When purchasing a new smartphone, most people snag a phone case to protect their investment. There are plenty of choices out there which can make it a tough choice for some consumers. Our UAG Scout review takes a look at a case for the Google Pixel 3a XL that’s not only sleek and light, but also rugged and offers great protection.
Specifications
The UAG Scout Series phone case has the following features and specifications:
- Dependable protection with a sleek, feather-light construction to keep you going further.
- Fits the Google Pixel 3a XL (6-inch screen)
- Feather-light construction
- Impact resistant soft core
- Non-slip ruggedized grip
- Easy access to touchscreen and ports
- Raised screen surround
- Compatible with Fingerprint Sensor & Active Edge
- Google Pay compatible
- Meets military drop-test standards (MIL-STD 810G 516.6)
What’s in the box
- UAG Scout phone case for Google Pixel 3a XL
Design
The UAG Scout phone case for the Google Pixel 3a XL has a design that’s smack dab in between super thin and extra rugged. That being said, it’s still relatively thin and sleek. The edges and corners are narrow and fit snug around the phone. While the corners are smooth, all four sides have a textured, rugged finish which makes for a nice non-slippery grip when holding the case with the phone in it.
On the right edge, the power and volume buttons of the phone are completely covered with slightly protruding covers with a tiny slit near the back. The bottom has three cutouts for the USB Type-C port, bottom speaker, and bottom microphone. The top has cutouts for the headphone jacks.
While the edges are fairly narrow, the smooth back of the phone angles out slightly on the long edges towards the middle. This does add a bit of thickness but also makes it more comfortable to hold as it sits nicer in the palm of your hand. As one would expect, the cutouts for the rear-facing camera and fingerprint scanner are well placed and nicely sized so as to not interfere with your phone’s operation. Finally, the UAG logo is debossed in glossy black near the bottom of the case.
The inside of the case has a raised honeycomb design for extra shock protection. In addition, the words MIL STD 810G 516.6 are stamped on the inside to remind you that it meets military standards with regards to environmental design and test limits.
As far as looks go, the UAG Scout definitely looks both sleek and rugged at the same time.
Installation
Like any phone case, installation is pretty easy. Simply slide your phone button side in into the case and snap the remaining two edges around it.
The case also comes off pretty easy, in fact a bit easier than some other UAG cases I’ve tested in the past in particular. The easiest way to remove the case is to push back on the top left or bottom left corner and then work the phone out.
Protection
Many rugged case manufactures are touting the MIL-STD 810G specification when it comes to their phone cases. To be honest, this doesn’t mean all that much as there is no agency which certifies compliance, however the product is likely designed and engineered to comply with the standard. In the case of the UAG Scout, the 516.6 designation refers to drop tests in particular. On that note, the case definitely feels like it would survive an accidental drop at a normal height with easy.
As mentioned in the design section, the UAG Scout also has a raised honeycomb design for extra shock protection on the inside of the case. Should the case land on its back, this will definitely help absorb the impact away from the phone itself. While it’s a nice addition to the case, it’s not as important as the back of the Pixel 3a XL is plastic and not glass like its more expensive sibling.
At any rate, the UAG Scout definitely fits tight and feels sturdy enough to survive and protect your phone from the daily rigors of life.
Price/Value
With an MSRP of US$29.95/CA$40, the UAG Scout Series phone case for the Pixel 3a XL is a small investment to help protect your device. Compared to other cases on the market and given its light construction and rugged protection, the UAG Scout is definitely a well-priced phone case for what you get.
Wrap-up
Urban Armor Gear generally makes solid phone cases and the UAG Scout for the Google Pixel 3a XL is no different with its light construction, rugged grip, and impact resistant inner core.
*We were sent a sample of the UAG Scout Series phone case for the Google Pixel 3a XL for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on February 3, 2021.
