Tech21 d3o™ Leather Slip Case for iPhone review

A lot of iPhone users don’t want to use a case for a number of reasons such as adding bulk or the fact that the iPhone by itself is quite durable. There is still a need for protection in my opinion, both when it comes to impact protection and scratch protection. I have dropped my iPhone on numerous occasions when pulling it out of a pocket. Furthermore I usually have keys or coins in the same pocket as I have my phone. Scratches won’t hurt the functionality of the iPhone but it certainly lowers its second hand value, and tarnish the sleek look. For those who don’t want the added bulk there is a segment of pouches or slip cases to be found. The second leather product from Tech21 is the Tech21 d3o™ Leather Slip Case. It caters to people who want to use the iPhone in it’s original form, and feel a need for protection while not using it.

The Tech21 d3o™ Leather Slip Case (from now on known as Tech21 Slip Case) combines the high tech d3o™ absorption material with a sleek leather finish. The d3o™ is found sewn into the bottom and sides giving the case splendid impact protection. The leather is sleek, and when I touch the d3o™ padding it is soft. When the Tech Slip Case is dropped it makes a solid thud in impact as the molecules within the d3o™ absorbs energy and hardens instantaneously. The excellent impact protection comes at the cost of bulk. The Tech21 Slip Case is almost two centimetres wider than the iPhone itself. This is only due to the extra protection as the inner walls of the Slip Case hugs the iPhone firmly. The snug fit should be noted by those using any kind of bodyguard cover for the iPhone as it might become too tight.

There is no impact protection at the top of the case, and the iPhone is only protected by the top leather edges. The edges stick about two millimetres above the inserted iPhone, and it won’t protect it from a fall from a desk if it falls top down. The open top that is usual for most pouches/slip cases is good though as it enables access to either the headphone jack and silent button or the speakers if inserted top first. The volume buttons are hard to operate when the phone is within the case. I only manage to massage the volume down with accuracy.

The snug fit makes the slip case safe. I am unable to shake the phone out of it even if I apply my Wiimote shaking skills. The suede lining hugs the iPhone without adding any lines or residual patterns. Getting the phone out is using one hand is possible but not convenient at all. It is done by massaging the bottom to softly squeeze the phone out. Using both hands it is easy to get the phone out by holding the bottom of the case with one hand, and gripping the top sides of the phone with the other hand. I have seen other products with smart solutions to getting the iPhone out. The problem isn’t that big as I still find that most of the time when I need the phone I have access to both my hands anyway.

The design is cool, vibrant and fresh with a curved line in dual stitches on one side, and a credit card slot surrounded by stitches on the other side. I have tried using the case with one, two and three credit cards in the slot. My conclusion is that one card works well, two gets snug and with three it is impossible to get the iPhone in or out of the case. The Tech21 Slip Case can not replace your wallet in any way. The slot is best used for business cards on the go until you get to your wallet/calendar. The case is available in three colours: black, grey and orange. The leather seems to be of high quality, and the design is durable. Without the credit card slot the case could have been even slimmer, but at times it is good to have a small pocket for the odd note or business card.

Summary

Pros
Great impact protection at the bottom and sides.
High quality leather with a fresh design.
Credit card slot for one card.
Light weight.
Snug secure fit.

Cons
Adds width.
No real protection at the top.
Hard to get iPhone out of the case with one hand.
Hard to use volume controls when iPhone is in the case.

The Tech21 d3o™ Leather Slip Case is a great product, and in the pouch/slip case segment it is the best I have tried so far. It combines sleek design with superior protection. If you are looking for protection when you have the iPhone in your pocket or bag definitely consider the Tech21 d3o™ Leather Slip Case.