Review: Vaja Classic Retro Slim Bag for iPhone 3G

[OasisNYK]

My girlfriend and I both bought iPhone 3G's 16 gig Black for me, 16 gig White for her. I figured that such a beautiful piece of technology should have a case that is worthy of it, and did not want something that would cover up the beauty of this phone while I use it. My goal was to find a case the phone could slide in to protect it when not in use, and easily slide out of when I need it.

I have been looking at the Vaja site for a while for various cases and decided the Classic Retro Slim Bag was the case for me. I ordered two cases in Plain Vitelino leather, one in Azzuro/Torrone for myself, and Sabia/Desert Sand for my girlfriend.

It took about 17 days since the time I ordered to receive the cases. They came in nice white boxes with the Vaja insignia on them. Inside the cases come along with some pictures of other products. Now the important stuff:

Build Quality: The leather is really nice, it is shinier than the pictures on the website, but looks great. The stitching is awesome and you can tell they were put together well. The insignia on my Azzuro case caused some slight damage to the blue leather (some small white spots) which I e-mailed them about. Not a big deal but I expect a little more for the price. The Sabia case is perfect and both looks better than the picture from the website.

Usability: Since both cases are new, it is a tight fit with the iPhone. They should expand with use though, but for now it is hard getting the phone in and out of the case. If you put the phone in speaker end first, you have to turn the ringer volume all the way up since it is muffled by the case. You could also put the phone in upside down to prevent this. Most of the time I keep my phones on vibrate so I am not sure this will be an issue, although the vibration on the iPhone is a little weak.

Size: It adds almost no bulk to the phone when its in my pocket which is something that is important to me. It also provides adequate protection from keys, change, lint etc.

Finally, I am pretty sure I placed an order for Azzure/Torrone but they shipped me Azzure/Sabia. Not a huge issue as I decided before they shipped that I liked the Sabia stripe better - but still it is a little strange. I sent them an e-mail about the damage and the color mix up but overall I am happy with the case.

Below are pictures of the cases, the Sabia coloring came out lighter with the iPhone's camera, it is a much darker tan in person but looks good.

[Van Wildonher]

What kind of protection do these offer from drops? Not much I'd guess?

[ubersalad]

Dude, what's the point of putting the phone in a case like that...pain in the ass to take it out everytime. You probably need another case to protect the phone, and then insert it into this case.

[OasisNYK]

No protection if you are using the phone and you drop it since it will be out of the case. If you drop it in the case it should protect every side except the uncovered top portion.

[WilliamG]

I agree, not a fan. Total pain in the butt to remove. I absolutely adore the Griffin Elan Form case. Great protection (stop worrying about scratching the screen - it's VERY unlikely), and you can use it immediately you take the phone out of your pocket!

[OasisNYK]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - not a fan of the Griffin. This case is exactly what I was looking for, just simple pocket protection - nothing more. I like the style.

[BOSS10L]

I have to agree with the OP. I personally don't like those style of cases, but it is their phones and money, so who are we to judge? My complaint is that I'd have a heck of a time getting my iPhone out in time to take a call.

Glad you guys like them though. Please feel free to update the thread once the leather has stretched out a little and offers easier entry/exit for your iPhones.

*Edit - the iVolution SP looks pretty nice, I just can't see spending $80+ on a case.

[iPhanatic]

It looks great! Not sure what everyone else is talking about.

[BOSS10L]

The more I check out the website, the more the other cases are growing on me. I'll never hear the end of it from my wife if I spend $85+ on a case though. Hmm, maybe I could do a stealth purchase...:D

[ubersalad]

I have to agree with the OP. I personally don't like those style of cases, but it is their phones and money, so who are we to judge? My complaint is that I'd have a heck of a time getting my iPhone out in time to take a call.

Glad you guys like them though. Please feel free to update the thread once the leather has stretched out a little and offers easier entry/exit for your iPhones.

*Edit - the iVolution SP looks pretty nice, I just can't see spending $80+ on a case.
He posted it on this blog for comment, so naturally we are here to judge...

[JD914]

That by far is the worst iPhone case I have ever seen next to the Otterbox.

[BOSS10L]

He posted it on this blog for comment, so naturally we are here to judge...

Fair enough. I guess I'm still hearing my mother from all those years ago: "If you don't have anything nice to say...." :cool:

[OasisNYK]

He posted it on this blog for comment, so naturally we are here to judge...

Actually I posted it so other people would have a good idea of what the case is like since Vaja seems to be a popular thread topic around here but not many reviews/pictures of their stuff.

[View]

Actually I posted it so other people would have a good idea of what the case is like since Vaja seems to be a popular thread topic around here but not many reviews/pictures of their stuff.

I agree with the op, and thank you for taking your time review and post it on here.

Like it or not, it depends on a person's taste.

[ubersalad]

Actually I posted it so other people would have a good idea of what the case is like since Vaja seems to be a popular thread topic around here but not many reviews/pictures of their stuff.
Oh ok, so lock the thread up if you don't want opinions of others.

[automatickyle]

When the hell did he say he didn't want opinions? He was providing a review and obviously has no problem with those who want to voice their opinion or who don't think these cases are their cup of tea, such as you. State your opinion and move on.

As for Oasis, thank you for posting these up. Unlike many of the people here who are bickering, I appreciate you taking the time to give a fair and detailed review on these. As one user said, please update us on how the leather breaks in. I believe it will because the leather from my Vaja Ivolution on the old iPhone looked better with wear. If I go with a Vaja case this time around on the new phone I will most likely go with the iVolution, but thank you again for the review.

[billyripkin]

Actually I posted it so other people would have a good idea of what the case is like since Vaja seems to be a popular thread topic around here but not many reviews/pictures of their stuff.

Thank you for taking the time to do just that.:)

[dmize]

That by far is the worst iPhone case I have ever seen next to the Otterbox.

I'd have to agree

[patcase86]

Thanks so much for the review! I was thinking about getting the same case (although the $45 is a bit steep). The dark chocolate/tan combo is just too tempting... I just wasn't sure about the bulk. Now that you have reviewed it, I will most likely buy it.

[JimmyCorrigan]

Nice review. Thanks.

[queshy]

Thanks so much! A few things:

1) I don't like the color choices at all. That's why I ordered mine in black :) Completely personal choices here - I think the negative reaction is due to the fact that the people who posted don't like blue/pink.

2) I don't want you to go out of your way - but do you think you could post some higher res/quality photos? They're a little blurry and I know that the texture of the leather is way nicer than that based on other pictures of vaja cases. This is a case that is hardly documented since the iPhone 3G is so new and it would be great to have some high res pics.

3) I was in the same boat as you - I don't want to leave the iPhone covered in something the entire time. What's the point of having a cool phone if it's always covered up? Who cares if it gets an extra scratch or two while you're using it? The pouch is exactly what I wanted. I'm glad too that you say it doesn't offer extra bulk - something I was a bit worried about. Also, which country are you in? The case only takes 15 days to handcraft so 2 days shipping is good.

Also, people, note that this isn't priced at typical vaja-prices - this case is only 45$ and not 80 (I ordered the other type of leather since I don't like the cracks).

Thanks again for the nice review!

[benzslrpee]

Oh ok, so lock the thread up if you don't want opinions of others.

you sound like as if the OP set your puppy on fire and Vaja kicked your kitten or something :confused: chill.

to the OP...how thick is the leather? according to Vaja's site they claim to only use full grain leather hides but i have a hard time gauging the thickness.

[queshy]

you sound like as if the OP set your puppy on fire and Vaja kicked your kitten or something :confused: chill.

Huh? Are you talking about my quote?

[benzslrpee]

no...i was referencing to ubersalad sounding like a douche.

[queshy]

no...i was referencing to ubersalad sounding like a douche.

I understand.

[Knolly]

Nice, thanks for the review.

Don't get all of the hate for these cases... I should be getting mine in the mail tomorrow. I ordered a black one with a blue stripe. Yum yum.

I have a BSE film on my iPhone and the case is just something to keep the iPhone cozy in my pocket, plus I might mod it a bit to hold some cash/credit cards that way I can just grab it and that's all I need to carry with me.

[ubersalad]

MacRumors is seriously full of bunch of 13 years old boy scouts.

[queshy]

Nice, thanks for the review.

Don't get all of the hate for these cases... I should be getting mine in the mail tomorrow. I ordered a black one with a blue stripe. Yum yum.

I have a BSE film on my iPhone and the case is just something to keep the iPhone cozy in my pocket, plus I might mod it a bit to hold some cash/credit cards that way I can just grab it and that's all I need to carry with me.

High res pics, please?

I actually ordered black with black stripe. I wish the stripe weren't there, but hopefully it will still be nice.

[born4sky]

Thanks for review !

[OasisNYK]

I will see what I can do about getting some high res pics up later.

Knolly - I was looking at the black/blue stripe originally and I think thats an awesome combination.

The leather is pretty thick and provides a nice amount of protection - I dont have anything to measure its thickness with though. It fits the phone nicely and does not add much bulk even though it is thick leather. You cant tell the difference when it is in your pocket.

[weezite]

Thanks for the review, let us know about how the leather wears in over time. I'm thinking about getting one of these so I don't have to hide my iPhone, haha.

[maddan]

Very nice case... I was deciding between this one and the Vaja Top SP Holster. I ultimately ordered the SP, since there were so many positive reviews. I didn't find any for your case... until now haha. Definitely more attractive than I imagined it to be in real life.

[minik]

Why suddenly so many haters toward that specific Vaja's case? I was tempted to order the retro slim bag, but later the iVolution showed up on the website.

I think that slim bag serves its' purpose. So far, I have never dropped my iPhone 3G and really take good care of it.

[Knolly]

High res pics, please?

I actually ordered black with black stripe. I wish the stripe weren't there, but hopefully it will still be nice.

Didn't show up in the mail today... Hopefully I'll get it tomorrow after which point I'll gladly post some hi res pics.

[queshy]

Didn't show up in the mail today... Hopefully I'll get it tomorrow after which point I'll gladly post some hi res pics.
thanks! Too bad it didn't come today. Probably tomorrow. Do they give you a tracking #?

[J. Dangerously]

Hey, thanks for the review and the pictures. I've got a question that hasn't been asked here, yet.

How would you describe the lining of the case? Is it felt, velvet, or something different? Is it padded at all? Is it 100% lined, all the way down and along the sides?

Thanks again!

- Johnny Dangerously

[OasisNYK]

Hey, thanks for the review and the pictures. I've got a question that hasn't been asked here, yet.

How would you describe the lining of the case? Is it felt, velvet, or something different? Is it padded at all? Is it 100% lined, all the way down and along the sides?

Thanks again!

- Johnny Dangerously

It's soft leather on the inside all the way around - seems very gentle on the iphone.

[J. Dangerously]

It's soft leather on the inside all the way around - seems very gentle on the iphone.
Hmm... soft leather? The photo gallery showed some kind of felt-looking material. How do you think it would fare with a 3G iPhone? Just looking at the backs of our new phones makes me think of the horrors of owning scratch-prone 4G and 5G iPods, so I guess it's understandable how I want to 'baby' this thing in the softest materials possible.

REQUEST: If you're taking more pictures for the other folks here, could you take a well-lit shot into the case without the iPhone in it? Thanks!

;-)

[automatickyle]

No felt in these things at all.

[OasisNYK]

Hmm... soft leather? The photo gallery showed some kind of felt-looking material. How do you think it would fare with a 3G iPhone? Just looking at the backs of our new phones makes me think of the horrors of owning scratch-prone 4G and 5G iPods, so I guess it's understandable how I want to 'baby' this thing in the softest materials possible.

REQUEST: If you're taking more pictures for the other folks here, could you take a well-lit shot into the case without the iPhone in it? Thanks!

;-)

The leather inside the case does have a felt like look to it, I am inspecting it pretty close as we speak and now I am not sure what it is made of. I thought it was just the other side of the leather but I could be wrong. You can always e-mail Vaja to see what it is made out of. I will try to take some pictures of it but how can I upload high res to macrumors since the size of the files will be too large?

[Knolly]

http://knolly.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/vaja12.jpg?w=640

I wrote up a little review and have plenty of hi res pics over at my blog. I would post them here but can't figure out how to upload pics... Maybe I don't have enough posts?

Anyhow, for the sake of info and blogwhoreing:
Review - Vaja classic Retro Slim Bag for Apple iPhone 3G (http://knolly.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/review-vaja-classic-retro-slim-bag-for-apple-iphone-3g/)

[OasisNYK]

That is a sweet looking case - I almost got those colors and now I am sorry I didnt! Still love mine though.

I am on day 3 and the leather has broken in quite nicely, it is now easy to slide the phone in and out of the case and it still fits snugly so it is secure.

If you just want something to slide your phone into to protect it while you walk around, this is the perfect case. Why cover up your phone when you are using it like most of the other cases floating around do?

[schubes]

http://knolly.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/vaja12.jpg?w=640

I wrote up a little review and have plenty of hi res pics over at my blog. I would post them here but can't figure out how to upload pics... Maybe I don't have enough posts?

Anyhow, for the sake of info and blogwhoreing:
Review - Vaja classic Retro Slim Bag for Apple iPhone 3G (http://knolly.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/review-vaja-classic-retro-slim-bag-for-apple-iphone-3g/)

Hey, thanks for the review. My main concern with this case is also difficulty in taking the phone out. Once the ‘break in’ period is over, how difficult is it to get the phone out? Still require two hands? Is the leather continuing to stretch out a bit?

[ceuyan]

ever since i got the iphone i wanted a vaja cases but couldn't get myself to shell out 80 bucks. so i settled for a sena slim pouch. i had the same problem as you did about having a hard time taking the phone out of the case but after a few days it slides in and out with ease. (get your mind out of the gutter..lol)

i was happy with the sena pouch but thanks to you my case is starting to look like poo compared to the vaja pouch :D

[schubes]

I got this one http://www.beyzacases.com/prod_image...p/BZ015761.jpg over the Vaja Retro Slim bag for a few reasons...

-I like the way it has a hole in the bottom so you can get it out easier, and also this will make it easier to hear rings
-turn around time is way faster from what others have said
-and obviously, the price is a fair bit lower

[queshy]

<snip>

I wrote up a little review and have plenty of hi res pics over at my blog. I would post them here but can't figure out how to upload pics... Maybe I don't have enough posts?

Anyhow, for the sake of info and blogwhoreing:
Review - Vaja classic Retro Slim Bag for Apple iPhone 3G (http://knolly.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/review-vaja-classic-retro-slim-bag-for-apple-iphone-3g/)

Thanks a bunch for the review, and thank you even more for the high quality pics we're all after!

Literally, those are the only real high res pics of the case on the internet (by real I mean not by Vaja).

Glad you're happy with it. Mine shipped today, should be here on the 4th according to FedEx.

I personally hope mine isn't as shiny- I ordered the analina leather, with the hope that it will not be as cracked/shiny.

Hopefully the all - black will look nice, too!

I will post pics when I get it.

Thanks again, and great blog.

[Knolly]

Hey, thanks for the review. My main concern with this case is also difficulty in taking the phone out. Once the ‘break in’ period is over, how difficult is it to get the phone out? Still require two hands? Is the leather continuing to stretch out a bit?

Responded to this on the blog too, but...

I’ve been using the case for a little less than a day and it is significantly easier. The phone goes in very easily 90% of the way but the last 10% is still difficult. I’ll keep you posted on the breaking-in situation as I use it more.

Plus I'm pretty optimistic from what OasisNYK has been saying. It's been breaking in pretty well, but the fact remains that the first insert was murder, haha.

[elo]

I don't get the hate in this thread. I always like seeing and hearing about other people's Vaja cases because they are all unique. These look very cool to me.

[spazattack674]

I love this case for the same reasons as the OP. Nice case, but I can still enjoy the phone out of the case when I am using it. I ordered mine in the aniline leather in brown. It should be here by next week. Thanks for the review!

[Ntombi]

Very nice! Thanks for the pics and reviews.

[queshy]

:(

Mine was supposed to arrive today but got stuck at the stupid border...oh well...

[Knolly]

Just an update on mine...

It was still a tad tricky to put mine in and out of the case, but today I got a new skin for my phone so I removed the rear skin and...

It fits perfectly. Like wow. Didn't think that skin could make that much of a difference.

Highly considering leaving the back bare now. I mean with it in this case most of the time, how bad could it really get? Haha.

[queshy]

Mine finally came today. Here are some pictures. Note that it looks a bit "shinier" in the pics than in real life.

Overall it's pretty nice except when it arrives its flat like a piece of paper and it's hard to take the iPhone in and out of it.

Other comments: smell is very nice. nice packaging for a case. no duty had to be paid! They really should break the case in for you at their factory. My iPhone is in the case now and i'm afraid about taking it out. It's like super glue almost!

[spazattack674]

Mine finally came today. Here are some pictures. Note that it looks a bit "shinier" in the pics than in real life.

Overall it's pretty nice except when it arrives its flat like a piece of paper and it's hard to take the iPhone in and out of it.

is that in the cracked leather or in the Aniline leather?

[queshy]

is that in the cracked leather or in the Aniline leather?

Aniline. Weird, I know, it looks cracked. But looking carefully at the vitelino pictures, mine isn't as cracked or shiny. It looks more classy IMO, and seems to be kind of soft.

[spazattack674]

Aniline. Weird, I know, it looks cracked. But looking carefully at the vitelino pictures, mine isn't as cracked or shiny. It looks more classy IMO, and seems to be kind of soft.

Yeah, I like the Aniline much better. I ordered mine two weeks ago, so i should be getting it soon hopefully. I got the Aniline also, but in brown.

[queshy]

Yeah, I like the Aniline much better. I ordered mine two weeks ago, so i should be getting it soon hopefully. I got the Aniline also, but in brown.

Cool. Right now my old Razr is sitting in this new case. It's fatter than the iPhone and might stretch it out a bit. I didn't

Once I get past the fit issue, the case will be pretty solid.

I thought the black on black would look weird, but it actually looks pretty nice.

[spazattack674]

Cool. Right now my old Razr is sitting in this new case. It's fatter than the iPhone and might stretch it out a bit. I didn't

Once I get past the fit issue, the case will be pretty solid.

I thought the black on black would look weird, but it actually looks pretty nice.

Yeah, it looks very ncie judging by the pictures

[queshy]

If they could get their turnaround time for the other models down to 15 days they'd to a lot better for themselves.

For everyone who is waiting, I ordered mine on 7/22 and it came on 8/6. Not bad!

[benmrii]

I'm on the cusp of picking one of these up. Thank you for the input so far from those of you that own one.

My two questions:

1) Anyone use this case paired with a shield? I'd like to keep one on mine and, with the snug fit, I want to be sure it isn't too tight.

2) Someone mentioned the potential for the ring to be too muffled with the speakers buried in the pouch. Has that been the case for anyone? It seems unlikely, but wanted to be sure.

If anyone can answer those or share any other points having used one I'd be most appreciative. Oh, and if you know a promotional code, PM me. :D Willing to trade... I dunno. I have a pair dropbox invites left. :)

[cgurr1]

I just ordered mine. Sabia w/ azzuro stripe. Anybody else have that combiation? Anybody care to post pictures of their case?

[OasisNYK]

I'm on the cusp of picking one of these up. Thank you for the input so far from those of you that own one.

My two questions:

1) Anyone use this case paired with a shield? I'd like to keep one on mine and, with the snug fit, I want to be sure it isn't too tight.

2) Someone mentioned the potential for the ring to be too muffled with the speakers buried in the pouch. Has that been the case for anyone? It seems unlikely, but wanted to be sure.

If anyone can answer those or share any other points having used one I'd be most appreciative. Oh, and if you know a promotional code, PM me. :D Willing to trade... I dunno. I have a pair dropbox invites left. :)

I find the ring is OK if the speakers are buried in the pouch but you can turn the volume up. I just put the phone it with the speaker end up and its fine (plus when you go to pull it out you arent hitting the volume buttons on the side). If I am listening to music I put the speaker side in first - its not a problem.

People who have seen my case in person really like it as well.

[spazattack674]

Finally, I received my case today. I attached some pictures of it, sorry for the poor quality, I am at work and only have my iPhone with me. I posted some comparison shots of the size of the case, although it should be pretty self explanatory. Also, I'm sure this has been mentioned, but the inside of the case seems like suede, it's very soft and doesn't seem to scratch the iPhone.

[JIGPhone]

Nice! That brown leather combo looks very classy.

[spazattack674]

Nice! That brown leather combo looks very classy.

Thanks :cool:

I was afraid it wasn't going to look great at first, when the disclaimer on the site said that the leather won't always look like what is pictures, but I was pleasantly surprised.

[anbshilling]

Thanks for the review! :)

[00hkelly]

Got mine today too. Vitelino leather. Chocolate with a Rosso stripe, great quality, can't wait to wear it in a bit.

Here's a flickr gallery:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7616241@N07/sets/72157606812436812/

Sneak preview

[spazattack674]

Thanks for the review! :)

No Problem! :D

Got mine today too. Vitelino leather. Chocolate with a Rosso stripe, great quality, can't wait to wear it in a bit.


Thanks for the pictures :) How do you like the Vitelino leather?

[00hkelly]

No Problem! :D



Thanks for the pictures :) How do you like the Vitelino leather?

No probs, always annoys me when I can't find pictures of something (Vaja wallet...hint hint...anybody?), so happy to provide some for other people.

I selected the pictures that I uploaded that I thought provided the greatest accuracy to the real thing. Vitelino leather is absolutely great, really looks understated, but definitely high quality (and expensive :P) Parts of it are smooth, but others are cracked like good leather. All in all, when I think that I paid the best part of £40 for this case and the amount of leather that it actually consists of I feel slightly silly. However the quality of leather and craftsmanship is unparalleled, this is clearly a top quality case.

To all those that are sceptical about buying a Vaja case...You get what you pay for!

[illutionz]

Dude, what's the point of putting the phone in a case like that...pain in the ass to take it out everytime. You probably need another case to protect the phone, and then insert it into this case.

I have a similar case as this vaja (Sena ultraslim) and what I use is I wrapped BestSkinsEver (or InvisibleShield or Bodyguardz) on my iPhone 3G and use these slip on pouch. It is much slimmer than having a case on your phone while using it and you are able to use it naked while protect it from dust or any other thing inside your pocket (or desk)

I hate to say this but if you hate it, doesn't mean noone else likes it... World does not revolve around YOU (Surprisingly :eek:)

[YouArentJ]

Those pics are kinda sexy.:cool:

[cgurr1]

What is the brown color called please? I got sabi w/ azzuro striope and im pretty sure I would like to change it to that!

[spazattack674]

What is the brown color called please? I got sabi w/ azzuro striope and im pretty sure I would like to change it to that!

It was sable with coconut shell as the stripe in the anilina leather

[minik]

I ordered an ivolution for Apple iPhone 3G without any personalization and belt clip on 7/26. Since I will be out of town for 2 weeks, I sent them an email. I pretty much received a standard reply, "The order has a production time of 45 days counting from purchase date. You will receive the tracking number after shipping"

Hopefully, my naked iPhone 3G will be safe in Europe.

[queshy]

Got mine today too. Vitelino leather. Chocolate with a Rosso stripe, great quality, can't wait to wear it in a bit.

Here's a flickr gallery:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7616241@N07/sets/72157606812436812/

Sneak preview

NIce pics! Weird - I have the analine leather and mine looks like it has the same texture as yours....

[00hkelly]

NIce pics! Weird - I have the analine leather and mine looks like it has the same texture as yours....

Well comparing mine to their 'Our Leather' section on their site (the stripe seems the easiest section to check) I definitely have the Vitelino. I think the Vitelino is less uniform than the Analine going on mine and a previous posters pictures.

Maybe you got a free upgrade? Accidents can happen.

[patcase86]

Just ordered mine 2 days ago! I got Black with a willow stripe (with whatever the cheaper leather is). Hopefully it comes soon!

As a side note - $17 for shipping a little case!? That's rediculuos. I understand that gas prices are sky high and it comes in a pretty box, but $17 to Oregon is a bit absurd.

[00hkelly]

Well when I look at mine that in total cost me about £38 ($70) it is absurd, but you want the nice stuff, you have to pay the money. And you get what you pay for!

[Stormbringer]

Wow, this is just perfect for me! :)

But could the Vitelino leather owners please tell me how the leather is over time? Because I really like the cracked looks, but the site says it's Vitelino is "very delicate". And I'm planned to use it every day in my jeans, so I'm a bit scared about this part...

[OasisNYK]

Wow, this is just perfect for me! :)

But could the Vitelino leather owners please tell me how the leather is over time? Because I really like the cracked looks, but the site says it's Vitelino is "very delicate". And I'm planned to use it every day in my jeans, so I'm a bit scared about this part...

Mine is over a year old at this point and I can tell you that it has not worn very well - it definitely looks used. Maybe the color choices age differently, but mine shows its use and I am not that hard on it. I keep it in my pocket most of the time with no keys or anything and it still manages to get scratched and a small piece of leather has fallen off.

In general I think the cost is not worth it because the quality of the leather is pretty low. I do like that you can customize it and I actually love the case because it protects the phone really well and when I take my 3G out it is naked (the best way to use it as far as I am concerned).

I am in the market for a new case and I am looking at other Vaja products but their build quality is sub par so I might start looking at other options.

[gunzmaiet]

Mine is over a year old at this point and I can tell you that it has not worn very well - it definitely looks used. Maybe the color choices age differently, but mine shows its use and I am not that hard on it. I keep it in my pocket most of the time with no keys or anything and it still manages to get scratched and a small piece of leather has fallen off.

In general I think the cost is not worth it because the quality of the leather is pretty low. I do like that you can customize it and I actually love the case because it protects the phone really well and when I take my 3G out it is naked (the best way to use it as far as I am concerned).

I am in the market for a new case and I am looking at other Vaja products but their build quality is sub par so I might start looking at other options.

if you like leather cases, go with a Sena case (great leather and build quality) and for silicone, go with Switcheasy Colors ("A" rating on iLounge and it's only 15 bucks)

[jimbb88]

sorry to bring up an old post...

any updates on the leather? how has it lasted for those who purchased it?
Was planning on purchasing the Vitelino version (cracked leather) but have some concerns on its durability.

Do you guys recommend the lesser quality - anilina or ceterina versions? has anyone had issues with those?

thanks

[JennaLDS]

I have a friend that has a leather case, and has had it since she got her 3g when it came out, and although it looks like hell now, it has protected her phone for the most part. I would say its a win win if you decide to get one.

[00hkelly]

sorry to bring up an old post...

any updates on the leather? how has it lasted for those who purchased it?
Was planning on purchasing the Vitelino version (cracked leather) but have some concerns on its durability.

Do you guys recommend the lesser quality - anilina or ceterina versions? has anyone had issues with those?

thanks

I don't give my case heavy use (I always seem to forget it) but it has stood up very well. No serious degradation to speak of. I have the Vitelino leather.

[richxps]

I'm thinking about this case for the iPhone 4 , are the owners still happy with this case?