Sena created the best leather case for the iPhone 3GS/3G in my opinion: the Sarach Flip case. Now they have unleashed their complete line of leather cases upon the iPhone 4, and the quality is top notch as always. The first case up for scrutiny is the WalletSkin. Cases combining wallet functions generally come as books folded sideways. The WalletSkin keeps the credit card slots in the back instead. I will try to assess how well this product performs both as a case, and as a wallet.
The wallet function is up first, and it works really well. It is a foldable flap that extends from the bottom back of the case. A button at the top of the case holds it in place. Once unbuttoned it folds out in double the iPhone size. There are two credit card slots on the iPhone side of the wallet. These hold one card each without any difficulty. Trying to put two cards in for each of the slots makes it really hard to get any of them out. The flap that extends away from the case feature one plastic see through slot for id, and another slot for a credit card or some loose notes. The id is really easy to extract due to having an open area in the middle of the slot. You can squeeze a total of six cards into the case, but at that point it starts to become harder to remove them. I recommend using four cards with this case. The cards are well protected when in the wallet. Encased in leather that closes up both dirt and grime is kept off the readable surfaces. And if you are the least bit worried that the phone affects your cards you can place those most important in the flap away from the phone. As a wallet the WalletSkin definitely delivers.
As a case the WalletSkin performs like most leather cases with a loose fit style. Instead of snugly hugging the phone it holds it loosely, and this style of fit intrudes somewhat on the screen estate. This is most evident when texting or playing games that demands you to use objects close to the edges. It isn’t by any means impossible to use, but it takes some getting used to. Otherwise I usually type in portrait mode, but with this case I always use landscape mode. Another thing worth noting is that there is a slight difference in how the leather behaves due to processing. A smooth leather fits better, and follows the lines better than the more rigid croco leathers. I have experienced both, and I recommend going for the smooth ordinary leather option.
For protection the WalletSkin is great. The back is as protected as a phone can ever be. If you have four cards in the wallet there is no ordinary impact to the back that can hurt it. The sides are also well protected, as are the front around the screen. The only open space is the screen.
All functions are usable in the case, apart from one that takes a little work to use. The wallet covers the entire back, and thus also the camera lens. To use the camera you have to open the wallet. This can be a bit of a nuisance, but most of all it can be dangerous. Showing your id, and cards in a crowd might attract thieves. Signaling where you keep your goodies is never a good thing.
A removable belt clip accompanies the case, and it is really easy to attach it. A screw, a tool and a minute later it is fastened onto the back of the case. The belt clip is made from plastic, and it seems quite strong. It can be placed in ratcheting, or rigid mode. To extract the case, and leave the belt clip in the belt you press a button on the clip. This lets you pull the case up to answer a call. What I noticed right away is that it is much harder to extract if I leave it in the upper ratcheting mode. To quickly extract it I have to place it in rigid mode, as it gives more resistance as I press the button to extract it. Furthermore it feels more secure to have it rigidly in place. Worth noting is that the WalletSkin suffers from the wallet gliding somewhat apart when using the belt clip in landscape mode. This is due to the wallet simply gliding down until the buttoned strap tightens. Not enough by any means to loose any cards, but it doesn’t look that good. An issue I have with the belt clip is that it becomes way to easy for someone to pickpocket it. I can’t feel the case when it hangs in my belt, as opposed to being in my pocket. When using the WalletSkin as a wallet I rather remove the belt clip, and carry the case as a wallet in my pocket.
The WalletSkin is a neat combination of form, and function. Like all cases from Sena the craftsmanship is excellent, and the leather looks and feels awesome. For a night out it is definitely recommended, and it works well in a office setting as well. For gamers the case might be too bulky, and the screen estate too invaded. In my opinion the WalletSkin is a good luxury case to use for those special occasions or for work in an office environment.
Final Rating
WalletSkin at Senacases.com $52.00
