping is a better choice because there are no pushy salespersons.
  3. Know what you want (your preference). What design do you like for your Galaxy S5 case? A back case or a flip cover? Black? white? Blue?  Whatever you want, you should be able to find the desired case for your Galaxy S5.  You may regret it if you get a Galaxy S5 case that you don’t like. Remember, you will have to look at it several times everyday.
  4. Have a preferred weight (and size) of your Galaxy S5 case. Some hybrid  Galaxy S5 cases can be as heavy as your Galaxy S5! Some may be just  20-30 grams.  Some Galaxy S5 bumper cases can be less than 15g. So, know the weight range you can handle.

Galaxy S5 case recommendation #1 (less than $10, slim and style): Cimo Flexible TPU Cover  for Samsung Galaxy S5

Cimo Flexible TPU Cover  for Samsung Galaxy S5  is simple and affordable.  The case is flexible (so it is easy to get it on or take it off),  and it is made of decent quality thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

This case fits Galaxy S5 very well. The super-slim design and perfect fit add minimal bulk to your galaxy S5.

The patterned bumper gives you a better grip than a smooth surface.

The raised bezel of the case helps protect the screen of Galaxy S5 from scratches when you place your Galaxy S5 face down. The raised edge may also protect the  screen if  Galaxy S5 drops.  But overall, this case mainly protect your Galaxy S5 from scratching, dusts and bumps.  It may not provide sufficient protection from drops of impacts.

Galaxy S5 recommendation #2 (less than $10, dual layer hybrid case): Hyperion Explorer 2-piece Hybrid Protective Cases for Samsung Galaxy S5

This is probably the the cheapest Galaxy S5 hybrid case with kickstand, with decent quality. Hyperion builds its reputation  on affordable accessories. The list price is only  $19.99, and most of the time the case is offered in less than $10. It is really a good deal as you can get this hybrid case in less than $10.

Like any other dual layer hybrid case, the inner soft silicone layer absorbs the shock and impact. The outer hard shell delivers additional protection and  and enhanced grip. The material quality is acceptable. The case fits Galaxy S5 quite well.

This Galaxy S5 dual layer case also comes with kickstand, which is ideal for watching videos, browsing the web and reading.

This hybrid case can give decent protection from scratches, bumps drops, and even impact, with very low price tag. If you think the $40-$60 OtterBox for Galaxy S5  is  a bit expensive, but you need high level protection, this  hybrid Galaxy S5 case is for you.

Galaxy S5 recommendation #3 (less than $10,  PU leather flip cover): Yousave PU Leather Wallet Cover for Galaxy S5

Some Galaxy S5 owners may want a wallet case. This PU leather case (of course, for less than $10, you probably have no chance to get a genuine leather wallet case)  is a good option: cheap but with decent quality.

The design of this Galaxy S5 wallet case is very similar to other wallet -type case. The features are also similar to others. If you used some wallet-type case before, there probably is no surprise for you.

The material (the PU leather) used in this Galaxy S5 case is not the best, but the quality is acceptable. The case also fits Galaxy S5 very well.

The available colors for this Galaxy S5 case are probably enough: black, brown+black, red, pink,purple and white. Surprising, there is no blue color option to match your blue Galaxy S5.

In the box, you can also  find the free screen protector. The quality is not so good. But if you  are constrained by your budget, you can use it.

In short, if you are looking for a normal  and affordable PU leather flip cover case, this wallet-type Galaxy S5 case is a good option.

Galaxy S5 recommendation #4 (official S-View cover): Samsung S-View Flip Cover for  for Galaxy S5

I’m not a fan of S View cover. But it seems quite a lot of Samsung phone owners like such a flip cover.

Although there are some cheap alternatives, I still think it is better to get the official Samsung S-View cover. The S-view cover need additional chip to function properly. So, third-party covers may not function properly after a firmware update. This happened to Galaxy Note 3 (read it here). Some third-party  S View did not function properly after KitKat update.

Of course, Samsung did not admit that  they did it in purpose. But given the fact that Samsung is talking about Samsung chips/IDs for accessories, they may break third-party accessories that need additional chips again, inadvertently.

So, if you like a S View cover, it is better to get the official one although it is expensive than third-party ones.  Samsung will never mess up their own accessories in future updates.

Galaxy S5 recommendation #5 (Ultimate protection): Otterbox Commuter Series for Samsung Galaxy S5

OtterBox is well known for their rugged protection cases. It is the De facto standard of smartphone cases that can provide ultimate protection of the smartphones. Plain and simple.

Otterbox actually has two series: defender and commuter.

Defender series provides the best protection, but it is too bulky. It is an overshoot for most owners unless you are involved in a lot of sports activities.

For most Galaxy S5 owners, the Otterbox Commuter Series for Samsung Galaxy S5 is good enough. It is not so bulky without decent protection.

Just like other OtterBox commuter series,  this Galaxy S5 case provides rugged protection. The quality of material used in the case is probably the best. It is not so heavy (about 90 grams).

This Galaxy S5 case provides reliable protection from drops, bumps and shock without taking away from the usability of your phone’s features.  The price is also reasonable at Amazon ($34.95)

There are two colors you can choose from: black/black and  key lime (green/grey).

In short, OtterBox commuter  series case for Galaxy S5 probably provides the best protection for your Galaxy S5 for most owners. If you need even more protection, you may consider the Defender Series case for Galaxy S5 ($49.95)

Have you got your Galaxy S5 case?  Or do you have any recommendations  on Galaxy S5 case? Pleas let us know in the comment box below.

Do you want to get other Galaxy S5 accessories? please check Galaxy S5 accessories guide page.

View Comments (1)

  • I tend to agree with everything here except for the kickstand case, although amazing and I use it, that wouldn't be the company I recommend. Pay close attention, there is another brand out there , who's name escapes me but, they do a better job in the way of the kickstand (which should be the only reason you're not getting something like an Otterbox. Budget shouldn't be an issue, because if you are worried about $10 - $20 at this point, you probably shouldn't have gotten an S5.). Personally I use the hybrid kickstand case (white S5, white silicone, black plastic), with, and for me this is a MUST, a tempered glass screen protector. I have full confidence in the set up to the point of regularly using my phone as a soccer ball, preferably while under water. (should not be attempted!!!) this set up could only be surpassed by, not Otterbox, but of course Lifeproof. I personally would still get the tempered glass screen protector though. Although Lifeproof IS something to consider into the budget, as they go for $70-$90 + $10 plan (completely optional). I would spend the money for it without question, if only they provided a case with a kickstand. I mean, it's a 5.1", BEAUTIFUL, HD, screen with a beat of a power house behind it; you'll want to show it off! Having to hold the phone for someone for 5 min. Or however long a video might be, it's just unnecessary.

    Sorry about any mistakes, I was kind of in a hurry while writing this.