Samsung · Waterproof Electronics Cases
Samsung A51 Waterproof Case
Unknown waterproof treatment; skip unless coating specified.
Samsung A51 case uses TPU with unspecified waterproofing. No PFAS claims or certifications available. Waterproof coatings often contain PFAS; contact Samsung for coating details.
The safe swap
Mous
Mous MagSafe Compatible Aramid Fibre Phone Case
85/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with 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
This case is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a flexible plastic polymer commonly used in phone protection because it absorbs shock and resists tearing. TPU itself does not typically leach BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals under normal room-temperature use. However, the waterproof coating applied to the TPU is not specified in available Samsung documentation, and such coatings are where PFAS or other chemicals of concern often hide. The coating's composition and durability over time determine whether this product poses any actual chemical exposure risk.
The brand's record and disclosure
Samsung has not publicly disclosed the chemical composition of waterproof coatings used in its accessory line, nor has it published a PFAS policy for cases or protective products. The company has faced scrutiny for transparency gaps in electronics supply chains, though this does not directly implicate this case. Without third-party testing or manufacturer transparency, you cannot verify whether the waterproof treatment uses PFOA, other legacy PFAS, or newer alternatives. Samsung's silence on this specific product suggests either lack of third-party testing or unwillingness to disclose findings.
How it compares in its category
TPU cases are among the safest phone protection materials on the market and significantly lower-risk than hard plastic (polycarbonate) or rubber cases that may contain phthalates or flame retardants. Most name-brand TPU cases, Samsung, Spigen, OtterBox, do not publish waterproof coating chemistry, making this product typical in opacity rather than exceptional. The real differentiator is certification: cases bearing third-party testing (SGS, UL, or cradle-to-cradle) offer more assurance than unverified products, and Samsung does not advertise such credentials for this case.
If you buy it
Avoid prolonged contact between the case's interior and skin if you have chemical sensitivities; use it primarily as a protective barrier rather than a daily-wear item pressed directly to your phone and pocket. Do not heat the case, soak it in hot water, or expose it to solvents, as these may degrade the waterproof coating and increase leaching. Inspect the case every 6-12 months for cracking, peeling, or discoloration; discard if the coating shows signs of failure. Wash your hands after extended contact and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to minimize off-gassing of volatile compounds from the coating.
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.”
Waterproof coating composition (unknown chemical identity)
Samsung does not disclose what substance creates the water-resistant layer on this TPU case. Waterproof coatings historically used PFOA or other PFAS; newer coatings may use fluorine-free alternatives, but verification requires independent testing or manufacturer transparency not available here.
TPU off-gassing (volatile organic compounds)
TPU can release volatile compounds, especially when new or if exposed to heat or sunlight. This is typically mild with quality TPU but varies by production batch and storage conditions; sealed packaging and cool storage reduce this risk.
Coating degradation and leaching over time
As the waterproof coating ages, cracks, or peels, any substances used in its formulation may leach into sweat or saliva if the case contacts skin or lips. Without knowing the coating's chemistry, you cannot predict whether degradation poses a health concern.
BPA or phthalates in TPU base material
Quality TPU formulations used by Samsung do not typically contain BPA or phthalates, and no recalls or reports of these chemicals in Samsung cases have been documented. Budget or counterfeit TPU cases carry higher risk.
Heavy metals or pigments in coloring
No published reports of lead, cadmium, or toxic azo dyes in Samsung TPU cases. Consumer-grade TPU colorants are generally safe, though independent testing of specific batches is not publicly available.
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 Electronics Cases
Mous
MagSafe Compatible Aramid Fibre Phone Case
Aramid fiber (Kevlar-type synthetic polymer)
Lower concern; aramid is inherently PFAS-free but verify final coating.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Pelican
Shield Carbon Phone Case for Samsung Galaxy S24
Polycarbonate shell, foam padding
Lower concern; typical phone case materials rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Amazon Basics
Clear Soft Tpu Smartphone Cover For Iphone 2021
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Lower concern. TPU phone cases rarely use PFAS, but Amazon discloses nothing.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof electronics 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.