Ted Baker Leather Style Case – Men’s review

Ted Baker is a brand that doesn’t live on the brand name alone, but strive to push the envelope on design and functionality. The front flapped case has been around for years, and there are a wide range of different design options. The Leather Style Case from Ted Baker combines some of the best features in a well-crafter design.

The leather used in the case is quality faux with a soft feel, and nice shine. All seams are strong, and there are no loose threads anywhere. The case comes in two versions: black with bulldog lining, and brown with telephone pole lining. Both versions have the brand name printed on the front, and the black has a large retro telephone printed as well. I am not sure about the durability of the print as it is surface only. With frequent usage I estimate it will wear off within a couple of months. As for the lining the bulldog lining is not easy to see, as it uses pink on orange. The telephone print is found on the inside of the flap, and it is really cool looking. The two versions of the case has the same properties, but completely unique looks.

With the flap closed you still have full visible access to volume controls, mute switch, headphone and charge socket. The silent button is hidden underneath the flap, but is still fully usable. With the flap open you have full access to 98% of the screen. The holders found on the sides of the case introduces slightly on each side of the screen. This intrusion is found beneath the volume controls, and down. When texting or playing games in portrait mode it is somewhat annoying, but still usable. In landscape mode there are no problems using most applications.

The fit is excellent, and the phone is held securely by the side mounts. It is held in place by means of two leather strands at the bottom. This gives the case a rather open look, and feel. There is one thing that I don’t like about the design though, and that is the fact that the home button is covered by leather. Sure it is a nice button with “TB” printed on it, but it is causing an inconvenience. If closed inside a pocket there is a real risk that the home button gets pressed. This initiates Voice Control, and so far I have already made a call I rather would have skipped. I have had this same issue with other cases with leather covering the home button.

The front flap has a credit card slot on the inside. This slot can easily hold two credit cards, but it takes some work getting them out due to the pocket being rather deep. Even with two cards inside the flap the magnets holding the case closed is strong enough to manage.

For protection the case offers excellent impact protection, and good scratch protection. There are no clearly vulnerable spots open to the elements. If the phone falls it will survive well if it lands on either the front, or the back. Corners are protected to a limited amount of force, but enough for minor drops from hand to floor.

The Ted Baker Leather Style Case presents one of the best most comprehensive front flapped designs for the iPhone 4. Excellent materials, and workmanship make for a durable product. The only letdowns are the slight screen intrusion, and the covered home button. With this in mind it is still a highly recommended case suitable for almost all occasions in life. The final rating also applies to the Women’s version of the case that comes with a mirror inside the front flap.