Introduction (Does It Do What It Should)
Looks like I’m back to reviewing products from the Urban Armor Gear once again, just in time for the holiday season! I have nine different products this time, with a few being cases for the new iPhone 16 series. As for the rest, we had better get started!
Our Review of the UAG NATO ECO Strap for the Apple Watch
Okay, let’s start out with something simple with a strap for the Apple Watch. I’m not certain how simple it really is, because it is a Nato-inspired design. I did a search on the what Nato design was, and I couldn’t find something not related to NATO.
I also do not know what RPET is, but it is 100 percent RPET high-strength nylong straps, a recycled woven label, and recycable stainless steel custom chamfered hardware. I think it is made for pretty much any specific Apple Watch, wow.
So, I suppose I should get to the price, which is strange, because there is a discrepancy on it on the UAG website. It seems to start out at $49.99, and I’m seeing $29.99.
Our Review of the Monarch Pro MagSafe Carbon Fiber Case and Black Ring Stand for the iPhone 16 Pro Max
The Monarch Pro is one of the cooler cases with a shock-resistant core, signature armor frame, polycarbonate shear plate, and impact-resistant rubber surround. I’ve seen UAG do Kevlar before, so they can do thicker and stronger cases.
A strong case can be pretty difficult with the application of MagSafe, something that is really made wireless charging easy and hip amongst iPhone users. It works really well with its non-slip grip and oversized Tactile buttons also. Oh yeah, it’s drop-tested for 25 feet, which is really nice.
I should talk about the Magnetic Ring Stand, which affix to the back, and then unfold so it can prop up the case and iPhone in it. It doesn’t just lean up the iPhone as well, it does some serious propping them up. You can get it on the UAG site for about $99.95.
Our Review of the UAG Civilian for the iPhone 16 Pro
So, this is really interesting to see the Civilian, which I have heard is similar to the previous generation. Of course, it really helps that it is compatible with MagSafe accessories.
I think that I called this design “minimalist”, and considering the other cases of UAG, I think this has very little complexity. It has a hex cushioning core, and it can provide 20 feet of drop protection, with eco-friendly construction.
You should be able to get the Civilian on the UAG website for about $59.95.
Our Review of the PLYO for iPhone 16 Plus
So, yes, you can get yourself the very cool PLYO , which is essentially a case that is transparent and slightly pliable. It has a TPU shock-absorbing frame and impact-resistant soft core protection, with scratch-resistant skid pads and air-soft corners.
The PLYO is very featherlight, so much so, that you will barely feel it without the phone in it. Like you know how you can barely see it? Apply that to the sense of touch.
All of it adds up to 16 feet of drop protection, which is very cool, even it is not as high as others. You can find it on the UAG website for about $49.95.
Our Review of the Essential Armor iPhone 16 Pro Max
One of the things that I thought was odd about the Essential Armor is how flexible it is. Seriously, the PLYO, which I just talked about, is probably named after its pliability, and it is pretty flexible.
I mean, I thought it was like one of those cases like the Monarch Pro, but it is so flappy. Well, hey, it is MagSafe compatible, and it has 15 feet of drop protection, which isn’t as high as the other examples that I have given.
So, this is very interesting, as the price is pretty low at just $39.95. I haven’t really seen anything that low besides the Apple Watch strap.
Our Review of the Plasma XTE iPhone 16 Case
Okay, now the Plasma case is one of the most interesting cases as it has many layers of protection. Yes, the other cases like the Monarch Pro have very similar layers, and this one is tested for 20 feet.
I’m very certain that the MagSafe aspect is pretty common on any iPhone case, but this has an integrated metal kickstand. Now, I have reviewed cases with this similar feature, and I don’t think it is advanced as that cool magnet ring for the Monarch Pro. It’s definitely set up for the viewing videos, and I suppose that you can put your fingers in it for one-handed use, which we tried.
You can get the Plasma XTE iPhone 16 case on the UAG website for about $69.95.
Our Review of the UAG Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank with Stand
So, this product is a mobile power battery, and we are no stranger to that. This particular one is a 10,000 mAh battery, which is good enough to give 2.5 full charges to the smartphone or one full charge on a tablet.
This is particularly interesting is how it does it with a magnetic charge, but I couldn’t get it do that on a Qi enabled phone. I think a MagSafe iPhone would work better, and you can use it in Portrait and Landscape mode.
Yeah, but I didn’t let that get me down, I mean, there’s a USB-C port on one side and a USB-A on another, so this can do a lot of things. Oh, this mobile battery can take 8 feet of drop protection, which is rare that any mobile battery can be dropped, really.
You should be able to purchase it on the UAG website for $99.95.
Our Review of the Metropolis SE Series for iPad Pro 11-inch Folio Case
All right, this is very interesting to see covers for the iPad, and I believe that I have covered the Metropolis before, for other devices besides the iPad. I do like the folio effect on this, and how it leans and stuff.
The Metropolis cover for the iPad is very good at being very featherlight, and it also has a soft, impact resistant core to protect from drops. It also has impact resistant corners to protect from scratches, which is very very nice.
Now, you can’t use this with the Magic Keyboard, but it is compatible with the Apple Pencil for Pairing and Charging. You can get it on the UAG website for $69.95.
Our Review of the [U] Lucent Series for MacBook Pro 16-inch Case
Okay, now to cover the only product that we have for the MacBook, which is also the only [U] Lucent. The [U] Lucent series is really great for creating the most transparent type of cases, and I believe that I reviewed those in the past.
This particular case has an impact-resistant of soft core for premium drop protection, shielding the Apple brand laptop from all kinds of scratches and dents. Then there is the side vents for some “uncompromised airflow”.
Yeah, that is the last product here for UAG, and that is all for now. I guess we’ll be back when Samsung has the latest version of their phone.
Facts About The Company
Imagine that it is 2012, and the world is about to end because of some Mayan calendar thing. In Orange County, the action sports center of the world, the company of Urban Armor Gear (UAG) figured out that the case market really sucked, so they developed their versions of popular products. Okay, maybe really sucked is not the proper word, but perhaps room for improvement could take place. Honestly, besides Otterbox and other major brands, I think UAG really has what it takes to beat one of the biggest players in the case game.
What Does This Company Make?
If you want cases, UAG literally has you covered. Then there is some straps as well. But it is mostly cases for smartphones and tablets, as well as straps for smart watches.
I think I’m just going to put in links for my other UAG reviews for the past year, and the first of them comes from just a week ago:
Our Review of Many UAG Cases for the iPhone 15 Pro Max!
Another Awesome UAG Review, This Time with iPad and AirPod Covers!
Another Massive UAG Omni Review for iPhone, Apple Watch, and Clothes, too!
UAG Massive Omni Review with 18 products for the iPad, iPhone, and much, much more!
Our Review of the UAG Pathfinder for the Samsung Galaxy S22+
Oh, and these are the ones that I reviewed just recently:
Our Review of Many UAG Cases for the iPhone 15 Pro Max!
At this point, I think this was the last time with the UAG Galaxy S24 Ultra Cases!
Then there is also this time:
Just the Specs, Man
If you’re the type that needs this info, this section is for you!
I’m not going to fill out this section, as the specs information just covers the basic measurements.
If there is something on this that I didn’t cover, please let me know.
Okay, Get To The Unboxing Already!
Maybe I Want It, But Is There Anything Else Like It? Maybe For A Lower Price? Please?
Since the iPhone 16 is still really new, I have reviewed a few products related to it. We did this Grip2U cases that are good. Here’s some from Catalyst and CASETiFY. Oh, then there’s MUJJO.
I suppose you could go with Otterbox, but their cases are pretty up there in price. I would have to say UAG is up there in price, but not to far. I mean, you have to pay for protection. I’ll let you decide where and what direction you want to go with other brands like TORRAS, ZAGG, Smartish, and any of the others I’ve looked at.
I actually have another review coming up of some UAG cases, and it will post soon, if it hasn’t already. I think I will always have cases like this to review as long as we have smartphones and tablets.
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