Urban Armor Gear · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Urban Armor Gear UAG Monarch Pro Case with Magnet for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber, plastic composite, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber, plastic composite
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Microplastic shedding from wear
TPU and rubber composites are inherently durable but can shed microscopic particles with prolonged mechanical stress, drop impact, or UV exposure. Risk is low during normal carry but increases if the case is dropped repeatedly or exposed to direct sunlight for months.
Thermal degradation and leachate release
If stored or used in temperatures above 65°C (150°F) for extended periods, TPU can degrade and leach oligomers or plasticizers into the phone's surface or battery casing. Risk is low under normal conditions but increases in hot vehicles or near heating equipment.
Moisture retention and bacterial/fungal growth
The sealed design and rubber gaskets can trap moisture if the case is not dried thoroughly after water exposure. Prolonged dampness may encourage microbial growth on the interior gasket surface, though this poses minimal direct health risk to the phone user.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No public reports of lead, cadmium, or antimony in UAG cases. TPU formulations typically do not require heavy-metal pigments for black colorants (carbon black is the standard); however, the brand has not published material safety data sheets or third-party test results to confirm.
Source, FDA ↗Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
TPU and rubber do not typically off-gas formaldehyde, benzene, or other hazardous VOCs at room temperature. New cases may have a faint plastic odor due to residual monomers or processing agents, but this dissipates within days and poses negligible inhalation risk.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Monarch Pro combines thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and rubber composites, both thermoset elastomers chosen for impact absorption and flexibility rather than coating-based protection. TPU is chemically stable at room temperature and does not release significant volatile organics or plasticizers under normal phone use conditions. Unlike rigid polycarbonate or metal cases, TPU does not require functional glazes, enamels, or surface treatments that typically introduce lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals.
The brand's record and disclosure
Urban Armor Gear has not published formal safety certifications (ISO, SGS, or similar) for chemical content in their public materials. The brand has been silent on PFAS and other hazard disclosures, which is typical of the protective case category but represents a gap in transparency. No recalls or chemical controversies have been documented for UAG products in consumer safety databases.
How it compares in its category
TPU-based cases like the Monarch Pro occupy the middle-to-premium tier and avoid the chemical hazards of cheaper rigid polycarbonate cases (which sometimes contain BPA or post-consumer recycled plastic contaminants) and metal-frame hybrids (which may use nickel-plated fasteners). They also sidestep the degradation and leaching risks of silicone cases that are left in direct sunlight for extended periods. Compared to fabric or neoprene sleeves, TPU offers superior chemical stability because it does not absorb moisture or harbor microbial growth.
If you buy it
Store and use at room temperature (below 60°C / 140°F); TPU can soften in sustained high heat such as a car dashboard in summer or near heating vents. Rinse with cool water if exposed to saltwater or harsh chemicals; do not soak in bleach or organic solvents. Inspect the rubber seal and interior gaskets annually for degradation, cracking, or discoloration; replace the case if seals no longer form a tight bond around the phone. Clean the interior periodically with a dry lint-free cloth to prevent moisture or dust accumulation that can corrode phone contacts.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Urban Armor Gear has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof personal electronics cases grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.