My top choice for minimalist cases, Thinborne, is introducing some stylish new colors this year, all featuring the finest MagSafe rings ever. The last few years have been somewhat dull for Galaxy S enthusiasts, but 2026 is set to be considerably more exciting, particularly for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Although we’ve encountered numerous rumors regarding minor design tweaks and hardware enhancements, the initial cases for the smartphones just arrived at my door this past weekend, giving me a glimpse of what to anticipate when Samsung unveils everything this week.
Thus far, my preferred cases are (unsurprisingly) from Thinborne, a Texas-based firm in Frisco known for creating ultra-thin aramid fiber cases. These consistently rank as my favorites because they provide a streamlined appearance and add no bulk to the device, preserving the in-hand sensation of a “bare” phone without the slippery metal and glass elements.
Since it’s highly unlikely that we’re receiving Qi2 magnets within the Galaxy S26 lineup, these cases incorporate MagSafe-compatible magnets internally, while still maintaining a thinner profile compared to other cases. This is perfect for someone like me who dislikes large, cumbersome cases yet still desires additional features like MagSafe compatibility.
The exterior of the case boasts a checkered carbon fiber-like design and is incredibly grippy, ensuring you’ll keep a firm hold on the phone even in freezing temperatures. This case feels pleasantly grippy throughout the entire year and looks appealing while doing so.
The case maintains the comfortable rounded corners, enhancing grip on those flat edges, as the material offers a more tactile grip than the metal frame found on most Galaxy devices.
The integrated MagSafe magnet is impressively robust and securely holds onto any magnet-based accessories as if its existence relies on it. Given that I predominantly use magnet-based accessories these days, this is yet another feature that this case fulfills for me.
Better still, this year’s cases are available in a range of eye-catching colors. Typically, these cases come in black aramid fiber, but Thinborne has truly gone above and beyond for the S26 series. I personally suggest the red case, as it boasts an outstanding flair due to the black-and-red color scheme.
If you haven’t tried an aramid fiber case before, here’s what you can anticipate. The material is rigid, designed to conform perfectly around your device like a second skin. Its hard composition protects against scratches and certain drops, but it doesn’t possess the thickness of a bulkier Otterbox case, so individuals who frequently drop their phones might want to consider a more robust option.
As always, Thinborne includes a tempered glass protector in the package to guarantee that your phone’s display remains safe from scratches and falls, effectively compensating for the primary weakness of this case style (the absence of a lip around the screen for added protection). This also means you won’t have to purchase anything additional immediately after acquiring one of these cases, which is great after spending a significant amount on the new devices.
Additionally, it features a raised camera bump designed to safeguard the new camera hardware within the phones, and that excites me to see what Samsung has in store for the S26 series. After all, the company has been hinting at some significant camera enhancements as the launch approaches, and the dimensions of this camera island on the back of the cases suggest we’re in for something special this year.
It may take a few weeks before we all receive our new Galaxy S26 devices, but we can at least obtain some fantastic cases ahead of the release and ensure that the phones are completely protected the moment they arrive!