X

Gear4 and InvisibleShield for Galaxy S21 Ultra: Impact protection and anti-microbial treatment

ZAGG has Gear4 case options and InvisibleShield screen protection for the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Various levels of drop protection are provided in different case models.
By Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer
zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-1.jpg
1 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

ZAGG products for the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

ZAGG offers Gear4 cases and InvisibleShield screen protection options for the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. We tried out the four case options and one of the three screen protectors on the S21 Ultra.

The Gear4 case options range from $29.99 to $49.99. The Denali is the most expensive with the greatest level of drop protection. The Crystal Palace and Copenhagen have been tested to 13 feet while the Havana has been drop tested to 10 feet. All four case options use D3O technology to provide impact protection.

See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 review and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-13.jpg
2 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Gear4 Denali for the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

The Gear4 Denali is my favorite case option with excellent improvement in grip, 16-feet drop rating, and sleek design. As a fan of the color orange, it helps that the inside sports the D3O orange color with orange highlights on the lower back part of the case.

The case is treated with RepelFlex antimicrobial treatment to help inhibit growth of bacteria on your phone. There is ample protection for the back of your phone, including around the large camera opening.

See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 review and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-14.jpg
3 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Inside of the Gear4 Denali

The back inside is lined with the D3O material and has a unique pattern that helps absorb the shock of a drop. The inside soft material will protect your S21 Ultra from scratches too.

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-12.jpg
4 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Exterior back of the Gear4 Denali

The same inside pattern appears on the back and this soft touch material significantly increases the ability to hold onto your phone in all conditions.

The Denali supports wireless payments, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging too. 5G and all capabilities of the S21 Ultra 5G are compatible with this case.

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-11.jpg
5 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Upper back of the Gear4 Havana

The Gear4 Havana case is a lightweight option that is still rated for a 10-foot drop with D3O protection. It is available for $29.99 in Smoke so it has a black tint that is fairly transparent.

There are black highlights of the case near the top and bottom of the back. The case contains recycled plastic too.

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-10.jpg
6 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Lower back of the Gear4 Havana

D3O technology protects the top, bottom, and corners of your Galaxy S21 Ultra. Horizontal lines in the back extend around the edges to help provide a secure grip of your phone.

See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 review and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-6.jpg
7 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Clear finish of the Crystal Palace

It seems one of the main reasons for someone to consider the Gear4 Crystal Palace is to show off their selected phone color. The case is completely clear with a hard glossy back shell.

D3O technology is incorporated with a 13-foot drop rating for the case. It also contains recycled plastic so that is great to see.

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-5.jpg
8 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Bottom openings in the Crystal Palace

The bottom view shows that there is substantial protection along the edges of the Gear4 Crystal Palace case. Ample openings are provided while the corners are well protected from drops.

The case is available for $39.99.

See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 review and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-8.jpg
9 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Right side buttons of the Copenhagen case

The Gear4 Copenhagen case is made with D3O Bio, a plant-based material made with 52% renewable resources. You can actually recycle the case when you move on to another phone too.

It's available for $39.99 and is rated for 13-feet of drop protection. It also incorporates RepelFlex antimicrobial treatment and supports all S21 Ultra functions.

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-9.jpg
10 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Inside of the ultra-thin Copenhagen case

Frankly, I was very surprised by the thin design of the Gear4 Copenhagen, especially given its 13-foot drop protection rating. It is a very slim and sleek case so if you are looking for the bare minimum then this is definitely one to consider.

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-7.jpg
11 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Raised edges of the Copenhagen case

The raised edges of the case provide a level of protection for the display.

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-4.jpg
12 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

InvisibleShield GlassFusion+ for the Galaxy S21 Ultra

The InvisibleShield GlassFusion Plus screen protector is available for $39.99. The kit includes everything you need to install the protector with ease and perfection.

I'm a huge fan of alignment trays so it's great to see one provided here. You also get an alcohol wipe, microfiber cloth, dust removal sticker and squeegee.

See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 review and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-3.jpg
13 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Protector alignment frame, back view

The alignment frame is interesting as it wraps around the back for proper alignment. You can see the perfect cut for the Galaxy S21 5G.

zagg-galaxy-s21-ultra-2.jpg
14 of 14 Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Using the alignment frame to achieve a perfect fit

With the alignment frame mounted, two pins are present on the top and bottom. To make sure that you have the screen protector in the right orientation and can make a perfect installation, the pins on the top and bottom are spaced differently so the protector alignment openings only fit one way.

The screen protector is made of hybrid materials and is not a glass protector. It is designed to protect your display and help absorb shock. It also works with the updated ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and worked perfectly after installation.

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes
Holiday lights in Central Park background

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes

21 Photos
Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting
Wooden lodge in pine forest with heavy snow reflection on Lake O'hara at Yoho national park

Related Galleries

Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting

21 Photos
Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes
3D Rendering Christmas interior

Related Galleries

Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes

21 Photos
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza
img-8825

Related Galleries

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza

26 Photos
A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex
img-9792-2

Related Galleries

A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex

22 Photos
Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup
shutterstock-1024665187.jpg

Related Galleries

Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup

8 Photos
Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'
Full of promises!

Related Galleries

Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'

8 Photos