Review: Sena Sarach Designer Flip case for iPhone 3G/S

The Sarach Flip is probably one of Sena’s top-of-the-line cases: it takes the familiar design of the Dockable case but adds a more striking hand-sewn backing to the case that changes the form factor a bit. In fact, the whole package takes on a more luxurious tone just because it looks more like a professional hand-made case (even though all Sena cases are hand-made, if I read their website correctly).

Sena also highlights the Sarach as a premium case by increasing the price by $10 as compared to a Dockable case (in the same way the Corsa is a more expensive variant of the UltraSlim). I’ll admit to being worried at first that Sena was being a little ostencaseous (sorry, had to), but like the gorgeous Napa leather, I think the last two weeks of usage have broken me in: the Sarach Flip is pretty bloody awesome.

Like I stated earlier in the intro of the review, the Sarach flip maintains the same basic design of the Sena Dockable cases for the iPhone. The leather has a very smooth, soft texture that is great to touch, but easy to scratch — I count two small scratches on the front flip from the first couple of days of use.

The thin front flap holds some sort of solid panel to add some impact protection when the case is closed. It’s sealed by two magnets along the bottom of the case that do a great job of pulling the leather shut — it’s not going to seal out dust, but it does keep any sharp objects from reaching the screen while the phone is in your pocket or bag. Flipping the case open is a little tricky if you use earphones with a tall jack, and you do have to tilt the flap a bit to clear it. The  camera also requires a little more finesse, because you’ve got to hold the flap up and perpendicular to the iPhone’s screen like a visor (otherwise it ends up blocking the camera as it hangs over the back of the phone).

Magnets make the whole affair of closing the flip easier and they don’t wear out as easily as clasps or velcro. There’s also a small pocket under the flap, but it’s really only useful for stuffing a bill or two into for emergencies.

Lifting the lid reveals the raised leather around the screen, as well as a cut-out for the iPhone 3G/S light sensor. I think Sena did a fantastic design job on the front face — it makes the whole phone much more handsome. Short of donning a top hat and picking up a cane, the iPhone would be hard pressed to look more classy than it does in the Sarach.

The concession, however, is that landscape typing is a little more difficult since you’re constantly typing over the small ridge of leather (especially for the enter and symbol keys). All of the other areas of the phone, including the sleep/wake button, volume rocker, ringer switch, speakers, and dock connector have sleek little cutouts to provide full access.

The real changes to the Sarach are really in the back. Instead of the stiff and thick back plate on the normal Dockable and Leatherskin cases, the Sarach-series cases feature a thick set of hand-sewn stitches that tie the whole package together. The stitching runs along the length of the case and curls along the bottom, adding an interesting accent and texture. The removal of the back plate means that the case is thinner, but can no longer accommodate a belt clip.

I’m a pretty big case nut, but this case has captivated me more than most. There are scores of video reviewers on YouTube that rotate, tap, touch, and caress leather cases because they’re so enamoured by the quality and the design. I’ll save you the trouble of watching me do that, but trust me, it happened here, too. It could also happen to you if the $70 price tag is something you can swallow.

The Sarach is branded as a designer case from a company that already creates luxurious leather cases, so it was pretty clear from the outset that this wasn’t going to be a budget case. If you’re looking for a set of improved ‘features’ for the increased price, then look elsewhere. But if the broader stitches and bolder “hand-made” aesthetics sound appealing (because they certainly look that way), then the Sarach should be perfect for you.

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The Sarach Flip that I reviewed is available for $80 in four different colour combinations on SenaCases.com — and if the flip cover isn’t your thing, you can also check out the Sarach LeatherSkin. A big thanks Sena for providing the cases for review.