- Dec 25, 2011
- 5,294
- 4
- 38
The Claims
Yes, we've seen the UAG Monarch before, and there really isn't anything new about it other than the size. So let's recap what UAG claims with the Monarch. UAG claims impact protection, feather light, easy access, traction grip, screen surround, glare-free flash, two times MIL-STD 810G-516.6 drop tested, top grain leather, premium protection, premium materials, ten-year warranty, and five layer protection. Wow, that's a lot, and it all sounds great doesn't it? Well, it's not exactly what it sounds like. This is how UAG phrases it on the product page, “handcrafted, featherlight construction with 5 layers of protection, top grain leather and alloy metal hardware, soft impact-resistant core & honeycomb traction grip, oversized tactile buttons & protective screen surround, Apple Pay compatible, wireless charging compatible, meets 2X Military drop-test standards (MIL-STD 810G 516.6), and 10-Year Limited Warranty.” Most of this is on the box, but I like how UAG phrases it. Again, it's not what it seems.
The Truth
Let's start with those five layers of protection. These include the polycarbonate shell, the leather back, the alloy metal plate on the back, the rubber border, and the screws on the back. Indeed, the useless aesthetic screws are counted as a layer of protection.
How about the other claims? The screen surround is just fancy wording for the case extended past the screen for face first protection. Feather-light? Not quite, though it is a very light case. Glare-free flash is more fancy wording, the camera cutout is just larger than the camera so it won't interfere. For easy access, you won't have an issue with most charging cables, however, the mute switch cutout still isn't centered and a little tight. The impact protection is a standard six-foot drop rating, and the two times military rating means it can handle twice as many six-foot drops as a regular military rated case. Would that classify as premium protection? I don't think so. Top grain leather, premium materials...sure I can get behind that. The leather is nice, but you're not really going to feel it unless you shift your grip on your phone to feel it. And that honeycomb traction grip is nice, I just wish it covered the back too because the alloy metal plate is pretty slick. At least you get a ten-year limited warranty. Apple Pay and wireless charging capability shouldn't be a marketing claim, it should be expected unless you have a really thick case or some material hindering those functions. The tactile buttons actually are very tactile and are very pleasing to use.
The Good
The Bad
Conclusion
If you've ever used a UAG Monarch before, you know what you're getting. It's a little depressing that UAG hasn't updated the case at all. I believe the Monarch is a greatly overpriced case. If you're going to spend $60 on a case this bulky, you may as well just get an Otterbox Defender. I wish I had better words to say than that, but sadly I don't. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing with tactile buttons, I really can't recommend anyone buy the Monarch. If you are so inclined though, you can buy the Monarch from many stores including Best Buy or you can buy it directly from UAG here.
Yes, we've seen the UAG Monarch before, and there really isn't anything new about it other than the size. So let's recap what UAG claims with the Monarch. UAG claims impact protection, feather light, easy access, traction grip, screen surround, glare-free flash, two times MIL-STD 810G-516.6 drop tested, top grain leather, premium protection, premium materials, ten-year warranty, and five layer protection. Wow, that's a lot, and it all sounds great doesn't it? Well, it's not exactly what it sounds like. This is how UAG phrases it on the product page, “handcrafted, featherlight construction with 5 layers of protection, top grain leather and alloy metal hardware, soft impact-resistant core & honeycomb traction grip, oversized tactile buttons & protective screen surround, Apple Pay compatible, wireless charging compatible, meets 2X Military drop-test standards (MIL-STD 810G 516.6), and 10-Year Limited Warranty.” Most of this is on the box, but I like how UAG phrases it. Again, it's not what it seems.
The Truth
Let's start with those five layers of protection. These include the polycarbonate shell, the leather back, the alloy metal plate on the back, the rubber border, and the screws on the back. Indeed, the useless aesthetic screws are counted as a layer of protection.
How about the other claims? The screen surround is just fancy wording for the case extended past the screen for face first protection. Feather-light? Not quite, though it is a very light case. Glare-free flash is more fancy wording, the camera cutout is just larger than the camera so it won't interfere. For easy access, you won't have an issue with most charging cables, however, the mute switch cutout still isn't centered and a little tight. The impact protection is a standard six-foot drop rating, and the two times military rating means it can handle twice as many six-foot drops as a regular military rated case. Would that classify as premium protection? I don't think so. Top grain leather, premium materials...sure I can get behind that. The leather is nice, but you're not really going to feel it unless you shift your grip on your phone to feel it. And that honeycomb traction grip is nice, I just wish it covered the back too because the alloy metal plate is pretty slick. At least you get a ten-year limited warranty. Apple Pay and wireless charging capability shouldn't be a marketing claim, it should be expected unless you have a really thick case or some material hindering those functions. The tactile buttons actually are very tactile and are very pleasing to use.
The Good
- Tactile buttons
- Good side grip
- Nice leather
The Bad
- Bulky
- Not as protective as the bulk would have you believe
- Back is slick
Conclusion
If you've ever used a UAG Monarch before, you know what you're getting. It's a little depressing that UAG hasn't updated the case at all. I believe the Monarch is a greatly overpriced case. If you're going to spend $60 on a case this bulky, you may as well just get an Otterbox Defender. I wish I had better words to say than that, but sadly I don't. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing with tactile buttons, I really can't recommend anyone buy the Monarch. If you are so inclined though, you can buy the Monarch from many stores including Best Buy or you can buy it directly from UAG here.
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