NOMAD Rugged Folio iPhone 11 Pro Max REVIEW Uniquely Rugged. | Mac Sources
NOMAD Rugged Folio iPhone 11 Pro Max
9.9
Enjoy a Stylish, Protective leather folio case for your new iPhone 11 Pro Max.
When Apple unveils their new products each September, I do not know if I gain more enjoyment from the devices or from the accessories. Once I heard about the Apple iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max, I immediately knew that I wanted the biggest and best device available. I reached out to my local Verizon retailer and utilized my ability to trade into the novel midnight green 512GB iPhone 11 Pro Max. Fully aware of the risks of drops, dings, and scratches to my new iPhone, I wanted a sleek, stylish, protective, functional case. Luckily Nomad was ready and willing to help me out.
The Nomad Rugged Folio iPhone 11 Pro Max Case, similar to the Rugged Case, arrived in an attractive 4 3/8 inches wide by 7 1/8 inches tall by 15/16 inches wide retail package. The cover panel was divided into a smaller left dark grey and a broader right-sided silver column. My eye was immediately drawn to the slightly raised, glossy, 2 3/8 inches wide by 5 1/4 inches tall image of the black Horween leather folio case, which contrasted brilliantly against the silver background. The image showcased the square camera cutout, sleek leather backing, and folio-style inner flap. The “Rugged Folio 6.5” New iPhone” name was clearly printed along the top right, the NOMAD name was boldly displayed along the top left and three features of the case were listed along the bottom left: HORWEEN Quality Leather Since 1905, Six Cards, Cash Slot. Unlike the NOMAD Rugged Case, the Rugged Folio packaging focused on function rather than on the protective aspects of the case. Each of the side panels displayed NOMAD in black, bold, raised font and the top panel housed a clear/smokey plastic hang tab. The bottom panel displayed many of the product manufacturing labels and contacts for customer support. The back panel displayed a 2 1/2 inches wide by 4 3/4 inches tall split image of the black Folio Case on day 1 and day 100. The purpose of the image was to detail the development of the surface patina over time.
To access the NOMAD Folio case, grip the right side panel and lift the magnetic flap. The inner grey surface provided a bilingual description of the Horween Leather company and their quality leather patina process. In operation since 1905, the Chicago based company has combined historical tanning methods with modern scientific techniques to turn rawhide into a high-quality finished product. With a focus on quality craftsmanship, Nomad chose the correct company for their 2.68-ounce leather case. Resting face up within a cardboard cutout, I was able to appreciate the tactile and visual appeal of the Nomad Folio case. The case had precision cutouts for the recessed 1 1/4 inches square camera cutout, dual 7/8 inches long by 3/16 inches wide speaker cutouts, 9/16 inches long by 1/4 inches wide lightning port, and the 7/16 inches long by 3/16 inches wide volume toggle cutout. The inner surface of the case was lined with a dark grey microfiber-felt lining, which was designed to protect the iPhone from scratches.
I pressed the top edge, sides, and then bottom edge of my new green-colored iPhone 11 Pro Max into the case and was pleased with the look and feel of the 10.54-ounce combo. The rubberized edges along the inner surface of the case enhanced the friction between the phone and my hand and decreased the likelihood of dropping the phone. Additionally, I appreciated the use of plastic buttons because they provided a responsive and pleasing click-feel. As an added layer of protection, the phone edges, screen, and camera were protected by a raised plastic edge. Unlike the Rugged Case, the Folio case had a 5 inches long by 1 5/8 inches wide leather/felt lined hinge and a front flap. The inner lining of the flap had three 2 1/4 inches long credit card slits and a posterior money slot. I found that the case comfortably held two cards per slot and several dollars (no coins). I loved that the added functionality did not detract from the ability to wirelessly charge the phone. When I placed the phone onto my Ventev Chargestand, it promptly dinged and began to charge. I was a little disappointed, however, that the front flap lacked the magnetic on/off function or a reverse magnetic attachment to keep the case open. Additionally, I would have appreciated the option to use the case in kickstand mode. Some cases included a metallic card that slides into a slit in the back of the case. I am aware that this added feature would have decreased the beauty of the leather, but it would have added significant functionality.
Despite all of the positive aspects of the case, I did find a few negative aspects worthy of note. First, the volume toggle was a little difficult to access. Second, I was a little disappointed that the new midnight green color was hidden behind the case. Even though I was able to see a small amount of green peeking out from within the camera cutout, the case would work for any iPhone color. Third, I wish that the front flap utilized the magnetic on/off feature. To summarize, Nomad started the experience with quality packaging. Combining the world-renowned leather products of Horween with the Nomad design Philosophy, we were left with the magic of the Rugged Folio. I truly enjoyed the quality leather craftsmanship, precision cutouts, fully accessible lighting port, screen protection, recessed camera port, credit card and money folio, and the visible aspect of the case that will continue to grow richer with time.
Learn more about the NOMAD RUGGED CASE. Preorders are available.
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Originally published at https://macsources.com on September 26, 2019.
