Methods and apparatus for distinguishing between an antenna of a user equipment (UE) being blocked by a cover (e.g., a protective rubber or plastic case) or by human tissue (e.g., a finger or palm). The transmission power of uplink (UL) signals may be adjusted accordingly, with relatively higher transmission power for open space or a cover and relatively lower transmission power for human tissue. One example method for wireless communications by a UE generally includes transmitting a first signal from the UE, receiving a plurality of signals at the UE based on the transmitted first signal, determining values for at least two different types of parameters based on the received plurality of signals, determining an environmental scenario for the UE based on the values for the at least two different types of parameters, and transmitting a second signal using a transmission power based on the determined environmental scenario.