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The best Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases to protect your phone
If you just bought a Galaxy Z Fold 5 for yourself, you're going to need to deck it out with a protective and stylish case. While the foldable phone isn't a new concept, folding smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 bring the concept into the 21st century.
Also: Galaxy Z Fold 5 hands on review
Samsung makes official Galaxy cases, which are guaranteed to fit your new phone but are also on the pricey side and don't offer some features like a built-in screen protector. Other brands like SupCase make rugged cases designed to handle everything from dropping your phone on your face while scrolling TikTok at 2 a.m. to being thrown out of a second-story window. Countless brands offer slim, stylish cases that allow you to show off your personal style.
What is the best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case right now?
The SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro case is my pick for the best Galaxy Z Fold phone case overall, thanks to its high drop protection, selection of colorways, and built-in screen protector. I've extensively researched many other brands and styles of Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases to help you find the best rugged protection and fashion cases. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung slim S-Pen case as well as my other picks.
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases of 2024
- Military-grade protection
- Built-in screen protector
- Built-in kickstand/ring holder
- 1 year warranty
- Fairly bulky
- No belt holster included
If you're like me and your phone is constantly getting dropped, stepped on, or stolen by your dog, you might want the Unicorn Beetle Pro from SupCase to protect your new Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Unicorn Beetle Pro has been tested against MIL-STD-810G parameters for drop, shock, and moisture resistance. Our sister site CNET got to test the iPhone X version at CES 2018, which was able to survive a drop of 16 feet -- and if the Galaxy Z Fold 5 version is anything like that, your phone will be well-protected from anything your daily life can throw at it.
Along with rugged protection, the Unicorn Beetle Pro also features a built-in screen protector, which means you won't have to spend extra money on a separate item. The SPen slot also doubles as a hinge guard to provide even more protection. One Amazon reviewer said, "Excellent case for the Z Fold 5. It fits snug and it is a sturdy case. Like the hinge cover/SPen holder. Very cleverly designed and easy to hold with the phone folded or unfolded."
It also has an integrated kickstand/ring holder for easier viewing in landscape mode as well as more comfortable use when scrolling, typing, or writing with the stylus.
SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Black, cream, green, blue, red | Screen protector: Yes | Water resistance: MIL-STD-810G | Drop protection: 20 feet
- Guaranteed to fit Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Includes S-Pen and extra nibs
- Hard case
- No built-in screen protector
- Not moisture resistant
The official, Samsung-branded S-Pen case is a near-perfect option if you're looking for a case that is guaranteed to fit your new Galaxy Z Fold 5. It's made of durable, molded TPU plastic for protection against everyday wear and tear as well as minor bumps and scratches.
It also comes packaged with an S-Pen and extra pen nibs so you can keep your stylus handy and easily switch out worn-down nibs. One Best Buy reviewer said, "The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Slim S Pen Case has truly impressed me with its sleek and functional design. The slimmer S Pen and case combination is a game-changer, making it more portable than ever without compromising on usability. "
The slim S-Pen case is available in three colors, so you can match your phone's color or show off your own personal style. The only downside is that it doesn't have a built-in screen protector.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Sand, Graphite, Icy Blue | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: NA
- Military grade drop protection
- Clear case that highlights the color of your phone
- $72
- Only two color ways
If you want to show off your Galaxy Z Fold 5's pretty blue color, a clear or sheer case will be your best friend. One Casetify reviewer noted the case is "Well designed, easy to install and remove phone, unique and lightweight."
This clear Impact case from Casetify is pretty good, with 4 feet of military-grade drop protection and Casetify's proprietary EcoShock material, you are getting just enough of a security blanket against minor drops and scuffs.
The case is also compatible with wireless charging, so you can free yourself of tangled cords to power up your phone -- and not have to worry about removing your phone case to do so.
Casetify Impact Case features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Clear - black, sheer - polar blue | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: 4 feet
- Lightweight and low-profile
- Fingerprint and scratch-resistant matte finish
- Wireless charging and Power Share compatible
- No built-in screen protector
- Not water resistant
If you hate heavy, bulky phone cases that sacrifice ease-of-use for protection, the Spigen Thin Fit Pro is a great, lightweight alternative. One Amazon reviewer said, "... the case fits like a glove it also has a molded curved edge around the camera lenses and it's perfect, get a protection glass separate and it fits right around it like it's meant to be." Like the Samsung Slim S-Pen case, the Thin Fit Pro is made of molded TPU plastic for a sure fit as well as a low profile that's easier to slip into a pocket or small bag.
The matte finish helps keep your phone looking great by resisting fingerprint marks as well as everyday wear and tear. It's also thin enough to allow for wireless charging without having to remove the case from your phone first.
It's even compatible with Samsung's Power Share feature which allows you to charge your Samsung wireless devices with your phone.
Spigen Thin Fit Pro features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Crystal clear, Frost Grey | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: NA
- Unique designs
- 10-foot drop resistance
- Built-in screen protector
- Pricey
- Not moisture resistant
The i-Blason Cosmo is proof-positive that protecting your Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn't have to be a bland, boring affair. This eye-catching phone case comes in three different colors: marble pink, marble purple, and ocean blue.
Each color scheme integrates either pink or yellow gold accents as well as a textured, faceted design on the hinge protector to either show off your personality or blend in with your aesthetic office supplies.
The case is also impact-resistant for drops up to 10 feet, giving you peace of mind for your new phone. One Amazon reviewer noted, "I had my doubts as I unpacked the case, but after dropping it from my pocket onto a concrete driveway and the only damage being a small crack to the protective screen and scratched plastic, I can say this case is the OtterBox for the Fold." It also comes with a built-in screen protector as well as an integrated slot for storing your S-Pen stylus.
i-Blason Cosmo features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Marble pink, marble purple, ocean blue | Screen protector: Yes | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: 10 feet
What is the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case?
The best case for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro for its unbeatable drop protection of 20 feet and its broad selection of color ways.
| Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case | Price | Case style | Screen protector |
| SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro | $80 | Hard case | Yes |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 slim S-Pen case | $100 | Hard case | No |
| Casetify Impact Case | $72 | Hard case | No |
| Spigen Thin Fit Pro | $50 | Hard case | No |
| i-Blason Cosmo | $50 | Hard case | Yes |
Which is the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case for you?
When shopping for a new phone case, it's best to consider what level of protection you need. Not only will this help prevent you from overspending or buying something you don't need, it can also help you anticipate career or life changes where you may need more or less phone protection.
If you work outdoors or in manufacturing, or are just notorious for destroying phones, it's best to opt for a very rugged phone case like the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro. These types of phone cases are often tested against military standards for shock, drop, and moisture resistance, so you can have more peace of mind.
But if you work from home or just want to keep your phone from getting scratched and cracked from everyday use, it may be better to opt for a thinner, more lightweight (and often less expensive) case. These tend to have lower profiles that are easier to slip into your pocket, but also sacrifice protection via built-in screen protectors and water resistance.
| Buy this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case... | If you need... |
| SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro | The best overall option for drop protection and colorway availability. This case is tested against military durability standards for drop, shock, and moisture resistance. |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case | An official Samsung case. This case is made by Samsung and guaranteed to fit the Galaxy Z Fold 5. |
| Casetify Impact Case | The best clear case you can buy with military-grade drop protection. |
| Spigen Thin Fit Pro | A lightweight case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Spigen Thin Fit Pro features a low profile that's easier to fit into your pocket or bag. |
| i-Blason Cosmo | An ultra-stylish case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The i-Blason Cosmo comes in three colors with marble, rose gold, or yellow gold accents. |
Factors to consider when choosing a Galaxy Z Fold 5 case
We've spent many hours testing phone cases, from big names like Casetify and Samsung to lesser-known brands, to show you that you have many options. The phone case your grandma recommends you try might be the worst phone case you've ever had, which is why it's essential to consider these factors before you buy:
- Durability: Most people may only care about the aesthetic of a phone case, but if you're looking for a case that's meant to protect your phone from drops, cracks, and scratches then the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro case and Casetify Impact Case are your best options.
- Material: Phone cases have have no doubt, come a long way. And with time, companies have been able to source the best materials, including silicone, leather, plastic, metal even recyclables such as cardboard or paperboard (each with pros and cons). If you're looking for quality sourced materials, check out DBrand genuine leather skin for Galaxy Z Fold 5.
- Features: Who doesn't like a convenient stylus pen holder, built-in stand or my personal favorite, a wallet holder, as an added feature to a phone case. If you're looking for beyond basic protection and style phone case, the i-Blason Cosmo comes with a built-in screen protector as well as an integrated slot for storing your S-Pen stylus.
How we test the phone cases
The ZDNET team spends weeks with a phone case, using it in many environments like the office, outdoors, grocery stores, or at home. We do so to test how well a phone case can perform in various environments, as each environment tests the durability and protection.
Although you can test phone cases with just a simple drop from various heights, you should conduct your own testing in your frequented environments to see how they hold up. At the end of the day, the only way to know if a phone case works for you is to try it on your own phone.
How do I choose the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case?
Before you buy a phone case, there are a few things aside from the design to keep in mind. When putting together this list of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases, we kept these criteria in mind:
- Cost: When it comes to phone cases, you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to "rugged" models. I've made sure that each case featured in this list has features and protection properties that are worth the price.
- Protection level: Not all phone cases are created equal. If you work a trade, in manufacturing, or spend a lot of time outdoors, it's better to opt for a rugged case. Whereas office professionals and casual mobile users may only require minimal phone protection.
- Compatibility: There is no worse feeling than getting your hands on a brand new phone and case for it, only to discover that your case doesn't fit. I've thoroughly researched each featured product to make sure that is designed to fit the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Will a Galaxy Z Fold 4 case fit my Galaxy Z Fold 5?
Unfortunately, no. This is because Samsung re-designed the rear camera arrangement, moving the flash from below the lenses to right next to them. If you try to force your Galaxy Z Fold 5 into a case meant for a previous generation, you may risk damaging your phone.
Does the Galaxy Z Fold 5 come with a pen?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn't come packaged with an S-Pen stylus, unfortunately. While Samsung has never included an S-Pen with previous versions of the Galaxy Z Fold, it's still a bit irksome to need to spend extra money on a must-have accessory.
What is the point of a folding smartphone?
While Samsung has a whole page dedicated to trying to convince you to make the switch to a folding smartphone, the biggest draw is what made flip-phones so ubiquitous in the late 90s and early 00s: They're easier to fit into your pocket. A folding smartphone is a unique solution to the demand for bigger and better screens on our mobile devices while balancing screen size with portability and practicality.
A foldable phone also lets you take selfies and group pictures without having to contort yourself into uncomfortable angles for the perfect shot or asking strangers to take family photos. With the larger, unfolded screen, you can also multitask in several apps to streamline your workflow.
And a foldable phone brings back the satisfaction of snapping your phone shut to end an irritating call.