Vena’s iPhone 11 Pro Max cases are solid, if not groundbreaking

Vena has released two new cases for the 2019 iPhones. There’s nothing groundbreaking about them, but both are solid cases with reasonable price tags.

The $39.99 vCommute for the iPhone 11 Pro Max is available in space grey and rose gold. It’s a wallet style case with a hidden slot for a couple of credit-sized cards

You can store up to three cards such as your ID, credit/debit cards, business cards, or transit cards in the hidden card holder slot on the back of the case. I’ve yet to try a “wallet case” that had enough compartments for me to totally ditch my wallet. You may have fewer cards than I do, however. And, admittedly, Apple’s iOS Wallet app is slowly eliminating the need for most physical cards.

The vCommute features a leather cover that folds up in three different positions, which is convenient for watching videos and movies. The case’s precision cut-outs make it easy to access all the iPhone’s ports and buttons.

The vCommute is built from polycarbonate (PC) and shock-absorbing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) so feels extremely durable. Vena’s CornerGuard technology disperses the force from shock and impact throughout the case.

The folks at Vena say the vCommute been drop tested to meet MIL-STD 810G-516.6, surviving 26 drops from four feet high. As I always point out in these reviews, I’ll take their word for it, as I’m not going to deliberately drop my pricey smartphone. 

Finally — and this is one of the coolest features — the leather flap is compatible with magnetic car phone mounts, so no additional plate or adhesive is needed. Plus, the leather case doesn’t interfere with Apple Pay interactions.

Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★★

The $29.99 vArmor, also for the iPhone 11 Pro Max, is a rugged case that Vena claims exceeds the military drop-test standard to protect from an unexpected drop or impact. (See my above disclaimer about dropping my iPhone 11 Pro Max). Its raised bezel protects the iPhone’s screen and camera from scratches upon contact on the ground. Well, that is as long as the impact is on the case and not the iPhone display itself.

Available in space grey and black, the vArmor iPhone 11 Pro Max case is slim and adds little bulk to your smartphone. The case works with wireless charging and Apple Pay.

Like the vCommute, the vArmor case is designed with precision cut-outs and provides access to all ports, buttons, and features of your phone. Unlike the vCommute, it doesn’t have the magnetic card mount-compatible leather case. For that reason along I’d spring the extra $10 for the vCommute.

Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★