About Ara Wagoner
Ara Wagoner is a Senior Commerce Writer for Android Police and a lover of all things cases, Chromebooks, accessories, and Disney. Overseeing our buyer's guides and product selection, Ara has spent 7 years honing her product-picking instincts and reviews while previously at Android Central, bringing a unique flair to her writing (and a lot of TV/anime references). She works full-time on a Chromebook, whether it's at home or while waiting for fireworks at Walt Disney World. Ara loves Android phones so much that she wears a shoulder holster to ensure they're never out of reach, and if you see her without headphones, RUN.
What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?
I wear the title Case Queen with great pride, but I've got a number of tech passions, the chief three among them being cases, Chromebooks, and chargers. I work full-time from Chromebooks because they're light and impossible to screw up. My pickiness when it comes to cases is literally what got me this job, and the number of ways chargers can decide to not work properly have made me a teeny bit obsessed.
What was your first phone and what do you remember about it?
Let's skip my flip phone era; before I came to Android, I used the Samsung Blackjack and Samsung Jack (I forget which order they went in). I was obsessed with finally being able to write on my phone instead of carrying around journals, so I ended up having a ton of stories on it, but because it was early Windows Phone and I chose writing apps poorly, I couldn't actually get my work off of it. Rest in peace, high school fantasy action stories.
Latest Articles
Best Pixel 7a deals: Top discounts from retailers and wireless carriers
Don't miss out on these fantastic deals to save big
Google's Pixel 7a is one of the best budget Android phones you can buy in 2024. It offers the perfect combination with plenty of style, features, and most importantly, comes in at just the right price at $499. Of course, even at retail, it's affordable, but it never hurts to check around to see whether there are any good deals available that can lower the price further.
Best Google Pixel 7 cases in 2024
The Pixel 7 may fit almost perfectly in your hands, but to keep a good grip on it, you'll want one of these cases
The Google Pixel 7 has been hailed as “the most refined Pixel yet.” That sounds like the kind of smartphone you take extra care of and pamper with a new, durable case. After all, you’ll want that Google Tensor G2-powered device kept in one piece at least until you feel it’s time to upgrade to the Google Pixel 8. A case may cover up the phone’s elegant design, but luckily, some options can enhance its visual appeal or speak more to your personality.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has been on market shelves for a while and is one of the best flip phones you can buy. However, Samsung is already working on a successor which should launch as the Galaxy Z Flip 6. It is likely to arrive a bit earlier than the 2023 model and should feature major changes on the inside. Notwithstanding, for those who already own the Galaxy Z Flip 5 or are considering picking one up, it is paramount to protect it with a case.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is one of the best compact smartphones this year. It has a lot to like, from a bright LTPO OLED display to a promise of seven years of OS upgrades. But like its predecessor, it’s still a glass sandwich. While the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 adds some durability to the design, it’s mostly good for minor scratch and dent protection. So, a case is a crucial investment if you need peace of mind.
Best OnePlus 12 cases in 2024
A good case can be so hard to find when carriers don't like your phone
After a successful comeback with the OnePlus 11, OnePlus has also hit the ball out of the park with the OnePlus 12. It has a gorgeous display, a flagship processor, a pretty large battery that charges incredibly fast (whether you choose wired or wireless charging), and an advanced cooling system. It's a flagship that gives rivals like the Pixel 8 Pro a run for their money.
Samsung may lump in the Galaxy S24+ with its little brother, but this phone is more of the sweet spot between the affordable but small S24 and the now-ridiculously expensive Galaxy S24 Ultra. It's got a QHD+ screen with plenty of room for reading or gaming without being so large that it's impossible to use one-handed, and it still has premium features like UWB that the base model still lacks.
Best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cases in 2024
Your shiny new superphone needs the ultimate in protection and practicality
Even over a year after its release, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains a powerhouse phone. With its top-of-the-line processor, exceptional camera system, and long-lasting battery, there's little reason to upgrade anytime soon. But for a phone you plan on keeping for a while, investing in a good protective case is essential.
Best Samsung Galaxy S23 cases in 2024
Put a case on; your Galaxy S23 is naked and afraid in this concrete jungle
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a fantastic baseline for the flagship lineup. While overshadowed somewhat by the Ultra and Plus builds that expand upon the standard model's wheelhouse, the S23 remains a stalwart with a favorable price tag. The S23 is a relatively small phone, too, making it a good choice for any who want to resist the continually expanding footprint of modern smartphones.
With its titanium frame and Gorilla Armor glass protection, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is undoubtedly more durable than its predecessor and other best Android phones. But it’s also a significant investment, with its top variant costing north of $1,500. So, as much as you might not like to cover its beautiful design, getting a case to keep it safe and sound is a good idea.
Best Google Pixel 8 cases in 2024
Keep that Pixel 8 pixel-perfect with one of these top cases to save your phone from knocks and bumps
The Pixel 8 is proof of Google's growth in the smartphone world. It sports a refined version of a design that first debuted with the Pixel 6 and is packed with features that have rightfully earned it a spot on the list of the best Android smartphones. The Pixel 8 is available in four colors, but all of those colors have a glass back.
Although the new Galaxy S24 series is here, Samsung's Galaxy S23+ remains a solid performer and a good choice for anyone looking for a high-end phone but wants to avoid paying the premium for the latest generation.
Best Galaxy S23 series deals: up to $250 off plus up to $750 instant trade-in
Goodbyes are hard, but this month's Galaxy S23 deals make it a bit easier
Now that the Galaxy S24 series is the official flagship of Samsung, this month's best Galaxy S23 series deals consist of mostly clearance offers and trade-in offers. The last-gen models are slowly being sunsetted, and in some cases, you'll no longer find them available for purchase now that the S24 line is out.
Best Motorola Razr (2023) cases in 2024
The Razr may be the most attainable foldable, but its cases are few and far between
The Motorola Razr (2023) is one of the best foldable smartphones on the market, not to mention the cheapest. Budget rivals like the ZTE Nubia Flip 5G are beginning to appear, but Motorola has nothing to fear for now, as ZTE hasn't revealed plans for a North American release of its new clamshell foldable. This leaves the Razr the undisputed top choice for US buyers who want a budget foldable smartphone.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 isn't a leap forward for Samsung's foldables; it's a saunter towards progress. It's not a bad phone by any means; it's fantastic but lacks anything revolutionary over its predecessor. It makes up for that by providing one of the most well-rounded and robust foldable experiences. Samsung has been making these devices longer than almost any other OEM, and that shows with a seamless transition from one mode to the other and plenty of software features that make the large foldable screen more than a gimmick.
Best Samsung Galaxy A54 deals: $75 off plus up to $350 trade-in credit
These are the best deals you'll find on the Galaxy A54 this month
While we were hopeful to see some of the better Galaxy A54 5G deals during the Discover Samsung Spring Sale this past week, unfortunately, we were left a little disappointed by what was available. Yes, the Galaxy A54 is on sale, but the discounts aren't the lowest we've seen, and the trade-in offers are pretty standard fair.
Best Google Pixel 7a cases in 2024
Whether you want a slim, colorful, thick, or MagSafe-compatible case, one of these will protect your new Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a shows Google has come a long way from the first Pixel A-series smartphone, the Pixel 3a, released back in 2019. Sharing the same design as the Pixel 7, albeit a tad smaller, the Pixel 7a is one of the best budget Android phones you can get your hands on, at least before the Pixel 8a arrives later this year. Like its predecessor, the Pixel 7a has a glass front, aluminum frame, and a plastic back. It also comes in four colors, including an attractive coral hue.
Best Chromebooks in 2024
Chromebooks come in all shapes and sizes — 10-inch to 17-inch, budget to premium, laptop or tablet — and we'll help pick your next one!
The best Chromebooks available today have come a long way since their inception, and they can be used for a wide range of tasks for a wide range of users. Chrome OS is more than "just a browser" these days. This cloud-focused operating system now runs on everything from tablets and laptops to All-in-One Chromebases and desktops.
Best Google Pixel 7 Pro cases in 2024
While the Pixel 7 Pro is about as perfect as a phone can get, it needs a case for you to protect it properly
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is more than a year old and has been usurped as the brand's state-of-the-art flagship with the release of the Pixel 8 lineup in October 2023. However, this doesn't mean that the phone is any less valuable in the hands of user, and it remains among the best Android phones for photography today. If you just picked one up on sale, welcome to the club.
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases in 2024
Cases for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 can be complex, but we've dug deep to bring you the most reliable and protective cases available
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 marked a turning point in the foldable phone market, arguably becoming the first foldable to truly capture mainstream attention. Almost two years later, it remains a popular choice for users seeking a unique and innovative phone experience. However, the phone's unique form factor also presents unique challenges. Its folding mechanism makes it potentially more susceptible to damage from drops and scratches than traditional smartphones.
Samsung always offers a broad line-up of phones, including the A series, S series, FE range, and foldables, and they're all vying for your attention, so it can be overwhelming to choose. Thankfully, we've put the work in to test these devices to help you select the right one. So, whether you're here for the best Android phone available or a more wallet-friendly option, there's a Samsung phone that will meet your needs.