Piel Frama is known for making some of the best leather accessory's for Apple devices, smart phones, and almost anything electronic. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the new Wallet Case for the iPhone 4. The Wallet Case features a built in credit card department, a clear ID department, and a place to slip your iPhone inside. Let's take a closer look to see if the Piel Frama Wallet Case is the best leather case currently available for the iPhone 4. Before I begin, let me warn you that this will be an exceptionally long review due to the fact that there is literally too much to say about this case. All right, now that you have taken this into consideration, take a moment to ponder wether you will read the full review or skip to the bottom for the rating and credentials. Ready? Let's begin!
I was first talking to Angelica about a review request after a few members of both my website and on other forums asked me to review the case. So, after a few days of planning and some emailing, I was finally able to get the case shipped from Spain all the way to America, or more specific, Washington. The case took about ten days to be Handcrafted up at Piel Frama's headquarters. Which, really isn't too long considering the fact that some other leather manufacturers take any time from two weeks too a whole month.
The case arrived in my mailbox about a month after the handcrafting process and the shipping journey. At first, I had no idea what was in the package due to the fact that the box was sealed in a foreign postal bag. Although, I knew immediately who it was the minute I saw Piel Frama's name written in big bold shiny letters across the top of the box. At first you will be presented with a very nice and simple box that definitely goes farther than other basic cases that use cheap plastic to cover their cases. Then again, leather is expensive, and if you're paying a lot for a leather product, you might as well get some good packaging to go along with it right? Opening the box you will first find a nice piece of what feels like parchment paper with Piel Frama's signature and logo scattered along the top. After that is pulled out you will be greeted by yet another sample of parchment paper. After this is taken out, the golden jewel will be sitting at the bottom of the box just waiting patiently be used.
At first, you may notice all of the features of the Wallet Case. In the front of the case, you have a very nice strap that is used to close the Wallet case when not in use. On the first section, you will be presented with three slots to hold your various cards and other things. On the next tab you have a very cool slit that allows for an ID to be put in. This was very nice since the leather was covered with a clear protector that not only showcases what you have In the slot, but protects it and keeps it held in place the whole time. Also, I forgot to mention that the Wallet Case also has a nice flap that covers the card slots. As an added bonus, Piel Frama has even included a felt lining on the inside of the flap to help prevent scratches from occurring on the leather. On the last page of the case you have a very cool little compartment to hold you iPhone 4. I will have to say that the fit was very tight and that the buttons were top notch when it came to placement. Since we are talking a little bit about the buttons and their positions, let's take a quick overview of what it feels like for your iPhone to be living in there.
Let's start from the top, literally. At the top of the case you have one single cutout for the sleep ad wake button and the audio jack. Since both these button and ports are wide open, you will not have any problems when it comes to using headphones or pressing the sleep/wake button. On the side of the case you have one single cutout for the volume rockers and the silent switch. Since these are wide open like the top portion, you will not have any problems when it comes to silencing your phone and adjusting the volume. On the bottom of the case you have three individual cutouts for the speaker, the mic, and the thirty pin dock connector. I have had absolutely no problems when it came to charging my phone wether it be with my Apple cable or other third party accessory, which I did in fact test out with other various chargers. The camera hole on the back features a very wide cutout for taking pictures. I am pleased to report that I have had absolutely no problems when it comes to using the camera with the flash on and using it in dark areas.
On the inner front portion of the case you will find three slots for credit cards or any other various types if cards. I found that every kind of card will fit as long as they are credit card sized. It was nice to know that they were snug and tight and did not move around or fall out when I was using the Wallet Case. On the next section of the case is a clear slot that you can keep various types of items in. Even though I did not show it in the pictures, I measured out the dimensions of the case and printed off a version of my ID to fit the case. It worked out well, and fit perfectly with the case. If you wanted too, you could also add a few more cards or even some money if you felt like it.
As far as the quality of the leather goes, it is absolutely fantastic. You can definitely tell the leather is very nice the minute you pick it up. I have tried a few leather products and some have been good, some have been bad. If I were to rate the Piel Frama Wallet Case on a scale of one to ten in terms of the quality and overall durability of the leather, I would definitely consider this to be a ten. The leather also feels great when holding the case. I consider my iPhone 4 to be very slippery when I am holding it, it's nice to see that the Wallet case has a nice balance between grip and silky smoothness to not only feel awesome in the hand but also provide a fantastic grip when you are walking around. I forgot to mention that the Wallet case also has a very cool engraving on the inside of the iPhone slot that reads: This product you have just acquired has been hand made by Piel Frama leather craftsman, so that each piece is unique.
Another thing that I would like to talk briefly about is the various ways you can hold the case to make it easier to grip as well as some other very cool features. If you have ever read a book (which I suggest you should if you never have) you know that you may hold it in the center with your thumb. This same method applies with the Wallet Case. You can simply hold it in the center with your thumb if you do not actually want to hold the phone itself. Another added bonus (which is a good method for reading books) is to flip the front cover of the case and hold it all the way back and grip it from there. This way, you are not actually holding the phone itself which in turn provides a very comfortable feel while in the hand.
The color of the case is black, a very deep jet black. The entire outside of the Wallet case is covered in black while about half of the inside is covered in a deep black as well. In various place from the inside of the case you will find a very natural looking brown color. While it feels very smooth and no doubt adds to the overall style of the case, the problem is that the color will show up scratches and nicks very easily. Although, this really isnt a problem due to the fact that almost all leather will scratch and show seams eventually. Also, the craftsmanship on the outside of the case shows up very well in the stitching. I found that the stitching was very well aligned with the outside of the case and I did not find any loose or ripped ends when I received the case. You can trust me when I say that Piel Framas craftsman take a lot of pride in their work and pump out some of the best leather good available for mobile devices.
For the past week or so I have been using the case in various environments and I have had no problems with the case. Everything is top notch, the leather, functionality, and style make this one of the best, if not the best multi-use leather cases available for the iPhone 4. For 85 Euros (thats about $120 for us Americans) you get one of the best leather cases available for the iPhone 4 and some very stylish packaging. I give the Piel Frama Wallet Case my full recommendation. If you are looking for a very nice quality leather case and/or are looking to replace your hardly used wallet, give this case a try, you will not regret the decision.
Rating: 5/5
