UAG and Tech21 cases for the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus: Stylish drop protection

UAG is my standard go-to case brand for new phones. It sent along a case for the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus to evaluate. I do not have a S9 in hand so could not take the $39.95 Plyo case for a test drive.

UAG has the Plyo, Plasma, Pathfinder, and Monarch cases available for the S9 and S9 Plus, ranging in price from $39.95 to $59.95. The Plyo and Plasma come in four color choices, the Pathfinder is available in black, and the Monarch is available in black and crimson.

The Monarch series is my favorite UAG to use as a daily carry case. It is available for $59.95 and is built to last, with a 10 year warranty that will be sure to outlast your phone.

There are five layers of protection in the Monarch, including the polycarbonate shear plate and armor frame as you can see from the inside in this photo. Your Galaxy S9 Plus is drop protected to meet 2 times the MIL-STD 810G 516.6 standard.

With the new dual camera layout, there is a new designed opening on the back of the case. One large opening is designed to perfectly fit the dual cameras, rear fingerprint scanner, flash, and other sensors used for health tracking.

The great thing about this opening is that it actually helps you position your fingers for the fingerprint scanner and health sensors with tapered openings in just the right spot.

You can see the integrated leather pieces and solid rear design, along with the alloy metal hardware in the corners.

Samsung Pay and wireless charging work perfectly through the back of the Monarch.

UAG incorporates a honeycomb pattern along the sides to help you grip your phone. In addition, textured buttons are present to make sure you accurately control volume, enable Bixby, or turn on the power.

The corners of the UAG Monarch are built up to withstand drops since devices tend to hit the corners first.

There are openings for the 3.5mm headset jack, USB-C cable, and speaker along the bottom.

There is a slightly raised edge on the front so when you set your phone face down it will be raised to protect the display.

The S9 Plus has sides that taper down from the front and the UAG Monarch is designed to match that design element.

Tech21 sent along the Evo Check for the Galaxy S9 Plus and the Evo Luxe for the Galaxy S9. I wasn't able to test the Evo Luxe, but I may have to get one for my S9 Plus because I like the look and feel of the vegan leather design.

Tech21 has six case models for both the S9 and S9 Plus, ranging in price from $39.95 to $49.95 in an assortment of colors and design features.

All Tech21 cases are part of the Designed for Samsung program so you can rest assured they are designed to fit perfectly and make sure all elements of the Samsung phone remain functional.

The Evo Check can be purchased for $44.95 in six different colors. I was sent a Midnight Blue one to evaluate, but it is also available in Orchid, Aqua, Smokey/Black, Mid-Grey, and Fuchsia.

The Evo Check is designed for 12 feet drop protection and comes with a lifetime warranty. As you can see in the photo, the color is integrated throughout the case and the case is a one-piece case. It is only 1.6mm thick so is quite thin.

The Tech21 FlexShock design helps protect your phone so while the case is flexible the sides are quite rigid.

There is an opening on the back designed to fit the dual cameras, fingerprint scanner, and sensors. All are easy to use and access through this opening.

The case doesn't cause any interference with RF strength, Samsung Pay, or wireless charging.

The front is designed to fit perfectly and give you a bit of a lip around the display to keep the screen off of a table when set face down.

The curved edge display is matched with the Evo Check too.

There are openings for the 3.5mm headset jack, USB-C cable, and speaker along the bottom.

There are distinct raised buttons for volume, Bixby, and power along the sides of the case so you can easily press just what you want.