Style, functionality and protection are hard to combine in one case. To get the best possible combination of features it is at times better to throw out the notion of a single case. That is what I did when I was looking for both protection, and extra grip while handling the iPhone 4S, and screen protection when it is inside a pocket. My previous phones have either been used with plastic screen protectors, or without any screen protection at all. The results have been either bubbly ugly plastic covers that have to be removed after about a month due to giving poor touch screen responses, or a scratched screen when the cat attacked the phone. To solve the problem I have been looking to different pouches, but most won’t allow any cover or bumper to be used on the phone. Finally I found the Orla Kiely Mobile Phone Case from Trexta. It answers most of my demands when it comes to style, functionality and protection.
The Orla Kiely Mobile Phone Case (OKMPC) is a wallet design that fits either an iPhone 4/4S with bumper or back cover, or a naked iPhone 4/4S and up to 6 credit cards. There are two compartments inside, one for the phone and one for the cards. The phone rests really comfy inside, and it is easy to extract due to the corners being exposed. It is even easier to extract if you use the Apple Bumper or other brands of bumpers, as it gives you more to grip. The inside of the wallet is soft, and helps keeping the screen and back glass free from smudges. The outside is made from a matt laminate material with leather details. All seams are well made, and the overall impression is that it is built to last at least three years with daily usage.
The level of protection the OKMPC offers is great, as the entire phone is covered from impact damage. Dust, and water can be an issue since the headphone socket is exposed. This is a minor complaint, as you can turn the phone upside down protecting the headphone socket as well. The genius with having the headphone socket available is of course that you can use headphones with the phone completely protected. This is the main reason I pursued this case.
There is a button on the front to hold the wallet shut, and I would have preferred a magnet instead. The button can be hard to align in the dark for example, or with one hand. Other optional features I would have liked are belt clip functionality or a credit card slot on the back of the case. This is definitely a great design to develop further.
The OKMPC comes in three different versions, all with their own unique artwork. I like the unisex nature of the designs, and color palettes. All are young, edgy and still perfectly suitable to a more mature setting. Since the size is universal it is also compatible with earlier iPhone 3G/3GS, but also with a lot of Blackberry, Nokia and Sony Ericsson smartphones.
The Orla Kiely Mobile Phone Case is an excellent option for all who are looking for a stylish wallet case for the iPhone 4/4S/3G/3GS. As it allows iPhone 4 users to have a back cover or bumper it combines into one of the most complete protection solutions available. The fact that it is at the same time stylish definitely increases the appeal. It comes highly recommended for both him and her.
Final Rating
Orla Kiely Wallet Case at the UK Applestore £39.95
Orla Kiely Mobile Phone Case at Trexta.com $49.95
