Urban Armor Gear · Waterproof Personal Electronics Cases
Urban Armor Gear Plasma XTE Case with Magnet for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes composite polymer shell, 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
Composite polymer shell
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.
Heavy metals
Integrated magnets may contain iron, nickel, or cobalt; Urban Armor Gear does not disclose magnet sourcing or surface treatment. Nickel migration from magnets is rare in contact with a case exterior, but sensitivity individuals handling the magnet directly should be aware of potential skin contact.
Source, FDA ↗Adhesive off-gassing or skin contact irritation
The magnet pocket and any seams are joined by adhesives that may release volatile compounds during manufacturing or initial use. Odor may be noticeable but is typically short-lived and not associated with systemic toxicity.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Polymer off-gassing (volatile organic compounds)
No volatile or semi-volatile compounds have been documented for standard TPU or polycarbonate elastomer cases under normal use. The sealed design and external placement further minimize any theoretical exposure.
Phthalates
Modern TPU and polyurethane compounds used in premium cases typically avoid phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP), but the brand does not provide a statement. Risk of leaching to skin is minimal because the case is worn over clothing and does not transfer to food or mucous membranes.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding from mechanical wear
Composite polymers do not degrade into microplastics under normal handling or short-term use. Long-term UV exposure or repeated drops may cause surface wear, but fragments would not be inhaled or ingested in typical protective case use.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Plasma XTE uses a composite polymer shell, likely a blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polycarbonate-based elastomer, which are mechanically tough but chemically inert when properly formulated. No coating, laminate, or surface treatment is described, meaning no glazes, enamels, or protective films that could leach heavy metals or volatile organics. The sealed case design further isolates the phone user from any polymer off-gassing, since the case sits outside the device with minimal skin contact and no heat exposure during normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Urban Armor Gear is an established mobile accessory brand owned by Incipio, with no public record of major product safety recalls or chemical composition controversies. The brand does not publish PFAS statements, material safety data, or third-party certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, REACH compliance notices) for this case line. This silence reflects industry norm for protective cases rather than a red flag, but limits transparency on heavy-metal dyes in the magnet assembly or phthalate content in elastomer plasticizers.
How it compares in its category
Hard shell cases with composite polymer construction are among the lower-risk options in the protective case market, avoiding the formaldehyde-resin issues of some silicone or fabric-lined competitors. Cases with integrated magnets (like this model) carry minor uncertainty about magnet material sourcing and any adhesive or coating on the magnet itself, but risks are well below those of cases with chemical dyes, flame retardants, or unknown elastomer plasticizers. Most competing brands in this price tier offer similar disclosure levels and material opacity.
If you buy it
Keep the case clean and dry; composite polymers can trap moisture if submerged repeatedly, potentially fostering mold rather than harming the user directly. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat above 60C (140F), which may degrade the polymer or weaken adhesives in the magnet pocket. Replace the case if the shell cracks or the magnet begins to separate, as exposed adhesive could contact skin. No special cleaning agents needed; mild soap and water suffice.
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.