Are you looking for a sturdy protective case for your iPhone or AirPods? Then the Civilian series from Urban Armor Gear (UAG) is for you. This robust case is especially suitable for daily use, but can also be used in slightly more extreme conditions for optimal protection.
The Civilian case for iPhone features a Hex cushioning shock absorbing soft core,
Traction grip and extra large buttons. The design and protection can also be found in the Civilian AirPods Pro case. We tested these cases with our iPhone 15 Pro Max and AirPods Pro, you can read our findings in this review.
Smartphone cases from UAG
UAG (Urban Armor Gear) is no stranger to the smartphone accessory range. For years they have been making durable, strong and robust cases for iPhone, among others. The UAG cases offer military drop protection and have a tough, industrial design with anti-slip textures for extra grip.
UAG combines style and functionality, making them popular with those who want to protect their phone from tough conditions. Ideal for adventurers or those who work in rough conditions. The cases are also ideal if your iPhone needs to be able to withstand a knock or two.
UAG Civilian Series
Most cases and solutions from Urban Armor Gear are bulky, big and in some cases clumsy. However, they prove time and time again that you can protect your precious devices to the max with these cases. With the Civilian series, UAG tries to appeal to everyone, even users who prefer not to use an extremely robust case.
The Civilian case is stylish, but equipped with some important features that optimally protect your device:
- Hex cushioning shock absorbing soft core
- Built-in traction handle
- Extra large buttons
- An impact-resistant and raised rubber edge
- Powerful built-in MagSafe module
Shockproof
The purpose of this case is to protect your smartphone when it falls out of your hands. The impact-resistant rubber edge gives your iPhone extra strength and has a fall protection of no less than 6 meters. This allows you to use your smartphone carefree in various situations. In addition, the case has a Hex dampening shock-absorbing soft core and a lightweight sturdy exterior that offers good protection without making the case unnecessarily thick.
Raised edges
The screen is extra protected by a raised edge and can be used in combination with a screen protector. The camera section on the back is also provided with a raised edge. Because this protrudes 2 mm extra, the camera lenses are protected from scratches when you place the iPhone on a table, for example. In contrast to the UAG Monarch Pro, the Civilian has no extra elevation in the corners, which causes the iPhone to wobble when you place it flat on the table.
Extra grip
The Civilian is equipped with a traction grip for extra comfort. Rounded corners and narrowing at the edge ensure that the iPhone is not unnecessarily wide. This makes the Civilian case fit well in the hand and you can hold it firmly with gloves on, for example.
Large tactile buttons
The UAG case is equipped with extra large and tactile buttons, which is especially useful when you are wearing (work) gloves or want to operate the iPhone in your backpack or trouser pocket. The buttons can be pressed well, but are equipped with an opening on the sides. This is a special choice by UAG, because dirt can get in between. A closed solution would have been better.
Key cord
All UAG cases feature integrated lanyard anchor points. A lanyard is a portable accessory that allows you to hang your iPhone around your neck or attach it to your backpack or similar. The lanyard can be easily attached to the anchor points via a loop. The lanyard provides convenience and security, allowing you to quickly grab your iPhone and reduce the risk of losing or dropping it.
MagSafe and Apple Pay
Despite the case making your iPhone a lot thicker, you can still use Apple Pay for wireless payments. The case also supports wireless charging and is equipped with a sturdy magnetic MagSafe ring. This makes the case fully compatible with a MagSafe charger. The iPhone also ‘sticks’ to a ‘floating’ MagSafe charger. You can also use the case in combination with a MagSafe Wallet.
Civilian for AirPods Pro
If you are a fan of the design of the Civilian iPhone series, you can also purchase the case for AirPods Pro 2nd generation. The typical features can also be found in this case to protect your AirPods from damage. For example, the Civilian for AirPods Pro meets the military drop test standards [MIL STD 810G 516.6] and the charging case protects against bumps, drops and scratches.
The AirPods case fits seamlessly and has cutouts for the charging port, anchor point for lanyard and status light. The case also comes with a detachable carabiner, so you can easily attach it to your backpack or pants.
UAG Civilian in practice
The past few weeks I tested the Civilian case from Urban Armor Gear in combination with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. In contrast to the other cases from UAG, the Civilian is more stylish and slimmer. This does not make your device extremely thicker and larger. Of course it is not a slim case, but that is not why you buy the UAG case.
The case makes your iPhone thicker, but thanks to the smart design you hardly notice it. The edge has a good grip, rounded corners and the cutouts ensure that it is less thick at crucial points. This makes it fit well in the hand and feels slimmer.
The front of the case has a raised edge that is higher than smartphone cases from other manufacturers. This took some getting used to with regard to the operation of the screen. For example, opening the notification center from the Dynamic Island is no longer possible and you have to do this from the clock.
I didn’t deliberately drop my iPhone from 6 meters, but it did fall from the couch to the floor. As expected, the UAG case had absorbed the shock and my iPhone survived the fall without a scratch or dent. The case is sensitive to scratches due to the matte finish.
UAG Civilian AirPods Pro
I also protected my AirPods Pro 2nd generation in Civilian case from UAG. Actually, the findings are the same as those of the iPhone. Yes, the charging case of your AirPods becomes a lot thicker, but also more personal. In addition, it is well protected by the sturdy case and high-quality materials.
The case also has a magnet built in so that you can also charge the AirPods floating using MagSafe. The case fits seamlessly and the status light is perfectly readable, the case seems to give off light. I did not use the carabiner and for me this attachment system can be removed.
Conclusion: UAG Civilian case
REVIEW SCORE
Do you want to optimally protect your precious iPhone? Then the Civilian case from Urban Armor Gear is a good choice. It not only offers a drop protection up to 6 meters and a shock-absorbing soft core, it also looks stylish. Thanks to the design and high-quality materials, you can use your smartphone carefree during your work, adventure or in everyday situations.
Thanks to the so-called traction grip design and texture, the Civilian feels good in the hand, despite making the device larger and thicker. Although I suspect that people with small hands might find the case too thick. Finally, the strong built-in MagSafe module ensures that you can charge your iPhone wirelessly and use MagSafe accessories.
The AirPods Pro version of this case is more than worth it. The sturdy case fits seamlessly and has cutouts for the status light, charging port and anchor point for lanyard. In addition, there is also a magnet incorporated into the case so that you can also charge the AirPods using MagSafe.
- Robust design made of high-quality materials
- Stylish design for everyday use
- Powerful built-in MagSafe module
- Fall protection up to 6 meters
- Good grip thanks to ergonomic design
- Ultimate protection of display and camera module
- Openings around the buttons (accumulation of dust and dirt)
- Prone to scratches on the back
- Detachable carabiner not required for AirPods Case
Where to buy?
UAG products can be purchased on the website of urbanarmorgear.com, apple cover, Bol.com, Amazon and Smartphone cases. The UAG Civilian Case for iPhone 15 (Pro) has a suggested retail price of € 59.95. It is also available for previous iPhone models. The AirPods Pro case has a suggested retail price of € 39.95.
