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Leather Cases - Patina Proud Photos
- Thread starter JamiLynee
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Just got my Andar case in and it has exceeded my expectations.
Versus the Apple leather case:
The Andar has that stereotypical pungent smell of traditional high quality leather and it's so strong I could smell it even before I opened the box.
With respect to leather quality there’s no comparison whatsoever to the Apple case, even my old IPhone X Apple leather case wasn’t close.
This is a clear cut example of Andar's use of full-grain leather versus Apple's use of lesser genuine leather.
For those unsatisfied with the patina of Apple's recent leather cases the good news is that I hit the Andar with some Venetian Shoe Cream and the leather drank it right up and darkened instantly.
This case is 100% going to patina naturally and evenly — the Camel Tan color WILL be a patina champ.
FWIW, Venetian Shoe Cream had zero impact on the Golden Brown Apple case which is how I knew it was a painted finish instead of a traditionally tanned and dyed leather.
The Andar buttons are the equal of Apple’s, IMO.
They are black anodized aluminum and the responsiveness and feel is basically identical to Apple’s — though they are less recessed as noted by other posters.
I have no preference either way and both are about as good as it gets for a phone case button, IMO.
The Andar has a slightly higher screen lip with slightly more wrap which I prefer to Apple’s screen lip.
In theory it should provide a little more screen protection in addition to just looking better, IMO.
I have no complaints regarding the open bottom as of yet.
It’s not like the old open bottom Apple cases that had the bottom bezel exposed at the rear of the phone.
The Andar is like the Bullstrap in that it still offers a protective lip on the rear of the bottom bezel. (See photos)
It’s almost a crime the Andar is $10 less than Apple’s leather case (actually closer to $20 with 10% discount and free shipping) because they are not comparable products in my view.
The Andar should be the one that’s $10-$20 more because it’s an objectively higher quality product, IMO.
I don’t have a MagSafe charger or wallet so unfortunately I can’t give my opinion on that aspect of the case.
I would return the Apple case if I didn’t already try to force patina.
The Apple case will be demoted to my beater case.
Versus the Apple leather case:
The Andar has that stereotypical pungent smell of traditional high quality leather and it's so strong I could smell it even before I opened the box.
With respect to leather quality there’s no comparison whatsoever to the Apple case, even my old IPhone X Apple leather case wasn’t close.
This is a clear cut example of Andar's use of full-grain leather versus Apple's use of lesser genuine leather.
For those unsatisfied with the patina of Apple's recent leather cases the good news is that I hit the Andar with some Venetian Shoe Cream and the leather drank it right up and darkened instantly.
This case is 100% going to patina naturally and evenly — the Camel Tan color WILL be a patina champ.
FWIW, Venetian Shoe Cream had zero impact on the Golden Brown Apple case which is how I knew it was a painted finish instead of a traditionally tanned and dyed leather.
The Andar buttons are the equal of Apple’s, IMO.
They are black anodized aluminum and the responsiveness and feel is basically identical to Apple’s — though they are less recessed as noted by other posters.
I have no preference either way and both are about as good as it gets for a phone case button, IMO.
The Andar has a slightly higher screen lip with slightly more wrap which I prefer to Apple’s screen lip.
In theory it should provide a little more screen protection in addition to just looking better, IMO.
I have no complaints regarding the open bottom as of yet.
It’s not like the old open bottom Apple cases that had the bottom bezel exposed at the rear of the phone.
The Andar is like the Bullstrap in that it still offers a protective lip on the rear of the bottom bezel. (See photos)
It’s almost a crime the Andar is $10 less than Apple’s leather case (actually closer to $20 with 10% discount and free shipping) because they are not comparable products in my view.
The Andar should be the one that’s $10-$20 more because it’s an objectively higher quality product, IMO.
I don’t have a MagSafe charger or wallet so unfortunately I can’t give my opinion on that aspect of the case.
I would return the Apple case if I didn’t already try to force patina.
The Apple case will be demoted to my beater case.
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Excellent review. Mines just been dispatched. Can’t wait.
How did you get it so dark so quick? I did the alcohol wipes about 2 weeks ago but it’s only darkening where my fingers rest on the back of the phone.
I applied mink oil after a few rounds of alcohol treatment to rid of the "coating".
The mink oil is able to penetrate through and darken the case.
Who died and made you the leather expert? Lol I was ignorant too until I did my research. How do you think Horween makes the football/basketball leather? They press the pattern into it. The esr leather is low quality bottom hide layer leather that’s heavility processed. That is my main point.
I was surprised at how nice the golden brown case looks in person when I visited my local Apple store. It’s a nice rich color and isn’t nearly as orange/yellow as it appears in some photos.
It’s made with Horween leather that is tanned in Chicago. They are the oldest tannery in the United States and make some of the best leather in the world. They also make the leather for the nfl and nba game balls. It smells and feels great and is taking on a very nice patina.
While this is nice, i wonder how it will be like if that leather touches something smelly or colorful…like mustard, soy sauce, food, etc..
It’ll probably stain then eventually even out as the rest of the case’s patina catches up.
Stains, scratches and imperfections have to be expected with leather products.
Not many people understand that. They prefer a “perfect looking” leather w shiny coating.
That is expected……until something smelly sticks to the leather case……and that smell / horrible stain stays with the leather……
I get a phone every other year, so my last phone prior to my 13 Pro Max was the 11. I also have picked up Apple leather cases since they first was offered years ago. In other words, my last experience with Apple leather cases was with my 11 Pro Max.
Ordered my phone, and also ordered from Apple the "brown" leather case for my 13. I've followed this thread off and on, so I've seen what others have posted about the color, the finish and whatnot of the 12 and 13 cases compared to the 11 and earlier. Like most things, I chalked it up to wait and see for myself. My 13 case came in before the phone did, and....ugh. It was more orange than brown, which wasn't to my liking. I sanded on it, conditioned it with Lexol, sanded some more, etc. Once my phone came in and I started using it, I was going to force myself to adapt to it. It just never felt like leather to me, much less the color. After a week or so, I gave up in disgust, went to our Best Buy and picked up a silicone case to use in the meantime. I almost ordered a Nomad case, since I have one of their leather cases on my iPad, but I didn't want the rubberized buttons or sides.
Then I saw the Andar case, and ordered one in brown.
It came in a bit ago, and every bit as great as what it's been described as. It's so much better smelling, feeling, everything over what Apple offers for sale now. And the color is outstanding.. Here's to hoping Andar keeps making cases for years, because I prefer to using leather over other materials, and this case fits the bill.
If they only will make a red case now, for my wife prefers red, and Apple didn't offer a red leather case this go around...and even if it comes out, I'll probably steer clear.
Ordered my phone, and also ordered from Apple the "brown" leather case for my 13. I've followed this thread off and on, so I've seen what others have posted about the color, the finish and whatnot of the 12 and 13 cases compared to the 11 and earlier. Like most things, I chalked it up to wait and see for myself. My 13 case came in before the phone did, and....ugh. It was more orange than brown, which wasn't to my liking. I sanded on it, conditioned it with Lexol, sanded some more, etc. Once my phone came in and I started using it, I was going to force myself to adapt to it. It just never felt like leather to me, much less the color. After a week or so, I gave up in disgust, went to our Best Buy and picked up a silicone case to use in the meantime. I almost ordered a Nomad case, since I have one of their leather cases on my iPad, but I didn't want the rubberized buttons or sides.
Then I saw the Andar case, and ordered one in brown.
It came in a bit ago, and every bit as great as what it's been described as. It's so much better smelling, feeling, everything over what Apple offers for sale now. And the color is outstanding.. Here's to hoping Andar keeps making cases for years, because I prefer to using leather over other materials, and this case fits the bill.
If they only will make a red case now, for my wife prefers red, and Apple didn't offer a red leather case this go around...and even if it comes out, I'll probably steer clear.
Apple logo isn’t bad but Apple isn’t the only one with clicky anodized aluminum buttons.
Andar and Bullstrap also have nice anodized aluminum, clicky buttons.
The Andar came in today. It's fantastic. Worlds better quality than my Nomad case (I abhor the TPU edge and buttons).
You'll be very happy with it.Mines been dispatched
Decided Bullstrap’s bourbon is the best colour leather I’ve ever seen anywhere for any product. Super rich, dark cherry oxtail. Well…bourbon I suppose but it’s quite unique and looks, feels and smells mega expensive. Far and away the best case I’ve ever owned ?
