CM4 decided to maintain the same style for its Q Card Case ($40) when moving from the iPhone 4/4S to the iPhone 5, so users familiar with the company’s original wallet case won’t find many surprises here. There have been a few small improvements since the earliest incarnation, though, which do make the current version a better option.
As before, Q Card Case is primarily built with smooth, soft-touch rubber; it’s very comfortable to hold, and currently available in black, green, brown, or red options. It takes a little more effort to insert the iPhone than with some other pliable cases, but that’s not a major issue.
We appreciate the volume and Sleep/Wake button protection, which doesn’t inhibit their tactility. Along the bottom, CM4 left one long opening for access to the headphone port, microphone, Lightning port, and speaker, with enough room for any larger than normal plugs or adapters to connect without issue. While the camera hole seems a bit larger than necessary, the overall level of protection is very good.
The main selling point of this case is the wallet-replacing credit card holder on the back. Made from faux leather that could pass for the real thing, up to three cards and some cash fit in the pocket.
Because it’s not terribly easy to pull the cards out by their exposed edges, there’s a thumb hole on the left to push them out. The stitching binding the fabric to the rubber case is strong, and there’s no reason to suspect that the two layers would separate under normal use.
Q Card Case does an impressive job of holding your cards without adding too much bulk; many wallet-style cases we’ve tested are at least a bit thicker. We’re still not big fans of the fact that your cards are left exposed, and we’d generally prefer a way to conceal them, although some will find the convenience of not having to open a flap or door beneficial. CM4’s choice of materials is another positive for the case, particularly the very nice faux leather.