We first got wind of the new Hexa cases for iPad 2 ($115) and iPhone 4/4S ($59) from Camalen at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Although they share a name, materials, and fold-out stand mechanisms, they’re conceptually different cases. Both are made of real leather and are available in a variety of colors, including two different blacks — one’s flat and the other’s textured floater leather.
Camalen’s iPhone version of Hexa is a flip-open style case: the front cover is attached to the back and comes up from underneath, magnetically latching at the top when the phone’s not in use. While the floater leather in our review unit is very nice—soft cowhide with a bit of padding—the magnets are very visible, taking away somewhat from the overall appeal. There’s a leather frame to hold the phone in place inside, with the device slipping in through the top and secured by a snap. The frame covers the sides while leaving the bottom corners and most of the top edge exposed; it’s more protective than most, however, with coverage above the screen and alongside the Home Button, using one hole for the front camera and sensors.
Hexa’s cover doubles as a stand, with two ridges sewn in to provide different viewing angles. That articulating cover rotates all the way around, clicking every eighth of a turn, which allows for multiple viewing orientations. The iPhone stands well at both stages when in portrait orientation, but it only works with the deeper of the two in landscape. We’re not fans of flip-open cases as a general rule, but we do appreciate the functionality that this one adds, even if it is less important on an iPhone than an iPad.
The larger version of Hexa resembles many of the less distinctive frames we’ve seen for Apple’s tablet. The back of the case is one big flat panel, while the front frames the iPad 2’s screen and completely covers the bezel, including a hole for the camera at the top and a scoop for the Home button at the bottom. Unlike the iPhone model, this one is lined with soft suede, a nice touch that helps prevent scratches. Instead of a snap, there’s a tab with Velcro that tucks in behind the iPad 2 to hold it in place, leaving an unattractive bulge. Hexa also leaves all of the tablet’s aluminum corners exposed, and like most cases styled this way, makes it more difficult to access the volume rocker. The side switch is particularly hard to use because of how the curved device is positioned against the flat back.
We found the stand mechanism to be more valuable on the tablet version of the case, though it’s also a bit more complex. Rather than a cover, this stand folds flat against the back of the case when not in use, and is held in place with the same obviously protruding magnets. The arm is hinged, folding back on itself, then extending out when use. There are four stand positions on this one, rather than two. As with the iPhone model, portrait orientation supports all of the angles, while the iPad 2 will stand in all but the one set furthest back. This does add the benefit of a typing angle, although we found that at the most comfortable—the one closest to the outside edge—even a slight push caused the stand to collapse in on itself.
Although they share a name, these two Hexas are definitely different animals. The smaller of the two also has a smaller price that’s a little on the high side, though in the ballpark for case made of nice leather. We appreciated that the front flap actually does something here, rather than just get in the way as it does with most flip-style cases. Consequently, while it wouldn’t be our first choice, Hexa for iPhone is acceptable enough to merit a limited recommendation and B- rating. The iPad 2 model, by contrast is too expensive, and not as attractive as it should be thanks to the rear bump and magnets sticking out. Add to that how hard it is to access the side switch and the fact that it can’t support what would otherwise be a good typing angle, and we can’t recommend Hexa for iPad 2; it just misses on too many marks. This larger version of the case is worthy of a C.
Our Rating
Hexa for iPhone 4/4S
Hexa for iPad 2
Company and Price
Company: Camalen
Website: www.Camalen.com
Model: Hexa for iPad 2, Hexa for iPhone 4/4S
Price: $59-$115
Compatible: iPad 2, iPhone 4/4S
