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The Plyo is the simplest case I’ve seen from UAG, at least as far as outward appearances are concerned. It’s a straightforward, semi-transparent silicone affair that comes in a handful of colors.
This case features a pliable, rubber-like frame that’s firmed up by a rigid plastic rear panel. The top and bottom edges of the case are where the frame is the most flexible, while the side edges are more firm. The back of the case has some minor shaping so it doesn’t look flat and boring. The corners are reinforced with some extra rubber. The Plyo is available in blue (Glacier), dark gray (Ash), light gray (Ice), and red (Crimson).
Buy for Note20: Amazon
Buy for Note20 Ultra: Amazon
You’ll need to press your Note 20 Ultra into the Plyo firmly to seat it properly. It takes real effort to snap the 20 Ultra into place, and far more effort to extract the Note 20 from the case. In fact, I worried I’d crack the phone while removing it from the case; that’s how hard you have to pull.
The semi-transparent material is smooth along the side edges with a few slits cut into it for grip-ability. A fine ribbed texture crosses both the inside and outside of the rear panel. It’s the type of texture that sounds like a zipper if you drag your fingernail across it. This also helps provide some grip when the phone is in your hand.
I like that the Plyo is about as compact as a case can get. It hugs the Note 20 Ultra tightly and adds little bulk to the overall footprint. The Plyo doesn’t get in the way of usability with one exception: the ringer switch. The switch is buried in a cavity that’s a little too deep. You really have to dig your nail into the opening to flip the switch one way or the other. The rest of the phone’s buttons are easy to find and use thanks to well-defined covers. The requisite openings are carved into the bottom edge to accommodate the Lightning port and speakers, as well as the rear for the camera module. The case doesn’t get in the way of wireless charging.
How well does it protect the Note 20? The “airsoft” corners truly help cushion them from impacts, while the armor shell and pliable core disperse energy from drops. The case meets mil-spec 810G 516.6 for drops and shock. That means it’s pretty tough. The case also forms a rim that surrounds the screen and keeps it safe from scratches when placed face down. The Plyo is strong and goes a good job.
The one thing the Plyo lacks in style. I don’t mind the colors, but the overall appearance is a bit simplistic when compared to cases from Speck, Tech21, and Catalyst.