One of the biggest points of frustration when I used the Galaxy S26 Ultra was the design. Samsung altered the camera housing so that the modules jut out a bit more this year, and as they’re located on the left, that leads to the device wobbling when using it on a table.
It got to a point where I didn’t want to use the S26 Ultra, and if anything, it feels like the phone was designed to be used with a case — Samsung chose to not include Qi 2 magnets in the device. Thankfully, there are plenty of great choices if you need to get a good magnetic case, and I decided to use UAG’s accessories with my Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+, and the standard S26.
(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
UAG makes reliable cases, and while the brand is known for its rugged designs, you get plenty of regular clear cases and stylish options to protect your phone. I like the $59 Plyo case the best; I’m using the Blue Ombré color of the case, and it has a vibrant blue hue with noticeable gradation along the sides, and it looks great.
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Like the best TPU cases, the Plyo has anti-yellowing tech, so it should retain its design even after a few years of use. You get a built-in MagSafe-ready magnet, and the best part is that the case is designed to withstand drops up to 16 feet. The corners have added cushioning, the raised edges along the screen ensure you get a decent amount of resilience should the phone take a tumble.
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(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
At 49g, the case doesn’t add much bulk either, and I like that you get the protection of a rugged case with a clear design that looks stylish in its own right. The case has a glossy feel, so it does get smudged with usage, and that’s something you need to be aware of. Other than that, this is easily the best-looking UAG case, and one of the better choices if you want a clear case with a good level of protection.
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(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
If you need something a little more rugged, the $69 Pathfinder Clear case should be ideal. It has a better in-hand feel, and the armor shell design means it’s able to withstand tumbles up to 18 feet. There’s also a built-in lanyard, and this particular color has a glow-in-the-dark design around the magnetic module, and that just looks plain cool. It is a bit bulky for my preferences, but I’ll admit that it feels good in-hand, and it doesn’t add too much heft. The reinforced buttons have good tactility, and the case doesn’t obstruct the USB-C port.
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(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
Want a case that uses actual Kevlar? The Monarch Pro is a traditional rugged case, and it’s built with Kevlar. As you can see, the case adds quite a bit of bulk to the phone, and at 58g, you’ll notice the added weight. That said, the case has extreme protection, and is designed to withstand tumbles up to 25 feet. What I like the most is that the sides have a textured finish that makes it a little easier to hold and use the case, and it is available in orange. Coming in at $99, it is the costliest UAG case by quite a bit, but you also get guaranteed protection.
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(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
UAG makes these cases for the Galaxy S26+ and the S26 as well, and I tested several models. My favorite is the $79 Plasma XTE Galaxy S26+ case; it has a rugged shell with a clear design, magnetic charging, and a built-in kickstand with 360-degree rotation. The added versatility makes the case stand out, and I like the design and 20-feet guaranteed protection as well.
(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)
On the whole, I like what UAG did with the Galaxy S26 series cases. They look stylish, deliver better protection than most mainstream cases, and include magnetic charging by default, which is a table stakes feature. And given the design shortcomings of the S26 Ultra and S26+, you’ll want to use a case if you’re interested in either of the phones.
UAG Pathfinder Clear Galaxy S26 Ultra case
If there’s one case you should get for your S26 Ultra or S26+, it should be the Pathfinder Clear. It has a clear design with a rugged shell, magnetic charging, and it looks good while delivering standout protection. And it comes with a lanyard as well.
