Samsung · Waterproof Smartphone & Tech Cases
Galaxy S22 Ultra Waterproof Case
Unknown waterproof coating; PFAS presence unconfirmed by brand or testing.
Samsung does not disclose PFAS in this case's waterproofing treatment. Typical phone cases use silicone or TPE, but durable waterproof coatings often contain PFAS; no public lab testing available for this model.
The safe swap
Tech21
Tech21 EvoClear for Apple iPhone 17 Pro
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
TPE elastomer, silicone, unspecified waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Galaxy S22 Ultra case combines TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and silicone, both inert polymers with low inherent toxicity in normal handling. The critical unknown is the waterproof coating applied to achieve IP68 sealing; waterproof coatings on consumer electronics cases commonly use fluorochemicals (PFAS-based) to repel water while maintaining flexibility. Samsung has not publicly disclosed the specific chemistry of this coating, making the PFAS content impossible to verify from brand statements or available testing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Samsung does not maintain public transparency on PFAS use in phone case materials or coatings. The company has no established commitment to PFAS phase-out for accessories, and no third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or Cradle to Cradle) are listed for this product. This silence is consistent with the broader consumer electronics industry, where accessory material disclosure lags behind regulatory pressure in textiles and food contact goods.
How it compares in its category
Phone protective cases occupy a middle ground: they do not contact food or skin for extended periods, limiting exposure routes compared to cookware or apparel. However, waterproof case coatings face the same PFAS pressure as water-resistant outdoor textiles. Many competitors (Spigen, OtterBox) also do not disclose coating chemistry, making this case representative rather than exceptional in the category.
If you buy it
Store the case in a dry, room-temperature environment; TPE and silicone are not heat-sensitive under normal household conditions. Wash the case with mild soap and water if needed, and allow it to air-dry fully before reinstalling the phone. Replace the case if the seal visibly degrades (peeling, cracking, or separation from edges), as compromised waterproofing may force more aggressive resealing treatments. Do not expose it to prolonged direct sunlight or temperatures above 60°C, which can degrade polymer elasticity over 2-3 years.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Unidentified fluorochemical waterproof coating (PFAS candidate)
Samsung does not disclose the chemistry of the waterproof coating layer. Teflon-family coating and fluorosurfactants (PFAS-containing) are industry-standard for water-repellent elastomer applications. Without testing or brand transparency, PFAS presence cannot be ruled out but also cannot be confirmed.
Silicone leachates (low-level oligomers)
Food-grade silicone has been extensively studied; case-grade silicone is not in direct contact with food or oral mucosa in this application. No safety concerns are documented for dermal contact with silicone phone cases.
TPE plasticizer migration or off-gassing
TPE does not typically off-gas volatile compounds at room temperature. Cases do not generate skin irritation or respiratory effects in published reports. No established hazard for this material in static protective applications.
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
Over 2-3 years of use, protective coatings can flake or fragment, especially if the case is dropped or flexed repeatedly. Microscopic polymer particles are unlikely to cause harm if incidentally ingested, but coating loss signals loss of waterproof integrity.
Bacterial or mold growth in sealed cavities
If water becomes trapped between the case and phone during storage or charging, TPE/silicone surfaces can harbor microbial growth in the absence of air circulation. This is a maintenance issue rather than a material hazard; regular drying prevents it.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Smartphone & Tech Cases
Tech21
EvoClear for Apple iPhone 17 Pro
polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Polycarbonate phone case.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Apple
TechWoven MagSafe Case for iPhone 17 Pro
Woven fabric composite with elastomer MagSafe attachment
Limited PFAS risk from material choice, but no brand disclosure
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe
Woven textile blend with MagSafe metal ring
Lower concern; typical smartphone case materials lack PFAS triggers.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartphone & tech cases grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.