One thing that’s been different about the early announcement of the iPhone X almost two months before it actually arrives is that we’ve been able to review some cases well in advance of actually having the phone. Today we’re looking at the Nomad Leather Folio for iPhone X ($49.95), Clear Case for iPhone X ($39.95), Clear Folio for iPhone X($49.95) and Rugged Case for iPhone X ($44.95).
I’ve used a Rugged Case for iPhone 7 Plus for a while, and it’s really impressive. Nomad uses Horween leather on all of its cases, which is probably some of the best leather made in the world. Even the Clear Case uses a Horween leather accent, giving it a very classy look. The leather tends to age and gain a patina as time passes, which adds to the beauty of it. Nomad also sells a leather conditioner ($19.95) if you want to keep that leather looking new.
Clear Case for iPhone X
The Clear Case isn’t just one of those typical clear polyurethane knockoffs that we see so many of. Instead, it exposes the Apple logo on your iPhone X for all the world to see, but has that leather accent on the bottom rear of the case that adds a beautiful touch to what would be an “ordinary” case.
The case itself has been drop-tested to provide protection to 6 feet, and that protection doesn’t add a lot of weight. The Clear Case weighs just 1.1 ounces (31.2 grams).
Who’s this case for? The iPhone X owner who wants to show off the Apple logo (and who doesn’t?) but doesn’t want just another clear knockoff case.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★★
Rugged Case for iPhone X
The next Nomad case we’re looking at is the Rugged Case for iPhone X, which is the X version of the case I’ve used for a long time. I can vouch for the quality of the Rugged Case — it stands up to drops, it looks great, and the leather really does look better with age.
Don’t let that “leather case” label fool you into believing that this case doesn’t hold up to drops. The Nomad Rugged Case is MIL-SPEC drop tested to 10 feet, so it’s very likely to protect that expensive iPhone X from most fumbles.
Who’s this case for? Any person who wants excellent protection for an iPhone X and loves the look and feel of Horween leather.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★★
Clear Folio for iPhone X
Due to the size of the iPhone 7 Plus, I personally haven’t been too keen on the idea of folio cases, which allow the phone case to be used as a wallet. I may change my tune with the iPhone X, which is a much more reasonable size.
The Clear Folio uses a clear polyurethane protective case for the iPhone X, showing it off in all its beauty. The screen is protected by a Horween leather wallet cover that can carry up to six cards and cash as well. If you’ve ever thought about giving up your wallet for a folio-type iPhone case, this or the Leather Folio may be the ones to buy for your iPhone X.
Who’s this case for? Anyone who wants a wallet-type case but wants to be able to show the world that she has the latest Apple product.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★★
Leather Folio for iPhone X
Like the Clear Folio, the Leather Folio for iPhone X can hold six cards and cash, but it has a full leather back. The iPhone X is held in place in a matte black polyurethane frame that protects its sides from damage. There’s also a felt liner in the back of the frame, something that isn’t in the Clear Folio.
All the extra leather adds only .7 ounces (19.8 grams) to the weight of the Leather Folio, for a total weight of 2.9 ounces (82.2 grams).
Who’s this case for? Someone who wants a leather wallet case for an iPhone X and doesn’t really care if the world knows that he/she has one.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★★
The bottom line? Nomad makes some absolutely beautiful leather cases, and if you’re planning on getting an iPhone X on November 3, it’s a good time to order a case for it.
