Hampton Wallet ($60) is Sena Cases’ latest wallet-style case for the iPhone 5. Available in a variety of leather colors and textures, it follows the general form we’ve seen from cases of this style: a frame to hold the iPhone on the right, plus credit card slots and a cash pocket on the left. The price is higher than that of most cases, but so is the quality of the materials used.
Sena uses common components among its cases, so it’s not surprising to see similarities between Hampton Wallet and previous leather iPhone 5 cases we’ve covered. For example, the front frame protecting the iPhone’s bezel is pretty much the same shape as LeatherSkin and WalletSlim’s. It has a hole for the earpiece, FaceTime camera, and sensor at the top, and a dip for the Home button at the bottom. The material on our review unit didn’t sit quite flat, although that may change over time as the leather is broken in.
Unlike those other cases though, there’s no button protection; it’s not as necessary given the spine of the case covers them when it’s closed. The corners are all exposed, including the Sleep/Wake button and rear-facing iSight camera. That latter component is covered by the snap-equipped closure coming around from the front to hold the case shut, a nice touch adding some extra protection.
With three credit card slots and a pocket underneath for bills, Hampton Wallet offers almost as much storage as Twelve South’s genre-leading BookBook. Even though it comparatively offers a bit more protection for the top and bottom edges and bezel, it doesn’t feel quite as refined out of the box and leaves the corners exposed. Of the two, we prefer Twelve South’s case, although many users will be very happy with Sena’s Hampton Wallet. As such it just narrowly falls below BookBook, meriting our general recommendation.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Sena Cases
Website: www.senacases.com
Model: Hampton Wallet
Price: $60
Compatible: iPhone 5
