Cingular Go Phone: Piel Frama Apple iPhone 3G Magnetic Closure Leather Case (Black) Review

This iPhone 3G case by Piel Frama is arguably the best case I have ever owned for any phone. I'm no stranger to high end cases as I bought phone cases from Noreve USA before. This case is definitely a nice bit of kit. It was a bit of a risk purchasing a case without seeing it in person but I have no regrets purchasing this case.

The first thing that stands out is the finish of the case. Real leather is used here; you can definitely see it, feel it and smell the cow hide. The texture is nice and smooth, with the right amount of shine but not too much as seen from some cheaper faux leather cases. Each case is handcrafted in Spain. They stamped a message on the inside of the case reminding you that each case is handcrafted and unique. They also include a card that informs you who made the case and the case's serial number. Definitely a nice touch to a case that already exudes quality.

The phone fits perfectly in the case with a screen protector on. Cutouts for all the connectors, buttons, speakers, and cameras are aligned perfectly and they are exposed the right amount; not too much is left uncovered.

Being that it has a magnetic clasp, it's very easy to open to the case and close it with one hand. The case also does not add much thickness to the case. I also have an AT&T Fuze (HTC touch pro). The iPhone in this Piel Frama case is only 3mm thicker than a naked Fuze.

The case itself has space for 2 credit cards and a leather chamois (included). The chamois is used to clean the screen. Some other bits that come in the package include the belt clip, tools & parts to install/remove the clip, and a spray bottle to spray the chamois with.

I have no experience using the belt clip as I prefer to carry the phone in my hand or put it in my pocket. They include 3 plastic covers to put in the hole where the belt clip would install. One thing I didn't like about all the belt clip parts were that they are all plastic. I'm not sure how well they'd hold up over long term use.

Pros:
Handcrafted
High High Quality leather
Perfect fit, connectors and buttons are easily accessible
Protects the screen unlike other iPhone cases
Can flick open the case easily with one hand
Credit card and screen cleaning chamois storage
Includes tools/extra parts/spray bottle

Cons:
Cannot completely flip open case with headphones plugged in
Flip Cases make it a little harder to hold the phone in portrait mode
Cases in general make it more difficult to dock the iPhone
Belt clip parts are all plastic, durability is questionable

Neutral (can go either way):
The magnets around the home button make it harder to press the home key
Price is high but you definitely get what you pay for

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Product Description:
Handcrafted in Spain by leather artisans, Piel Frama phone cases are renowned worldwide for their exquisite quality and workmanship. Piel Frama uses only the finest locally-sourced materials, eco-friendly manufacturing techniques and careful attention to detail. The result is a soft, supple leather product that is extremely durable, ergonomic and that has a minimal impact on the environment.

The contemporary European styling is both sophisticated and highly functional, offering excellent protection for your device while providing convenient access to the phone's features. Piel Frama cases completely cover the phone's screen, serving as an effective shield against scratches and screen damage. To add rigidity and prevent stretching, the cases contain a strong core of a synthetic cloth and are stitched with high-end thread.

Each case comes with an ultra-strong belt clip that is removable. For a minimal thickness form factor, the knob on the back of the case may also be quickly removed. The case has cutouts for the camera, headset jack, volume, ring/silent, sleep/wake, home, Apple connection port, speaker and mic. Cases are attractively packaged with a spray bottle and leather chamois for cleaning the phone's screen.

A superior leather goods manufacturer since 1945, Piel Frama made their first mobile phone case in 1984, the same year modern cell phones were introduced. The pioneering case maker uses natural and biodegradable products to tan and finish the full-grain leather materials, as well as in its glues. Every case is carefully cut, assembled and sewn by hand, finished with an embossed message inside: "The product you have just acquired has been hand-made by Piel Frama craftsman, so each piece is unique."

If you desire the look and feel of luxury in handmade Spanish leather, a Piel Frama case is the right product for you. More than just lasting protection for your technology investment, these cases are truly a work of art.