UAG Monarch Series iPhone 11 Pro Max Case REVIEW | MacSources

UAG Monarch Series case, the King of Sexy Armor.

Each September, Apple fans all over the world salivate over the latest and greatest releases. While pining for this new tech, I struggle with feelings that I may be more excited about the new accessories/upgrades than about the phone itself. I have grown close to several accessory companies over the past few years, and similar to the Iron Man Hall of Armor, I have favorite cases for different occasions. If traversing the outdoors, I may opt for a fully encased armor, whereas this may not work as well when subtlety is needed. Perhaps a folio-style case would work better, or a case with a stand. Maybe, we want to match our phone to our outfit/uniform? Luckily, UAG has a plethora of options available to the consumer.

The packaging of the UAG Monarch series case rekindled a nostalgia for VHS tapes, reminding me of an old VHS slipcover. The front, back, and top panels were left unadorned, while the spine and bottom panels listed UAG //Built to Go Further. I loved that they chose the black packaging and used a vibrant orange font for the words “Go Further.” However, I would have preferred that they used another color other than dark black for the UAG name. I removed the slipcover from the 5 1/4 inches wide by 9 inches tall by 7/8 inches thick package, and I unfolded the internal tri-fold cardboard insert. The left panel provided a vibrant orange and white-colored “Drop Tested” logo and mentioned the 10-year warranty. The stark contrast between the logo colors and the black background created the visual focus that I would have loved to see on the outer packaging. The same visual pizzazz was found on the right panel with the large bold-orange “Monarch” title. Just beneath this section, in bold white lettering, you will find the following: ARMOR FRAME, 5 LAYER PROTECTION, PREMIUM MATERIALS. Turning to the center panel, I found the UAG Monarch Series iPhone 11 Pro Max case resting upon a dark-grey foam pedestal. Similar to the cover, the subtle UAG name was inscribed onto the black surface.

I removed the 1.94-ounce case from the packaging and was surprised by the design. The outer surface had a metallic appearance but was actually hard TPU plastic. Measuring 3 1/4 inches wide by 6 7/16 inches tall by 9/16 thick, the case felt quite robust. Each of the corners was squared off, creating an overall octagonal appearance. I do not know if it was intentional or not, but the boxy design reminded me of a tank. The visual appearance paired well with the hefty/sturdy tactile feel; I loved the angular appearance of the case. Along the top left of the rear panel, you will find a 1 3/16 inches wide by 1 1/4 inches tall camera cutout, with raised edges. In addition to the camera cutout, you will find seven additional cutouts with leather-like backing. Along the left of the panel, you will find a 3/4 inches wide by 1 1/4 inches tall rectangular cutout and a trapezoidal cutout measuring 11/16 inches wide and sides that measure 3 3/4 inches tall and 1 1/2 inches tall. Along the middle of the panel, you will find an odd-shaped trapezoid along the top (15/16 inches tall by 3/4 inches wide. Beneath that cutout, you will find a centralized 7/8 inches wide by 2 5/8 inches tall rectangular cutout. Along the rightmost surface of the rear panel, you will find two more trapezoids similarly sized to the one mentioned above. The bottom panel mirrors the lower-left cutout, while the upper cutout is a mirror image of the lower cutout. My favorite cutout was the lower boomerang-shaped cutout.

While the back of the case enjoyed a very hard TPU like surface, the sides and buttons were made of a softer silicone material. The volume toggle side of the case had 1/2 inches wide by 3/8 inches tall cutout for the volume toggle and had rubberized buttons for the phone. Along the left surface (power button side), you will find a 1 1/8 long by 1/4 inches tall power button. Along the bottom of the phone case, you will find a 1/2 inches wide by 1/4 inches tall lighting port cutout, a 3/8 inches wide by 1/8 inches tall speaker cutout, and a secondary 5/8 inches wide by 1/8 inches tall speaker cutout. Within the case, I again found the UAG name hiding in plain sight. The internal surface mirrored the design of the back panel, and the company provided their UAG name along the bottom, again in a subtle dark font. To insert my iPhone 11 Pro Max into the case, I slide the volume toggle side into the case and then snapped the edges onto my phone. I loved that the screen gained protection from the raised rim of the case and that the edges had anti-slip texture. The click-feel of the rubberized buttons felt amazing, and the cutouts for the speakers, lightning port, and the camera were perfect. The only interesting feature was that the volume toggle was oddly offset within the cutout.

To test the drop rating I held my phone at about two feet from my hardwood floor and simulated a drop. I repeated this from my hand onto my kitchen table and then dropped it flat onto the screen surface. The raised rim on the front and the raised camera along the back did a great job protecting the surface from marring. I have used this case, as my main carry case, over the last two weeks. I was pleased with the overall quality of the case and with the expensive luxurious feel. Other than the outer packaging and the placement of the volume toggle cutout, UAG designed a solid case. Available in black or black base with a red outer accent, if you are looking for an attractive, stealthy iPhone 11 Pro Max case, I would recommend that you consider the UAG Monarch Series case.

Learn more about the UAG Monarch Case.
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Originally published at https://macsources.com on August 13, 2020.