Ah, the ever elegant iPhone. No matter what you have to say about the lack of functionality, closed OS, EDGE data speeds, etc etc the one thing you really have to give Apple on this device is how amazing it looks. There’s very few devices out there with such a simple design that look as incredible as the iPhone. So why would you want to put a case around it that looks any less elegant?
A little earlier we looked at a the JAVOClear which while providing excellent protection for the iPhone, also kept the iPhone center stage no matter if you were using it or had it on your belt. This Sena Elega pouch for the iPhone takes the protection to a whole new level by hiding your iPhone from prying eyes until you’re ready for it to be seen. Only problem with this is that the Elega looks so good there’s no guaranteeing that someone won’t snag it just because it’s incredible on its own!
Presentation is everything and Sena does a great job of making you feel comfortable with your purchase from the second you take it out of the shipping package. You know when the package looks good there’s a chance the product will be just as good if not better, and the Sena Elega doesn’t disappoint.
Where to start … There’s so many nice features with this pouch it’s hard to pick something out. Let’s start with the inside. The documentation states the liner is made of velvet and I’m going to believe it. The inside of the case is very soft, with an impact resistant, shock absorbing layer between it and the outside leather. Not to mention the velvet makes the interior really good at cleaning the fingerprint magnet that is the iPhone screen.
Getting the iPhone in there the first couple times you try to use the case is a little unnerving just because the fit is so tight. I actually took a few minutes after my initial inspection and stretched out the case a bit by bending/folding and twisting the case around a bit. I then stuffed my hand in to stretch it out. Once I spent a few minutes doing this the fit was near perfect and sliding the phone in or out is no longer an event. I don’t think this was really necessary as a few days of use would have led to the same effect – but I was anxious to get playing!
Overall case size itself is very reasonable. Not the thickest case out there and not the thinnest either, but I think it’s a really good compromise between thin and protective. Obviously being it has to protect both the front and the back of the phone you’re going to add about another iPhone’s worth of thickness to the device (maybe a bit more).
The top is cut out on both sides allowing you to grip the sides of the iPhone to pull it out of the case. This also provides easy access to the silence switch on the left side. On the bottom there’s centered cut-outs for the microphone and the speaker. Interestingly enough the case actually acts as a bit of an amplifier for the lackluster speaker – unfortunately the same happens for the microphone and voices become rather distorted due to echo effects. Obviously I wouldn’t recommend having conversations over speakerphone with the case on since it might work out ok for you, but definitely not for your other party. But then again who really takes phone calls with the case on? Anyway, it does add a nice little dimension for listening to the iPod function if you forgot your headphones!
Finally the outside of the Elega iPhone Pouch is made out of premium Napa Leather and I think is one of the things that really sets the Sena cases apart from a lot of other’s on the market. I’ve owned my share of $2 + shipping eBay “leather” cases and they just can’t compete. There’s nothing like the smell of real leather and nothing beats the feel. Seriously, if you’re rocking an eBay special – give the Sena a try. I think you’ll find out that “ok” case isn’t very “ok” anymore!
Things I like
- Leather … real leather!
- Great looks
- Super soft velvet interior
- Ratcheting (non-detachable) belt clip
- Light weight
Things I don’t like
- No access to controls on the iPhone
- Slight lift on the belt clip (I seem to slide my belt behind the clip more than I slide the belt into the clip)
Wrap-up
When Patrick told me Sena was going to be sending me a brown leather case over my first thought was “Ugh … brown”. From the minute I got the case however my tune has changed. The brown crocodile-styled case shows more as a burgundy and has actually ended up suiting my tastes pretty well. The croc-style is slightly more expensive (by $10) than the rest of the Elega cases, but adds a nice feel to the overall design. As stated the Elega cases can be had from $39.99 to $49.99 in 13 different colors and depending on your needs is an excellent option for protecting your iPhone.
Overall, you can’t beat the feel/smell of real leather, the protection offered by the case is excellent and the addition of a 360 degree ratcheting belt clip is great. While the lack of access to basic controls on the iPhone makes answering calls and checking emails a bit more of a task than some other designs may be – it’s not a big issue and really doesn’t hurt the Elega experience.
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