Google's 2023 mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 7a, is a tempting choice for those chasing after the Pixel experience without breaking the bank. Boasting specs that come close to its flagship sibling, the Pixel 7, the 7a rightfully earns its place among the best budget Android phones you can get your hands on. But let's get real — no matter how pocket-friendly this phone or its price tag might be, it still needs protection.

The Pixel 7a features a plastic back less likely to shatter on impact, but it's still prone to scratching and denting. While a good screen protector can safeguard your phone's front face, the rest is still exposed to the elements. This is where heavy-duty cases come into play, providing the extra protection your device deserves.

Choosing the best heavy-duty case for Pixel 7a

Nobody likes to see their phone getting banged up, so adding a tough case for your phone is never a bad idea. When selecting the right heavy-duty case, there are several key factors to consider. Durability is paramount, so every case on this list comes with significant shock absorption and drop-protection features.

Rugged cases generally tend to be bulkier and weightier than regular slap-on cases, so it's worth figuring out how much you are willing to compromise on the in-hand feel of your phone. Although thanks to newer materials and technologies, we're long past the days when rugged cases came as a visual equivalent to tactical armor.

Today, many cases offer military-grade drop protection without sacrificing aesthetics, and some look so nice that you may have a hard time believing they offer the level of protection they do. Many rugged cases come with extra features like a built-in kickstand, but they can interfere with wireless charging capabilities, so you might need to take off your phone case every time to charge it wirelessly.

A-grade protection for your Pixel 7a

Caseology's Parallax case is a great pick for most buyers, delivering fun designs and colors without skimping on protection. It features an especially nice design with its 3D patterns and two-tone colors — while offering grippy sides and durable military-grade four-foot drop protection that should be enough to cover most use cases.

Wilderness adventurers and extreme athletes will likely require something much more rugged. That's where Otterbox's reputation could make its Commuter case worth the splurge. It features port covers to block dirt and dust and promises to handle up to three times as many drops as the military standard certifications. For extreme conditions, Supcase's UB Pro is a solid choice, with 20-foot drop protection and a versatile set of features for holstering, holding, and propping it up just about anywhere.

Our value pick, the Fntcase, offers a non-slip textured back, reinforced corners for shock absorption, and bundled tempered glass for the screen as well. It doesn't offer the military standard rating for drop protection, but it should suffice for keeping your phone safe against the threats of daily usage.

Ultimately, what case works best for you depends greatly on your preferences. So, whether you're a self-proclaimed Butterfinger or just a realist who acknowledges the unpredictable nature of smartphone ownership, one of these cases will help your Pixel 7a get the protection it deserves.