Samsung Galaxy S10 case roundup
As usual for my case roundups, I'll cover a variety of styles, with all samples supplied by MobileFun, kind people that they are. See their complete range of Galaxy S10 cases and covers.
The S10 is the pick of Samsung's line-up this Spring, in my opinion, since the 'smaller' model gets the full range of cameras. Full review coming soon on The Phones Show.
Hand-picked by me, in no particular order:
Super value at a tenner, this isn't leather, it isn't even faux-leather, it's cleverly moulded TPU. But don't let that put you off, since when on the phone it's very solid and feels terrific.
As Huawei found when partnering with Porsche Design, adding leather (or fake thereof!) to the back of a phone makes a big difference in perceived luxury. And this is a very cheap way into the same world.
There's some protection on the top and bottom of the case, against face-down drops, plus top notch fit and finish - all that's missing is the leather smell!
9/10
A little plasticky - it seems that faking leather with TPU is much easier than faking metal with plastic! But this dual layer (plastic/TPU) solution fits well and is indeed terrifically protective.
The corners, in particular, are massively reinforced and there's grip aplenty, so hopefully you won't drop the phone in the first place....
One controversial decision here is that the headphone jack and USB Type C ports are covered with hinged plastic covers - I guess these help stop dust and dirt gumming up the jacks. And, on a super rugged case like this then maybe they're justified. But I also know how unpopular port covers can be - they just get in the way.
The case isn't quite 'gun metal', at least in feel, of course - but it's still an excellent solution for anyone taking their Galaxy S10 hiking or climbing.
8/10
Super minimalist and, unusually for such a thin design, hard plastic and not pliable TPU, this isn't a terrible case. But the protection is minimal, the case all about keeping out of your way.
Which it succeeds in doing, though without very much grip and with slightly 'creaky' plastic build.
Overall, I'm not a fan, you might as well not bother with a case at all, since this adds precious few benefits. Oh well, plenty of other great options on this page!
6/10
Now this is more like it from Samsung - a more pliable material and a gorgeously tactile 'soft' finish that's supremely grippy!
It's also as minimalist as the clear case above, so don't expect tremendous protection against drops - the raised ends are very slight. But the aim here is to feel as if there isn't a case on (it only adds a millimetre or so), yet looking great and making sure you don't drop the S10 at all.
The button covers, in particular, are meticulously detailed and work very well - as you'd expect from an official case.
Overall, nicely balanced, if a little pricey at almost £20.
8/10
I have, I think saved the best for last anyway, at least in terms of value for money - Olixar's cases have been improving year on year, perhaps in response to the likes of Spigen and Ringke, and their ExoShield design here is first rate.
Clear back so that you can see your beautiful S10? Check. Tight fit with grippable sides? Check. Reinforced corners to take the brunt of drops? Check. Raise ends to cover face drops? Check.
I was in two minds as to whether this case deserved the win here, but the price of just £10 seals the deal. If in doubt, get this one, it - quite literally - ticks all the boxes!
10/10
In its favour, this Fusion looks and feels stunning, a perfect fit and protective from all sides.
On the other hand, Ringke has taken feedback from previous Fusion designs to heart and shaved off the little 'feet' from the corners on the back. I never minded these, as they showed extra protection for a drop onto the phone's back. But with these removed and the case rear even 'scalloped' in towards the S10's glass, it feels smoother in the palm but it does feel as if overall protection has been compromised.
In my opinion, at least! The corners are raised on the front, for protection, but don't have the 'air bubble' protection of the Olixar case. This is the first time in my reviews on this blog that Olixar has beaten Ringke, by the way. And the Olixar case is cheaper....!
The Ringke case is still stylish and shows off the S10 well though.
9/10
The S10 is the pick of Samsung's line-up this Spring, in my opinion, since the 'smaller' model gets the full range of cameras. Full review coming soon on The Phones Show.
Hand-picked by me, in no particular order:
Olixar Attache, £10
Super value at a tenner, this isn't leather, it isn't even faux-leather, it's cleverly moulded TPU. But don't let that put you off, since when on the phone it's very solid and feels terrific.
As Huawei found when partnering with Porsche Design, adding leather (or fake thereof!) to the back of a phone makes a big difference in perceived luxury. And this is a very cheap way into the same world.
There's some protection on the top and bottom of the case, against face-down drops, plus top notch fit and finish - all that's missing is the leather smell!
9/10
Olixar Dual layer Armor, £15
A little plasticky - it seems that faking leather with TPU is much easier than faking metal with plastic! But this dual layer (plastic/TPU) solution fits well and is indeed terrifically protective.
The corners, in particular, are massively reinforced and there's grip aplenty, so hopefully you won't drop the phone in the first place....
One controversial decision here is that the headphone jack and USB Type C ports are covered with hinged plastic covers - I guess these help stop dust and dirt gumming up the jacks. And, on a super rugged case like this then maybe they're justified. But I also know how unpopular port covers can be - they just get in the way.
The case isn't quite 'gun metal', at least in feel, of course - but it's still an excellent solution for anyone taking their Galaxy S10 hiking or climbing.
8/10
Samsung Clear Case, £13.50
Super minimalist and, unusually for such a thin design, hard plastic and not pliable TPU, this isn't a terrible case. But the protection is minimal, the case all about keeping out of your way.
Which it succeeds in doing, though without very much grip and with slightly 'creaky' plastic build.
Overall, I'm not a fan, you might as well not bother with a case at all, since this adds precious few benefits. Oh well, plenty of other great options on this page!
6/10
Samsung Silicone Cover, £18
Now this is more like it from Samsung - a more pliable material and a gorgeously tactile 'soft' finish that's supremely grippy!
It's also as minimalist as the clear case above, so don't expect tremendous protection against drops - the raised ends are very slight. But the aim here is to feel as if there isn't a case on (it only adds a millimetre or so), yet looking great and making sure you don't drop the S10 at all.
The button covers, in particular, are meticulously detailed and work very well - as you'd expect from an official case.
Overall, nicely balanced, if a little pricey at almost £20.
8/10
Olixar Exo-Shield, £10
I have, I think saved the best for last anyway, at least in terms of value for money - Olixar's cases have been improving year on year, perhaps in response to the likes of Spigen and Ringke, and their ExoShield design here is first rate.
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| One characteristic of the clear back is that it's also highly reflective under direct light - as shown here, making it hard to photograph without also picking up the streets outside!! |
Clear back so that you can see your beautiful S10? Check. Tight fit with grippable sides? Check. Reinforced corners to take the brunt of drops? Check. Raise ends to cover face drops? Check.
I was in two minds as to whether this case deserved the win here, but the price of just £10 seals the deal. If in doubt, get this one, it - quite literally - ticks all the boxes!
10/10
PS. Ringke Fusion Crystal Clear, £15
A late addition to the roundup! Another top rated clear case from favourites, Ringke, this is similar to the Olixar case above, but with one 'pro' and one 'con'.
In its favour, this Fusion looks and feels stunning, a perfect fit and protective from all sides.
On the other hand, Ringke has taken feedback from previous Fusion designs to heart and shaved off the little 'feet' from the corners on the back. I never minded these, as they showed extra protection for a drop onto the phone's back. But with these removed and the case rear even 'scalloped' in towards the S10's glass, it feels smoother in the palm but it does feel as if overall protection has been compromised.
In my opinion, at least! The corners are raised on the front, for protection, but don't have the 'air bubble' protection of the Olixar case. This is the first time in my reviews on this blog that Olixar has beaten Ringke, by the way. And the Olixar case is cheaper....!
The Ringke case is still stylish and shows off the S10 well though.
9/10
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