From the outside, NutKase’s new Genuine Leather Wallet for iPhone 4/4S ($35) looks like a lot of the wallet-style iPhone cases we’ve seen over the past year or so, but the Italian developer put some thoughtful touches into the product to set it apart from the crowd. Even though it’s made of real leather, it’s actually the least expensive case of this style we’ve yet seen. While not perfect, the case is definitely worth consideration for those who want to lighten the load in their pockets. Protective films for the front and back of the iPhone are included alongside a simple cleaning cloth.
Like the others we’ve seen, Leather Wallet a folio-style case. We’re not generally fans of this type of case when it comes to the iPhone, but it is usually the best setup for wallet replacements. Inside there are three card slots on the left, including one with a plastic window that’s well suited for an ID. On the right you’ll find the iPhone frame. It’s open at the top with a tuck-in tab and while it covers most of the sides and a lot of the front bezel, the device’s corners are left unprotected. We noticed that it was slightly harder to reach the letters on the far sides of the keyboard because the leather comes right up against the screen, but it didn’t slow us down significantly.
We’ve been surprised by how many wallet cases have omitted openings for the iPhone’s rear camera. Thankfully, NutKase got this right as there’s a hole that accommodates both the lens and flash. The most notable part of the case though is the landscape-orientation viewing stand that’s built in. Separate the frame from the back cover—they’re held together with a magnet—to reveal a foldout stand and two indentations for supporting that many angles. It’s best to fold the covers back on each other and hold them together with the elastic band that is otherwise used to keep the case shut. This then serves as a sturdy base. Unfortunately the inclusion of this feature makes Genuine Wallet Case noticeably thicker than its competitors.
If you’re willing to put up with the added bulk and value the usefulness of combining a case and wallet, this one is a good option for you. While some may prefer the aesthetics of Hex’s Code Wallet or Twelve South’s BookBook over the rather plain design, the capacity is the same, there’s a camera hole, and the stand is a bonus too. Impressively, this all comes at a lower price. Because of that, Genuine Leather Wallet earns our general recommendation.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: NutKase Accessories
Website: www.mynutkase.com
Model: Genuine Leather Wallet
Price: $35
Compatible: iPhone 4/4S