Whether you call it a smartphone, a tablet or a phablet, we think we can all agree that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is not for the average jeans pocket, so some portable protection is a wise investment once you've got your hands on one.
If you love that slim Note 2 body and want to keep it in near box-fresh condition for as long as possible, then a phone/tablet/phablet case is an essential investment that won't break the bank but could save you from having to pay for expensive repairs if you drop it.
Here is our pick of 15 of the best Samsung Galaxy Note 2 cases to buy.
1. BoxWave Tuxedo SuitUp - £15/US$33 (around AU$32)
Offering a Note 2-hugging fit and a rubberised anti-slip design that makes it easier to grip your device, the TPU case should keep greasy fingerprints to a minimum and offer decent impact resistance. There's access to cameras, speakers, volume and ports, all housed in a slim body.
2. Arkon Sports Armband - £22/US$18 (around AU$17)
If you are taking your Note 2 out for a run, this water-resistant - and more importantly, washable - neoprene sports armband will hold your phablet comfortably and securely in place with an adjustable closure. An internal pouch also means that there's enough room for some change and a key to get back into the house.
3. Incipio LGND Premium Hard-Shell Folio - US$35 (around £22.50/AU$34)
Adding just over 2mm of thickness, the hinged leather case is made with a Plextonium frame and a micro-suede lining that offers better resistance against scratches and drops. It also comes with a screen protector and microfibre cloth to buff that display up. It can also be opened up as a landscape viewing stand, enabling you to watch movies without having to keep hold of your Note 2.
4. Seidio Active with Metal Kickstand - US$35 (around £22.50/AU$34)
Primed for video-watching Note 2 users, the Active case comes with a built-in magnetic kickstand that enables you to watch in landscape view hands-free. Despite its thin exterior, a dual layer of polymer and a rubberised exoskeleton means it's well guarded against impact, and also makes it easier to grip. Crucially, ports are all accessible once inside the case, which means you can be creative without taking it out from its protective shell.
5. Case-Mate Barely There - £23/US$30 (around AU$29)
Making sure that slender body is not all hidden away, this hard shell polymer case fits on the back and sides of the Note 2 and features an interior lining to ramp up the resistance against drops. The lay flat bezel will help protect the screen when you lie it down on a table, and it's available in white to complement your brightly hued Note 2 - or alternatively you can get it in black or pink.
6. Speck CandyShell - US$40 (around £26/AU$39)
Pop your Note 2 inside this durable rubber case which is available in Raspberry and Cool Grey or Black and Slate and it will provide a hard outer shell and a shock-absorbent centre to give enough everyday protection. A raised bezel will help keep the screen out of harm when lying flat, while rubberised button covers should give it a nice sturdy grip in the hand.
7. Otterbox Commuter Series Case - US$45 (around £29/AU$43.50)
Maintaining the Note 2's slender looks and at the same time keeping it in one piece the Commuter's dual layer protection comprises a polycarbonate outer and silicone inner layer to battle drops and scratches. If you want the display looked after as well, carefully apply the self-adhesive screen protector provided as a last line of phablet defence.
8. Samsung Galaxy Note II Flip Case - £30/AU$35/US$40
This official Samsung case swaps places with the battery cover to guard the 5.5-inch display against getting scratched or dirty when you are on the move. By covering the whole of the front, it stops you from accidentally pressing buttons or swiping, and with an NFC chip built in it means you can still share images and videos by tapping it against another Note 2 and not worrying about pulling the cover off first.
9. Belkin Snap Folio Case - £30/US$40 (around AU$39)
If you are worried about whipping out a colourful case in a big meeting, this snap-on case has a low-key yet elegant crafted body made from durable polycarbonate, with a magnetic closure to keep it secure. Internal pockets mean there's room for a business card or two, and when you are out of work mode you can catch up on the football using the built-in stand.
10. Ballistic Shell Gel SG Series Case - £30/US$40 (around AU$39)
If you are happy to add a little extra bulk to make sure your Note 2 is well protected, bolt this onto the back of your handset and the silicone layer, durable polycarbonate shell and Ballistic shock absorbent polymer combined will offer sufficient armour against everyday commuting carnage.
11. Proporta Leather Case - £30/US$40 (around AU$39)
The faux leather pouch with a subtle stitched design means it's still an elegant place to call home for your Note 2. The pull tab keeps the mobile device secure when not in use, and an aluminium lining provides a guard against scratches, drops and knocks with access to vital ports and buttons, including that special S-Pen.
14. Gorilla Gadgets 4000mAh Extended Battery Case with Flip Cover - US$50 (around £32/AU$48)
Packing a 3,100mAh battery, the Note 2 already has a decent amount of multitasking prowess, but if you are constantly running out of juice this will extend the life without adding too much handset thickness. The 4,000mAh case clips to the back and has LED indicator lights to let you know how much power is left. Plus with a flip cover it also provides protection for your big, beautiful display.
13. Zenus Masstige Lettering Diary Series - £35/AU$50/US$50
Giving the modern note-taker a more traditional look, this synthetic leather case hides your Note 2 away in a diary-style body. It has a button fastener to keep the Note 2 secure and a pocket inside to keep your cards and notes. There are cut outs for the charging ports and camera, and there's fancy embossed lettering to add some character.
13. Tech21 Impact Snap with Cover - £35/US$55 (around AU$53)
Providing military-grade shield for your Note 2, the shock-absorbing D30 material, which has been used in armour for the US Ministry of Defence, should provide a suitably tough exterior. Up front you can opt for a leather cover to keep it covered when you're not doodling. There's access to all ports including the S-Pen and speaker grille, while the rear-facing camera is free when you need to snap a picture.
15. Otterbox Defender Series Case - US$60 (around £38/AU$58)
Offering a triple layer of protection, the tough cookie case squeezes itself around the Note 2 and guards against bumps and drops with the combination of a polycarbonate shell, an impact-resistant silicone inner cover and a screen protector up front. There's also a belt holster if you decide that you want to free up some pocket space.
