Every year when the new crop of iPhones arrives from Apple, I get boxes of cases sent to me. Most of those cases are plastic, some have a little metal thrown in, and all are distressingly functional, yet boring. The only cases I really look forward to are from Grovemade, and this year’s Walnut & Leather iPhone Wallet Case is without a doubt the most beautiful I’ve seen this year.
At $130 for the iPhone 11 Pro model and $140 for the iPhone 11 Pro Max, these aren’t the least expensive iPhone cases available. You get what you pay for, and Grovemade’s hand-crafted cases aren’t for everyone. In fact, the company will tell that you right up front in its iPhone Case Guyer’s Guide. As they are made from natural wood and leather, dropping the case and phone may very well break the case. In that situation, their warranty offers 50% off purchasing an identical case.
That being said, let’s take a look at the case.
Design
Grovemade’s products have always been stunning, and this case is no exception. Your iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max (they’re also available for the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X/XS, and iPhone XS Max) fits perfectly into machined walnut frame with pass-through power and volume buttons. At the bottom is an opening for the Lightning port, as well as speaker and microphone holes. There’s also an opening for the mute switch.
The entire case is then surrounded by a vegetable-tanned leather “wallet”. I put the quotes around “wallet” because it will only hold a credit card and ID or the like, unlike my real wallet that carries a ton of stuff. But for a minimalist daily carry, the Walnut & Leather case is perfect — slide your favorite credit card and drivers license, and maybe a $20 bill into the slot and you’re ready to go.
Of course, there’s a cutout for the triple camera “square” on the back of the iPhone 11 Pro/Max. The case can also be used as a stand for hands-free watching or reading, and opens completely flat. I love that feature, as I’ve used some competing handcrafted wallet cases that just will not lay flat.
Function
As you’ll notice from the photos, the Walnut & Leather iPhone Wallet Case does a darned good job of looking good while providing some semblance of protection from scratches and bumps. The Apple Card is a natural to go with the case, as it is handcrafted for you as well!
Sure, it probably wouldn’t survive a drop into the Grand Canyon (not many cases would). But if you’re careful with your iPhone and want a case that showcases both your phone and itself, I can’t think of a better choice.
Both the wood and leather will age and change as time goes by. It’s not shiny, it’s not glossy, nor does it have sparkles on the surface (check out this review video to see what I’m talking about). It’s pure, unadulterated, natural beauty, and that’s what Grovemade is all about.
