REVIEW – I’ll admit it (and I hope Samsung doesn’t read this because I always trade in my phone with them) I am not particularly careful with my phone. I drop it probably once a week on average and maybe let it slip off a table or an armchair about once a week too. I always have some kind of protection plan (because I know what I’m like) but having used it a few times, it’s a hassle. That’s why I am always on the lookout for a good case. I’m pretty picky about my cases, but when I saw that UAG had a slim, clear case available for my Samsung Flip 5, I jumped on it.
What is it?
The UAG Plyo Pro is a slim case that offers military grade protection but doesn’t make your phone into a heavy brick. Available with or without a magnet for mounts that require it.
What’s included?
- UAG Plyo Pro case
Tech specs
Click to expand
Design and features
As I mentioned, my phone takes a beating. For a while, I went through a phase where I didn’t use a case and just tried to be careful. Let’s just say that didn’t last long. I really hate cases. They are bulky, they cover up what some designer spent a long time trying to make sleek and sexy. It’s like putting a suit of armor on a supermodel. Yes you protect that supermodel, but no one can tell he or she is super. However, I am also both a realist and a klutz. So I need a case and I always look for one that doesn’t add too much bulk, doesn’t detract from the phone and ideally, has a magnet so it sticks to my car mount. The UAG Plyo case fit the bill.
First of all, the UAG Plyo and Plyo Pro come in a rubbery clear TPU shock-absorbing material that is available in several muted colors. I chose Ice/Silver for my Plyo Pro. It’s clear and offers a raised lip around the edge of the inner screen, so if you drop it while the phone is open, you’re still protected. It features a magnet integrated into the case on the back for wireless charging and magnetic car mounts. Their website says it is “anti yellowing” but I must confess I had a clear UAG case a few years ago and it did yellow. It took a while, but it eventually turned color. So I am prepared for that with this one.
I am currently carrying the Samsung Flip 5 which is a tricky phone to put a case on because it folds. The Plyo Pro snaps right on and I didn’t even have to use the adhesive strips that they have on the case to keep it on. It never budged even though I dropped it about 10 times on a variety of surfaces during my testing. I like that because I always wonder what happens when you have to remove the case…will it leave a sticky residue? Will I be able to put it back on and have it stick? I didnt’t have to find out, and I don’t think you will either. The Plyo Pro is a perfect fit. It has a large cutout for your charging cable and leaves the volume and power buttons open instead of covering them up. I like that because with cases that cover them up I don’t get the same tactile feedback plus it adds bulk.
If you look closely at the pictures, you’ll see a very subtle bump on the corners of the Plyo case. These are air cushions that offer extra protection. In fact, the Plyo series is made to military drop test standards and all the products UAG makes are third party verified to confirm they meet those requirements. They do crazy things to their products, such as throw them out of cars going 120 miles per hour, just to see if they will survive. So if you’re going to spend $1200 on a phone, my advice is to drop another $50 on a decent case like the Plyo Pro. It’s the cheapest insurance policy you’ll buy.
One criticism that I have of this Plyo is the fact that your hinge isn’t protected if your phone is closed. This is the one thing that bums me out about this case. While I think the hinge is very strong and made of metal and, therefore, doesn’t need as much protection as the glass screens, I have managed to ding it in a couple of places. Since I always trade my phones it, I don’t like to see any damage at all if possible. I wish UAG would figure something out for the hinge.
What I like about UAG Plyo Pro Samsung Flip 5 case
- Thin, light and clear
- Great protection
What needs to be improved?
- The hinge shouldn’t be exposed.
Final thoughts
I really like this case. It is almost perfect! The search for the perfect case will therefore continue, but for now, I am fairly content with this case.
Price: $44.95 for the Plyo (without integrated magnet) and $49.95 for the Plyo Pro (with the integrated magnet).
Where to buy: UAG
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by UAG. UAG did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
