Tablet cases come in all shapes, sizes, and protection levels; some are heavy-duty and not necessarily the best fit for general use, while others have a rugged design that becomes vital for portable use. Buying from a reputable brand goes a long way, but you don’t need to dish for a high-end case if you don’t need it.
When shopping for a new case, you must consider the brand, model, and size. The last thing you want to do is return it because you bought a case that fits the regular Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 instead of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. However, if you purchased a Galaxy Tab S9+ and Tab S9 Ultra case, you’d be in luck and can reuse your case. No matter the tablet you own, there are compromises you shouldn’t make — here are the absolute essentials you shouldn’t skip out on.
This article was created in partnership with Supcase but was written independently and not shown to the company beforehand. Everything produced in this article follows Android Police’s stringent editorial standards.
Know what you plan to use your tablet for
Everyone buys a tablet for a different reason. Some use it for light reading, while others game on it. The type of case you should purchase will depend on how you use your tablet. For gaming tablets, you will want a case that dissipates heat properly and provides enhanced grip (like silicone-based cases). If you’re a productivity user, you might opt for accessories to support the tablet, like a keyboard or a stylus.
But if you are none of the above and solemnly use your tablet outside of web browsing, you might only need a sleeve case to protect from scratches. Knowing your plans could save you quite a few dollars. But there are some absolutes that you should consider when buying a tablet, which we highlight below.
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5 Search for supported stand and keyboard attachment
Don’t leave your precious attachments behind
Source: Google
The Google Pixel Tablet and its OEM stand.
Adding a stand and keyboard to your tablet could do you wonders in productivity. If you’re a frequent typer, a keyboard is a must. However, not all tablet cases are designed to fit a keyboard and stand. Compatibility for stand and keyboard attachments depends on the case design, size, and tablet model. In addition to fitting your keyboard, ideally, you’d like your keyboard to have as much protection as your tablet, preventing scratches and accidental spills. However, if you opt for a detachable keyboard, like the Logitech Keys-To-Go 2, it comes with its own folio cover.
4 Look for pockets and compartments
Safekeeping your tablet’s accessories is also important
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and pen.
You can buy a sleeve to hold some of your accessories, but if you use a stylus, you may opt for a tablet case that can carry it. You want to look for cases that have pouches. MoKo tablet sleeve cases are a great starting point when shopping on a budget, and the universal fit makes them a great option for reusing. Fintie also sells hybrid cases for Samsung tablets that include an S pen holder.
If you want a nice fitting case with extra space to spare, you can look for portfolio cases that match your tablet’s size — though some of these can get expensive. But it is all worth it if you want enhanced protection but with portability in mind.
3 Pick the right material and thickness
The sum of all parts matters in a tablet case
The Amazon Fire HD 8 (2024) lying flat in a slim case.
If you’re one of the few who’ve bought a tablet that supports Qi wireless technology (like the Amazon Fire Tab 8 HD Plus) or through a dock/station, you want to buy a case that doesn’t interfere with this function. The material and thickness of the tablet case can impede wireless charging or, worse, doesn’t fit the dock (avoid bulky cases for a Pixel tablet). Generally, slim, non-metallic cases are fine and won’t interfere with the charging process. If the tablet case supports MagSafe, you’re in business — unfortunately, that’s reserved mainly for iPads.
2 Judge the case’s durability and comfort
Tablet cases should be more than fashionable
The Samsung Tab S9 Plus with the Spigen Tough Armor Pro case.
We need to strike a balance between comfort and durability. You want your case to be long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear. Are you holding your tablet constantly, and do your palms get sweaty while doing so? A great case can handle these conditions; you don’t have to worry about peeling or ripping. Do you want a leather case, or are you fine with a plastic covering? Both are valid options, but one will be more expensive.
But if you aren’t sure what to look for in the material, polycarbonate cases are a great in-between option; you gain considerable durability and impact resistance while also being lightweight. Adding too much bulk can make your case uncomfortable to hold, which defeats the point of having a case if you occasionally remove it.
If you desire comfort without sacrificing durability or protection, you may opt for rugged cases that are grippy. Generally, they are made with grip in mind, are comfortable to hold, and don’t slip through your hands (stay away from clear cases). Spigen sells standard rugged cases for the Galaxy Tab S and A series. If you have especially moist hands, consider prioritizing grip for your casing (or using a hand-strap).
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This is the hands-down most important feature in your next phone case
MagSafe is cool, drop ratings are nice, but grip is absolutely essential
1 Evaluate the required protection level
Analyze your needs before spending big
Source: Lucas Gouveia/Android Police | Supcase
The Samsung Tab S10 Plus with the Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro rugged case.
While we may opt for the highest level of protection possible, it’s not always necessary. Are you letting your kids use this tablet? Or are you bringing it outdoors or while traveling? If yes, you may opt for shock-absorbent cases. But if your tablet stays on your desk most of the time, you can go for less expensive cases (cheaper folio options from ProCase and ESR) that primarily cover the screen from dust and scratches. But if you would rather be safe than sorry, heavy-duty rugged cases from Otterbox and Supcase would work in every situation, including ones that don’t involve handling your device with care.
Get the biggest bang for your buck
Shopping for tablet cases can be challenging because there are so many options. If you don’t know where to start, look for a trustworthy brand. First-party brands are generally a great starting point; Google and Samsung sell decent cases for their tablet lineups. Otherwise, some of our favorite case brands, like Supcase, Spigen and Otterbox’s Defender series, become safe options if you want to splurge.
