Updated on 7-16-2014 by Simon Hill: Added the Incipio DualPro Shine, Seidio Obex, Spigen Slim Armor View, Ringke Slim case, and ZuZo Shell Holster.
It’s the perfect device for power users looking to boost their productivity, but there are plenty of other reasons to opt for a Galaxy Note 3. We’ve already had a look at some Galaxy Note 3 problems, but there’s one that’s very easy to prevent. A cracked or smashed screen, scuffed up body, or dented sides can all be avoided with the right case. We’ve got tough cases for serious protection, stylish options that offer basic coverage, and a couple of functional choices to help you make the most of your Note 3.
Related: Galaxy Note 3 review, Note 3 tips and tricks, best Android apps.
Incipio DualPro Shine ($35)
The brushed aluminum-style finish on this case gives it a really classy look, but it’s a tough case capable of providing good drop protection as well. There’s a soft silicone core to absorb shock and an outer shell of hard Plextonium. The cut-outs are precise, the button covers work well, and it doesn’t add too much bulk considering that it offers dual layer protection. The silver and black looks best, but you can also opt for plain black, or a colorful white and pink combo.
Seidio Obex ($80)
It may be a bit pricy, but this is a seriously rugged case that conforms to IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance and military standards for drop protection from heights of up to 6 feet. It comes in two pieces and covers every angle of the Note 3 with a mixture of malleable thermoplastic silicone vulcanizate and hard polycarbonate. It will keep your phone ticking even if it gets completely submerged, but you can still access all your controls and the S-Pen with the case on.
Spigen Slim Armor View ($60)
The official S-View cover doesn’t really provide much protection, but this offering from Spigen does and it can take advantage of the same window feature. The 360 degree hinged cover triggers the automatic sleep/wake function, but there’s also dual layer safety provided by a mixture of polycarbonate and TPU. The viewing window is scratch resistant, the finish provides extra grip, and a there’s secure latch to keep it closed. You can access all functions, including the camera with the case on.
Ringke Slim case ($6)
This is definitely one of the slimmest and lightest cases you are going to find. It’s a one-piece design in black or white. It fits the Note 3 snugly and has all the cut-outs you need to enjoy uninterrupted access with the case on. There’s also a nice soft touch finish that makes it comfortable to hold. A slight lip on the front protects the screen and there’s coverage for the corners, but don’t expect rugged performance from a case like this, it will offer basic protection from minor falls and scratches.
ZuZo Shell Holster case ($3)
You’ll pay more for shipping than you will for this simple case and holster combination. The case is very basic and lightweight, providing a little ribbed extra grip on the back and cut-outs for access to everything. The other portion is a holster with a belt clip attachment that can also double up as a kickstand if you want to sit the Note 3 in landscape view and watch a movie. It’s only going to provide basic protection and the belt clip might not last, but that’s reflected in the price.
Noreve Leather Case ($56)
French flair doesn’t come cheap, but these hand-crafted, premium leather cases are high quality and they fit the Note 3 perfectly. It’s a flip open design in lightly padded leather and it closes securely without requiring magnets or a clasp. The interior lining is soft and embossed with the Noreve logo. The phone is also fully functional with the case on. You can customize it with a belt clip and choose from a wide range of colors.
PureGear Slim Shell Case ($25)
If you prefer an unfussy basic cover that’s sleek, but tough enough to guard your Note 3 from scratches or bumps, then this slim shell offering might tempt you. It’s a single piece design that’s easy to fit, but it combines flexible rubber with polycarbonate. It comes in tasty sounding coconut jelly and licorice flavors, but those are just fancy words PureGear uses to avoid saying gray or black. It does work well with the design of the phone and the cut-outs are exact.
Diztronic TPU Case ($10)
Here’s a basic TPU case that’s flexible and has a matte finish to prevent any smudging. There’s no problem accessing the ports and using the camera and the button covers fit nicely. There’s a little lip on the front so the screen isn’t in danger when you place the Note 3 face down on a flat surface. It’s not going to protect your phone from major disasters, but bumps and scratches need no longer concern you. Did we mention that the price is very reasonable?
Tech21 Impact Mesh Case ($35)
You can still the see design of the Note 3 through this transparent case, but it does have a color highlight around the frame in orange, blue, or “smokey” (which looks brown). It’s made from TPU which is malleable, so it’s easy to put on and comfortable to hold. There’s also a shock-absorbing lining on the inside that will keep your Note 3 safe if it takes a tumble. It also has button covers and precise cut-outs for your ports and camera.
BodyGlove Fusion Steel Case ($25)
This is a really slim case that adds protection without compromising on style. It has an unusual combination of a brushed metal back plate and a TPU shell, so it’s resistant to shock, bumps, and scratches. The cut-outs are very precise, so there no issues with using the camera or accessing ports. The Galaxy Note 3 is already a big device and you don’t want to add unnecessary bulk, but this strikes a good balance between protection and form.
Cruzerlite Androidified A2 Case ($13)
You don’t have to spend much to get a simple TPU shell for your Note 3. This is flexible, so it’s easy to fit. It’s slightly translucent, and it comes in a wide range of colors. There’s an Android mascot design on the back and you’ll find ridges on the sides that help to add a little extra grip. There are cut-outs for the ports, buttons are covered, and there’s a lip on the front that prevents screen damage if you lay it face down.
Fosmon Hybo Fender Case ($6)
You’ll find a big range of cheap case for your Galaxy Note 3 offered by Fosmon. This one is white with a rainbow finish on the back. The frame is malleable TPU to absorb impacts and the back translucent rainbow plate is tough polycarbonate. It has a full range for cut-outs for access to ports and buttons and it fits well. This is a decent, lightweight option for anyone on a budget.
Caseology Carbon Fiber Hybrid Case ($9)
You’ll find loads of cases at reasonable prices from Caseology. This one has a carbon fiber finish on the back. They all offer a good fit with precise cut-outs and blend soft TPU for the bumper with a toughened polycarbonate shell. These cases look a lot more expensive than they are, but they will add some bulk and the protection is fairly minimal. You won’t have to worry about small bumps or scratches, but major drops could still be a problem.
Minisuit Rugged Hybrid Case ($10)
This is a tough case with a rubber tire tread finish that adds grip. There’s also a built-in kickstand that flips out the back and allows you to prop up your Note 3. The inner shell is polycarbonate and it’s surrounded by rubberized TPU, so drop damage and bumps should not pose a problem. You’ve got full access to use the phone and ports with the case on.
Evecase Leather Flip Case ($8)
It’s obviously not real leather at this price, but the synthetic leather exterior and suede interior are pretty decent looking. This is a flip case with a front flap that falls forward. It’s padded to protect the screen when closed, and it has a snap closure to keep it securely shut. The corners of your Note 3 are protected, but you’ve got unfettered access to all the ports and buttons on the sides and the top edge.
Seidio Ledger View with Metal Kickstand ($55)
Here’s a smart design that combines a few useful features. There’s a solid, slim case to protect your Note 3. It has cut-outs for all the ports and functions, and it won’t block NFC. It also has a fold-out kickstand on the back which tucks away and stays in place thanks to magnets. The front cover is fake leather with a microfiber lining with a window in the front for checking alerts and other information at-a-glance. The magnetic cover also supports the automatic sleep/wake functionality. What else do you need?
Belkin Wallet Folio Case ($50)
For a touch of understated class, you might like Belkin’s real leather wallet cases, which come in brown or black. The natural grain leather exterior opens to reveal a microfiber lining and an inner pocket that can hold a credit card and ID. There’s a clasp to make sure the cover stays closed and you can fold it to create a good widescreen stand. All the cut-outs you need, including the camera are there. It’s a slim and stylish option if you like the wallet style.
Speck CandyShell Grip Case ($40)
The rubber ribs give this case a really eye-catching look, but they’re not just for decoration, they also provide some additional grip. The combination of hard, glossy shell with rubber interior for shock absorption, and then the ribs on the back adds up to a decent case that will protect your Note 3 from drop damage. The raised edges on the front ensure that the screen is protected when placed face down, the ports are all open, and it fits the Note 3 perfectly. You can get it in a few different contrasting color combinations.
Zerolemon Extended Battery Rugged Case ($60)
If you find yourself disappointed at the battery life of your Note 3 then this is the case for you. It packs a 10,000mAh battery which will keep your Note 3 going for at least a couple of days between charges. You don’t have to sacrifice protection either because this case has a hard polycarbonate layer and a TPU wraparound. There’s also a belt clip holster that can serve as a multi-position stand. The NFC still works and there are protective tabs for your ports and covers for the keys. It is heavy and seriously bulky, but it offers a lot for the money.
Amzer Snap On Case with Kickstand ($11)
You don’t need to spend much to get a basic snap on shell. This one has a nice soft touch matte finish which adds a little grip. The back is textured and there’s a sliding kickstand feature that supports portrait or landscape view. The ports, controls, and camera are fully accessible, and this is a pretty slim, lightweight case. You can pick it up in white, pink, or black.
OtterBox Defender Series Case ($60)
For a truly rugged case that offers real protection, OtterBox is always worth a look. You’ll find the standard malleable inner, with a polycarbonate frame, a built-in screen protector, and a holster attachment that doubles up as a stand. Since the Note 3 is already big, this case makes it seriously bulky, but there’s no way round that if you want solid drop protection. The screen protector does impact touchscreen sensitivity, somewhat.
Spigen Neo Hybrid Case ($35)
Sleek and stylish, this case from Spigen manages not to compromise too much on the level of protection it offers. There’s a basic flexible TPU case in black, with a durable polycarbonate frame that wraps round the outside and offers a color contrast. The fit is good and the ports and stylus are easily accessible. The frame is glossy and eye-catching, but it doesn’t improve grip.
Samsung S-View Cover ($60)
On the plus side this flip-open cover fits perfectly and, because it replaces the back cover, it is very slim. It also has the window in the front for the limited S-View display, which allows you to interact with certain apps without opening the cover. Cons include the high price tag, the fact it doesn’t stay shut, the fact that wireless charging doesn’t work with it on, and the limited protection it offers.
Incipio Watson Wallet Case ($45)
This is a more traditional folio style case for the Note 3. It’s fake leather on the outside, with a microsuede lining inside. It has three slots for cards and an elastic enclosure. There’s also an inner case and a tough frame that holds the Note 3 in place and should safeguard against drop damage. It is big, but you can actually detach the cover if you want to travel light, just with the slim inner case.
Trident Aegis Case ($35)
Another brand that should make your shortlist, if your main aim is to keep your Note 3 pristine, is Trident. This mid-level Aegis case boasts military standards for drop and vibration protection. The inner silicone absorbs shock and there are plugs to protect your ports from dust. There’s a standard outer polycarbonate shell with a lanyard loop, and you get a screen protector, too. The colored cases are a bit loud, though there is a black option, and they’re definitely bulky, but your Note 3 will be safe inside.
Ballistic SG Maxx Case ($50)
It’s not pretty, but with four layers and heavily reinforced corners, this case is going to keep your Note 3 ticking after a fall. It’s the usual blend of tough shell and shock absorbing inner, but there’s also a tough, solid screen protector. The case provides grip in the hand and prevents it from slipping on surfaces. It’s chunky, and you will lose some touchscreen sensitivity, but you’ll have nothing to fear from drops.
Urban Armor Gear Aero Case ($35)
This sexy industrial design combines a lightweight armor shell with an impact resistant core and reinforced corners. The cut outs are precise and a screen protector is supplied as well. It’s definitely bulky and it does remind you just how big the Note 3 is, but the angular look is pretty stylish and it can take some damage. It’s also available in white, orange, and black.
Luvvitt Clearview Hybrid Slim Case ($15)
You don’t have to cover up Samsung’s design; you could always opt for a clear case like this one. The design is smart as it combines a kind of soft TPU bumper with a hard polycarbonate back, but it’s all in one piece. It’s light, slim, fits properly, and it’s easy to use your Note 3 with the case on. It’s probably not going to deal with serious falls and the back will pick up scratches, but it’s a decent minimalist option.
Hyperion Extended Battery and Back Cover ($35)
There aren’t too many extended battery options for the Note 3. This Hyperion offering will roughly double your battery life, and it comes with a replacement back cover. It is big and heavy. The back cover replaces the Samsung one with a glossy, slick finish which slides in and out of your pocket easily enough, but does mean that you lose the fake leather look and Samsung logo. It’s not built for protection and it changes the size of the device, so you might have to go for a sleeve style cover to protect it.
Case Mate Slim Folio Case ($35)
Here’s a nice folio case with an executive look. It’s textured for a nice feel with soft material on the inside to protect the screen. The closure is magnetic and you can fold the cover back to create a stand position in landscape. Cut outs give access to everything you need. The Note 3 is actually held in place by residue-free adhesive which is designed to be reusable, but if you repeatedly remove the Note 3 it may become an issue.
So ends our Galaxy Note 3 cases roundup, but we will add new entries when we discover them. If you want to recommend a case or share your experiences with one, good or bad, please do post a comment.
Updated on 5-2-2014 by Simon Hill: Added the Noreve Leather case, PureGear Slim Shell, Diztronic TPU case, Tech21 Impact Mesh, and BodyGlove Fusion Steel.
Updated on 4-4-2014 by Simon Hill: Added the Cruzerlite Androidified A2 Case, Fosmon Hybo Fender Case, Caseology Carbon Fiber Hybrid Case, Minisuit Rugged Hybrid Case, and the Evecase Leather Flip Case.
Updated on 2-3-2014 by Simon Hill: Added the Seidio Ledger View, Belkin Wallet Folio, Speck CandyShell Grip, Zerolemon Extended Battery Rugged Case, and Amzer Snap On Case.
