Is it ok to think that an iPhone case is sexy? I don’t know really but there is something special about the Sena Sarach Flip. It is the first case that I yearn to have on my iPhone. It isn’t the most practical case for gaming but it enhances the feel of the device. Crafted from high quality Italian Napa leather the sensation of holding the case is luxurious. I am not the only one attracted to the Sarach Flip, and all eyes are drawn to it when placed on a conference table at a meeting. The gleam of the leather, the large leather bindings on the back and the tight fit impress.
The Sena Sarach Flip is a leather case where you insert the iPhone from the top. The Flip flap wraps extends from the top back, and keeps the iPhone in place when not in use by flapping over the front. A moderately strong magnet fixes the front flap to the bottom by two smaller magnets on each side of the home button. The flap shuts with a satisfying thud. I have yet to have any problems with the use of magnets next to my iPhone. Sena has sold loads of their different magnet flipper cases, and so far they haven’t had a reason to change that design.
When the iPhone is inserted in the Sarach Flip I still have access to all ports, and functions of the iPhone. The headphone jack is open at all times, and actually that part of the iPhone is naked even when the flap is closed. This limits the protection of the case a tad as the top left is completely unprotected, and the top right only has limited cover. The silent button can be operated even when the flip flaps over it. Volume controls and ringer switch are also available as the case is closed. Once open every function is available.
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he Sarach Flip does a great job of not interfering with the screen, home button or speakers. I guess I loose about 1 mm at the top of the screen due to tight leather across it. With time the leather will probably stretch to properly fit the top of the screen as well. Other than that I have found no problems using the iPhone for general use or gaming. The only annoyance with gaming is the flap. You can twist is backwards but I don’t want to crease the leather. It takes hand adjustments to play some of the games in landscape mode. For games with a combination of touch and tilt controls such as GT Racing I tend to take the iPhone out of the case.
The quality of Sena products is among the best you can find, and if you are in the market for a leather case they have a lot to choose from. A thing that some cases have that the Sarach Flip lacks is a belt clip. To me that is not a issue as I enjoy how slim the Sarach Flip is, and the fact that it lies flat on a table instead of swivelling on a belt clip. The Sarach Flip is one of the few leather cases with screen protection that doesn’t have any snap buttons. The use of magnets instead is really neat from that perspective as well.
The Sarach Flip is at the echelon of leather cases, and you can choose among five different colour schemes. The one I have tried out is brown with cream bindings. It looks marvellous with the white iPhone 3GS, but I think a black iPhone 3GS would look better in a black/grey Sarach.
There is a credit card slot on the inside of the flap, but it is too tight to be of any use. I have tested it out a couple of times, and even with only one credit card I had to use my teeth to get it out. The Sarach Flip can definitely not replace your wallet. A note or business card is all that you can fit into the slot.
The Sarach Flip case is not built purposely for impact protection, but it still covers the iPhone quite well. The screen is well protected by the thick flap, and if you want even more protection you can insert a credit card that you don’t need access to into the credit card slot.
Summary
Pros
Sleek classy looks.
Premium quality leather with a luxurious feel.
Durable design built to last.
Full phone functionality when flap is open, full iPod functionality when closed.
The magnet solution for the flap is excellent.
Scratch protection for all but the top left corner of the phone.
Cons
Not dockable to all docks.
The flap can be in the way when playing games.
Not a solution if you are looking for impact protection.
The credit card slot is not practical.
An optional belt clip or hip holster would be appreciated.
The Sena Sarach Flip is the sleekest leather case I have ever used. It is well designed, and the execution is spot on. I can fully recommend the Sarach Flip to anyone looking to add extra flair to his or her iPhone. In the case of Sarach Flip money asked correspond well to the quality given. If you dislike flaps there is also a Sarach Leatherskin where the flap has been removed.
Final Rating
Sena Sarach Flip 3G/3GS at Sena Cases $69.95
