The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (now succeeded by the Z Fold 4, has pushed foldable smartphones another step towards legitimacy. The Z Fold 3 is the most durable and powerful folding phone to date. It is also a possible indicator that the dual-screen innovation may finally be ready for primetime. But whether or not this handset will be your first foray into folding phones, you should strongly consider buying a Galaxy Z Fold 3 case to protect your investment. After all, twice as many screens means almost twice as many things to break.
What Are the Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Cases in 2022?
Samsung S Pen Flip Cover
Amazon Customer Reviews- Detachable S Pen holder
- Antimicrobial coating
- PowerShare compatible
Spigen Tough Armor Case
Amazon Customer Reviews- Large raised bezel
- Durable hinge cover
- PowerShare compatible
UAG Civilian Series Case
Amazon Customer Reviews- Large raised bezel
- Responsive button covers
- PowerShare compatible
OtterBox Symmetry Series Flex Case
- Large raised bezel
- Antimicrobial coating
- PowerShare compatible
Samsung Leather Galaxy Z Fold 3 Case
Amazon Customer Reviews- Strap/kickstand
- Slim and durable
- PowerShare compatible
VRS Design QuickStand Pro Case
Amazon Customer Reviews- Slim and durable
- Grippy design
- PowerShare compatible
Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear Case
- Antimicrobial coating
- Lifetime warranty
- PowerShare compatible
Ringke Slim Z Fold 3 Case
Amazon Customer Reviews- Slim and durable
- Grippy design
- PowerShare compatible
Gear 4 Bridgetown Case
- Slim and durable
- Antimicrobial coating
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Olixar Carbon Fiber Case
- Slim and durable
- Grippy design
- PowerShare compatible
Incipio Grip Case
- Grippy design
- Antimicrobial coating
- PowerShare compatible
Our Unbiased Reviews
1. Samsung S Pen Flip Cover
Price: $29.99
Amazon Customer ReviewsShop at Amazon
Pros:
- Detachable S Pen holder
- Antimicrobial coating
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- High price tag
- Limited color options
- Could be grippier
Yep, the new Galaxy Z Fold 3 has a new S Pen Fold Edition specially made to fit magnetically along the side of the phone for storage. However, if you wish to use this accessory on a daily basis, then the Samsung S Pen Flip Cover is the only S Pen-compatible case option for you (at this time). And though it is expensive it is a very nice case.
The pen holder allows you to charge the S Pen when not in use and it can be removed completely if you ever want to leave the S Pen at home. The case has a sturdy frame that protects the phone from drops and scratches. It is even stable enough to prop the phone up while you write. It also has an antimicrobial coating and works with wireless charging in and out. Just note that the S Pen Fold Edition is sold separately.
2. Spigen Tough Armor Case
Price: $49.99
Amazon Customer ReviewsShop at Amazon
Pros:
- Large raised bezel
- Durable hinge cover
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- Could be grippier
- Limited color options
- Bulky design
The Spigen Tough Armor Case is a time-tested case mold that has now been adapted to fit the flexible form factor of the Galaxy Fold 3. It is a great option for protection from drops and scratches as it features a large raised bezel around all screens and cameras. This helps to break the fall when your phone slips out of your hands or off the table.
Another positive aspect of this case is its sliding hinge cover, which works as well as Samsung’s official cases (and at a notably lower price point). Compared to other cases, the Spigen Tough Armor may seem a little bulky, but it is still slim enough to support wireless charging. That’s why it should be no surprise that this is one of the best Z Fold 3 cases available.
3. UAG Civilian Series Case
Price: $24.95
Amazon Customer ReviewsShop at Amazon
Pros:
- Large raised bezel
- Responsive button covers
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- Could be grippier
- Limited color options
- Bulky design
The UAG Civilian Series Case is a no-nonsense protective case that will protect your Galaxy Z Fold 3 with a generous raised bezel and shock-absorbing materials. It may be a little bulkier than the competition but it makes up for that with added protection. Plus, it still supports wireless charging so it’s not like it won’t stretch your pocket seams much more than the phone itself. The UAG Civilian is a solid choice for any Z Fold 3 owners who plan to take their phone with them on every adventure.
4. OtterBox Symmetry Series Flex Case
Price: $69.95
Shop now at OtterBox
Pros:
- Large raised bezel
- Antimicrobial coating
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- Bulky design
- Could be grippier
- No hinge cover
Considering that a full-on Defender case wouldn’t work well with the folding design of the Z Fold 3, the OtterBox Symmetry Series Flex Case is the closest thing you’ll get to all-out protection. This case offers a respectably-sized bezel around its screen and rear camera array, securing it against face-down drops and other devastating accidents. It also has an antimicrobial coating to prevent the growth of bacteria on your case. The only things that OtterBox could have done better are the addition of a hinge cover and some added grip. Otherwise, it is a solid case.
5. Samsung Leather Galaxy Z Fold 3 Case
Price: $89.99
Amazon Customer ReviewsShop at Amazon
Pros:
- Strap/kickstand
- Slim and durable
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- High price tag
- Could be grippier
- Limited color options
Samsung’s official Leather Flip Stand Cover is one of the highest quality cases you’ll find for the Z Fold 3, right down to the tiniest details. It is made with supple calf leather that is soft to the touch yet durable enough to absorb scratches and bumps. It also has a useful support strap on the rear that doubles as a kickstand for media viewing. True, it won’t protect from serious drops but it strikes an excellent compromise between protection and portability.
6. VRS Design QuickStand Pro Case
Price: $34.99
Amazon Customer ReviewsShop at Amazon
Pros:
- Slim and durable
- Foldout kickstand
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Bezel could be larger
- Limited drop protection
The VRS Design QuickStand Pro Case is a slim and durable protective option that will keep your Z Fold 3 looking brand new even with daily use. Its leather backplate might not be as high-quality as the official leather cover from Samsung but it does provide a unique gator skin look that helps your phone stand out. It also adds a considerable amount of grip to the phone. The case has responsive button covers and works fine with wireless charging.
7. Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear Case
Price: $64.95
Shop now at speckproducts.com
Pros:
- Antimicrobial coating
- Lifetime warranty
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- Clear cases discolor over time
- Could be grippier
- Stiff button covers
The Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear Case is a reliable way to secure your Z Fold 3 against drops and scratches without radically altering its size or appearance. It is made with a clear and lightweight TPU material that disperses shock across the surface of the phone rather than letting the impact pass through the phone’s internal components. It also has been treated with a Microban antimicrobial coating to prevent the growth of bacteria, which is a nice touch considering you’ll probably be bringing this phone along with you everywhere.
8. Ringke Slim Z Fold 3 Case
Price: $23.99
Amazon Customer ReviewsShop at Amazon
Pros:
- Slim and durable
- Grippy design
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- No hinge cover
- Clear plastic discolors easily
- Small raised bezel
The Ringke Slim Case is a simple yet effective two-piece case that provides drop and scratch protection without covering up the naked beauty of your Galaxy Z Fold 3. It is made from a durable polycarbonate material and comes in a clear or matted style, either of which can show off the stock color of your phone. The case has some added grip and supports wireless PowerShare in both directions. Just note that it does not have a hinge cover, so it won’t be quite as protective as more premium cases.
9. Gear 4 Bridgetown Case
Price: $59.99
Shop now at Zagg
Pros:
- Slim and durable
- Antimicrobial coating
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Could be grippier
- Limited drop protection
The Gear 4 Bridgetown Case won’t win any beauty contests but it will win a protect-your-phone contest, which is what really matters in the end. Its D3O Bio material helps disperse shock and also prevents the growth of bacteria on the surface of the case. That way it protects both you and your phone. It also supports wireless PowerShare in both directions. As long as you can overlook the relatively plain appearance, this is a great case.
10. Olixar Carbon Fiber Case
Price: $34.99
Shop now at amzn.to
Pros:
- Slim and durable
- Grippy design
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Stiff button covers
- Small raised bezel
The Olixar Carbon Fiber Case may not be made with real carbon fiber but it doesn’t have to be in order to be one of the best Galaxy Z Fold 3 cases. Its TPU material will last much longer and is plenty capable of resisting scratches and impact damage. The case is slim enough to support wireless charging while still providing a buffer against face-down drops. It also has some nice added grip. If you need an ultra-heavy duty case, then you may be better off with the OtterBox Symmetry case or the Incipio Grip, but this case is still a top choice for a pocket-friendly daily driver.
11. Incipio Grip Case
Price: $69.99
Shop now at incipio.com
Pros:
- Grippy design
- Antimicrobial coating
- Wireless PowerShare compatible
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Stiff button covers
- Bulky design
Attention all butterfingers: the Incipio Grip Case was basically tailor-made for you. Considering how challenging it is to 100% secure a folding phone from drops, added grip is the best line of defense for the Z Fold 3 (especially if the owner is prone to dropping things). This case weaves a multidirectional grip pattern into its raised bezel to make your phone easier to grab from all angles. It also provides some added protection in case of operator error.
As an added bonus, this case sports an antimicrobial coating that prevents the growth of bacteria on its external surface. With wireless PowerShare support and a lifetime guarantee, there is little reason to dislike the Incipio Grip.
Do You Really Need a Galaxy Z Fold 3 Case?
On paper, putting a case on your Z Fold 3 seems like a no-brainer, but some may think otherwise once they actually get ahold of this surprisingly thick handset. So should you forgo a case at the risk of adding bulk to your already hefty phone? We wouldn't recommend skipping out on a case.
And that doesn't come from a lack of confidence in the phone itself. On the contrary, this early Z Fold 3 review from Tomsguide indicates that this is the first foldable phone to sport an IPX8 water resistance rating, and that is quite promising in terms of build quality.
The real reason that we so strongly recommend a phone case is because accidents happen. It is an inescapable symptom of the human condition. According to this article from the Miami Herald, Americans break two smartphone screens per second on average. And the unusual form factor of the Z Fold 3 stands to only compound this risk.
Samsung hasn't yet listed the repair cost estimate to get your Z Fold 3 a new screen but it is likely to cost over $500. Now, with all of that context, getting a protective case really should be a no-brainer.