Leather Cases - Patina Proud Photos

[landonalder]

@TheBMacAttack I hear that. It feels like on the new cases they've introduced (closed bottom, flex), their QC is just not there yet. The open bottom is pretty dialed but it's just still too thick.

The only thin leather case (Andar) just feels like cheap leather to me compared to Bullstrap and I dislike the metal camera ring

 

[TheBMacAttack]

@landonalder 100% agree. Very tricky now that Apple left the leather market. Thin is very important and 3rd party just has figured that out.

 

[klky]

What have you been using the most since Andar and Mujjo didn't work? I actually didn't upgrade to the 15 pros, and have always been an Apple leather case user. Dont care that the newer ones have not been the same leather quality, the thinness and fit matter more to me than how it looks in a year or now 2.

Curious if I end up going to the 16 pro max what my options would be. Like you, I have tried Andar, Bullstrap, Mujjo, and Blue Bonnet and none of them worked for me. I have not tried Bullstraps newest full coverage case, but I think my complaint will still be it's to thick. Like you said a very expensive journey.

I’ve been using Apple’s silicone case which I appreciate for the feel and perfect fit. There’s something to be said about first party compatibility. But I just can’t anymore with the dust.

Like you, fit and thinness are also important to me, but I’ve resigned to the fact that if I want a good quality leather case, I’ll need to compromise somewhere. With each case I try and dislike, it’s getting more difficult not gonna lie.

 

[TheBMacAttack]

I’ve been using Apple’s silicone case which I appreciate for the feel and perfect fit. There’s something to be said about first party compatibility. But I just can’t anymore with the dust.

Like you, fit and thinness are also important to me, but I’ve resigned to the fact that if I want a good quality leather case, I’ll need to compromise somewhere. With each case I try and dislike, it’s getting more difficult not gonna lie.

I know the feeling. I quit looking after trying so many and decided that there just wasn’t a 3rd that would check all the boxes. Maybe we get a new material that isn’t FineWoven in the fall.

 

[mikext]

I’ve been using Apple’s silicone case which I appreciate for the feel and perfect fit. There’s something to be said about first party compatibility. But I just can’t anymore with the dust.

Like you, fit and thinness are also important to me, but I’ve resigned to the fact that if I want a good quality leather case, I’ll need to compromise somewhere. With each case I try and dislike, it’s getting more difficult not gonna lie.

The FineWoven is the best-fitting iPhone case I've had for the 15 Pro. The fit is the closest you'll get to Apple Leather and there's none of the dust/lint like with Silicone. But I digress.

But like you said, if you want a leather case, you'll have to add some bulk. I'm currently using the open-bottom Ryan London case. I also really liked the closed-bottom Lucky Coin case. If you like the style of the Apple Leather case, it's a good place to start (and only $30).

 

[klky]

The FineWoven is the best-fitting iPhone case I've had for the 15 Pro. The fit is the closest you'll get to Apple Leather and there's none of the dust/lint like with Silicone. But I digress.

But like you said, if you want a leather case, you'll have to add some bulk. I'm currently using the open-bottom Ryan London case. I also really liked the closed-bottom Lucky Coin case. If you like the style of the Apple Leather case, it's a good place to start (and only $30).

The FineWoven was actually my first case. I bought it together with my 15 Pro and liked the fit and hand feel. Unfortunately, it kept slipping out of my hand and pockets which was a bit unsettling, especially with a shiny new phone. While I read and watch reviews, I tend to take a "see for myself" approach as everyone's preferences differ. The early reviews for the FineWoven were certainly brutal to say the least lol. I want to believe Apple have taken some of the feedback to heart and have worked on something that will appeal to more of us.

Watch this idiot (me) buy a completely unnecessary iPhone 16 Pro simply because Apple have gone and designed the greatest iPhone case known to man. God help me.

 

[mikext]

The FineWoven was actually my first case. I bought it together with my 15 Pro and liked the fit and hand feel. Unfortunately, it kept slipping out of my hand and pockets which was a bit unsettling, especially with a shiny new phone. While I read and watch reviews, I tend to take a "see for myself" approach as everyone's preferences differ. The early reviews for the FineWoven were certainly brutal to say the least lol. I want to believe Apple have taken some of the feedback to heart and have worked on something that will appeal to more of us.

Watch this idiot (me) buy a completely unnecessary iPhone 16 Pro simply because Apple have gone and designed the greatest iPhone case known to man. God help me.

you sound a lot like me 😂

 

[iFone88]

I have found after many trials of variosu different leather cases, the closest I found to Apple's offerings is actually a PU leather case from TUCCH. Considering it's fake leather, the feel in hand is great and it's very slim!

 

[TheBMacAttack]

I have found after many trials of variosu different leather cases, the closest I found to Apple's offerings is actually a PU leather case from TUCCH. Considering it's fake leather, the feel in hand is great and it's very slim!

It's wild to me nearly a year in and still so many people like us missing the Apple leather cases, and have yet to find a true replacement. Apple really missed a lot of money in there accessory department. It may have not been the top of the line leather, but lots of people choose it anyway. Finewoven was a disaster.

 

[iFone88]

It's wild to me nearly a year in and still so many people like us missing the Apple leather cases, and have yet to find a true replacement. Apple really missed a lot of money in there accessory department. It may have not been the top of the line leather, but lots of people choose it anyway. Finewoven was a disaster.

Wonder what route they’ll go down this year??

I’d like them to make a closed bottom, matte back clear case like the Ringke Fusion personally

 

[TheBMacAttack]

Wonder what route they’ll go down this year??

I’d like them to make a closed bottom, matte back clear case like the Ringke Fusion personally

Weirdly we haven't seen much rumors, but they few we have say they have one last run with Finewoven before its done. That will be a real disappointment if that is case. I will struggle yet again to upgrade if that is the case.

The matte back clear case would be dope.

 

[mjpearce023]

Weirdly we haven't seen much rumors, but they few we have say they have one last run with Finewoven before its done. That will be a real disappointment if that is case. I will struggle yet again to upgrade if that is the case.

The matte back clear case would be dope.

I can’t see them running with finewoven again this year. The fact they didn’t release new spring colors told me that they are done producing them and just trying to get rid of inventory they have. Also Apple doesn’t like being embarrassed so the fact that Amazon had to put a frequently returned item label on them I’m sure didn’t sit well. I’m guessing they will have some type of fake leather that they can put the same padding under to make them feel like the leather case. My worry is they only release it for the 16 series cause I’m not upgrading this year for a new case. I have no need for a bigger phone.

 

[TheBMacAttack]

I can’t see them running with finewoven again this year. The fact they didn’t release new spring colors told me that they are done producing them and just trying to get rid of inventory they have. Also Apple doesn’t like being embarrassed so the fact that Amazon had to put a frequently returned item label on them I’m sure didn’t sit well. I’m guessing they will have some type of fake leather that they can put the same padding under to make them feel like the leather case. My worry is they only release it for the 16 series cause I’m not upgrading this year for a new case. I have no need for a bigger phone.

I hope you are right. The fake leather would be a much better option than FineWoven. I think you can make some fake leather that feels pretty close to what they were making before.

 

[klky]

I hope you are right. The fake leather would be a much better option than FineWoven. I think you can make some fake leather that feels pretty close to what they were making before.

Definitely. It's not like Apple were using super high end leather to begin with but it was very popular for what it was. I have the (Re)Classic Case from Native Union for my AirPods Pro. I think it's a very decent alternative that uses plant based materials. Apple could certainly take this route and I suspect they will. I would have picked up a phone case from Native Union but I'm not crazy about the colour selection, their two-texture pattern or how they handle the buttons.

 

[klky]

It's wild to me nearly a year in and still so many people like us missing the Apple leather cases, and have yet to find a true replacement. Apple really missed a lot of money in there accessory department. It may have not been the top of the line leather, but lots of people choose it anyway. Finewoven was a disaster.

Crazy indeed.

I've also decided that the Bullstrap cases I just ordered will be the last cases I buy for my 15 Pro. The search stops here. It's gotten ridiculous as it is. I'm just gonna hold out hope that Apple releases something better before I'm ready to buy my next iPhone. Deciding to discontinue FineWoven is probably a positive sign in this respect.

 

[TheBMacAttack]

Definitely. It's not like Apple were using super high end leather to begin with but it was very popular for what it was. I have the (Re)Classic Case from Native Union for my AirPods Pro. I think it's a very decent alternative that uses plant based materials. Apple could certainly take this route and I suspect they will. I would have picked up a phone case from Native Union but I'm not crazy about the colour selection, their two-texture pattern or how they handle the buttons.

Yep couldn’t agree with this more. They don’t have to feel like the most premium leather goods. Just give us some fake leather than doesn’t feel like plastic.

Crazy indeed.

I've also decided that the Bullstrap cases I just ordered will be the last cases I buy for my 15 Pro. The search stops here. It's gotten ridiculous as it is. I'm just gonna hold out hope that Apple releases something better before I'm ready to buy my next iPhone. Deciding to discontinue FineWoven is probably a positive sign in this respect.

Godspeed to you on that. I totally get it. I stopped after collecting 5 or 6 cases that didn’t ever meet my expectations or likes.

 

[klky]

So I received my Minimalist case (Bourbon) and Flex case (Black) from Bullstrap today. Keeping in mind, I've only had them in my hands for about an hour or so, my overall view is that they're both high quality cases with good attention to detail. Some general comments and comparisons to the Andar Aspen for what they're worth.

MINIMALIST
- Thicker than Apple's FineWoven and Silicone cases but not to the point that it's uncomfortable in the hand. Actually not really noticeable other than from a visual point of view.
- Good quality leather with nice hand feel. Not super smooth but not rough by any means. More textured than the Andar Aspen. In this regard, it has better grip out of the box.
- Buttons feel smoother to touch than Andar Aspen but this might be because they're more embedded into the case which I like. They otherwise look very similar. There is some protection from the inside like the Aspen. No button rattle from what I can tell. Sufficiently clicky and tactile.
- The open bottom case doesn't bother me at all. Nice smooth feel when swiping up. Also very easy to remove which I like. Good tight fit out of the box with a confident snap, especially at the top.
- For whatever reason, I used to like Andar's metal camera bump but now find it kinda ugly. Much prefer Bullstrap's leather covered bump. Looks classier in my opinion.

FLEX
- Even thicker than the Minimalist. Again, not a problem in terms of hand feel but visually makes the borders look pretty thick.
- TPU sides offer better protection but I was expecting better grip. Not slippery but it's quite smooth.
- Buttons feel great. Flatter and wider than the Minimalist buttons and reminiscent of Apple's leather and FineWoven cases. Very clicky and tactile and don't protrude much. Both cases are excellent in this regard. The buttons are exposed on the inside of the case but are very flat and smooth. I doubt they would damage your phone's buttons if that's a concern. There is slight button rattle when you put the phone to your ear and shake but doubt it would bother anyone under normal use.
- While the case completely covers the phone, and has a good tight fit, the TPU sides offer enough flex to facilitate comfortable removal of the phone. The phone has a very satisfying snap into the case.

OVERALL THOUGHTS
Not much to complain about either case and I'm happy to stop my search here. I am going with the Minimalist case for now and may use the Flex case when I travel. While I'm not crazy about the visual thickness of the Flex case from the front, it's honestly fine in hand and not a deal breaker by any means. I feel it would be a solid option for those looking for a bit more protection, a fully closed bottom and better grip around the edges. No issues with MagSafe on either case.

 

[machopeful]

Decided to give my Ryan London some love after months of neglect. I’ve been using it daily for the last two weeks and it’s been patina-ing more aggressively. Really great case all around

 

[Populus]

Decided to give my Ryan London some love after months of neglect. I’ve been using it daily for the last two weeks and it’s been patina-ing more aggressively. Really great case all around

It looks gorgeous indeed. Love that color.

 

[RRC]

Andar have a new vintage tan being released this friday...

Almost like a fast patina lighter colour option rather than the orange shade of the camel tan.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Dang. I’ve been away from this thread for a while so this is the first I’m seeing of this Flex case. That black looks niiiice.

I don’t need it. I don’t need it. I don’t need it….

 

[klky]

I’ve had the Flex case on for a day now and actually like it more than I initially thought. I forgot to mention that the TPU sides have nicely chamfered edges which really adds to the overall comfort. It feels slimmer than it looks. Visually from the front, while the edges are thicker, you forget about it once you use the phone and not focus on it. Along with the wider flatter buttons, this one feels really good in hand.

 

[mjpearce023]

Anybody got any patina pics of the tan luckycoin? I switched back to my whisky Keyway but the X makes my wallet shift around too much. Need a new tan case.

 

[DR3MCLAREN]

Anybody got any patina pics of the tan luckycoin? I switched back to my whisky Keyway but the X makes my wallet shift around too much. Need a new tan case.

Oh man I was literally just going to ask the same thing because I want to get back into a leather case.

 

[mjpearce023]

Oh man I was literally just going to ask the same thing because I want to get back into a leather case.

So many people got them when they launched there has to be some good patina pics by now. I liked the bare Tortora at first but after a few months it started looking like the apple 12-14 cases where just the edges were getting dark. So hard to find a great leather case these days.