Hi, my name is Carolyn, and I'm addicted to iPhone cases. Since upgrading to the iPhone 5, I've acquired 23 different cases: everything from heavy duty to barely there to wallet cases to pouches, I have a case for every occasion.
As one of my students put it "You have a privileged iPhone." The mobile phone has moved from a simple tool to an accessory. And let's face it, the ultimate status symbol is the iPhone: just walk into any Bloomingdales or Nordstrom and look at the number of designer iPhone cases in the small accessories department. Samsung may have nabbed the top spot in the world, but in the world of fashion, the iPhone reigns supreme.
So because my iPhone accompanies me daily, I make sure "she" has a variety of outfits (cases) to match my mood, attire, and daily activities. However, I've never found a belt clip case that was functional and protective as well as stylish. Most belt clip cases were too big, bulky, and less than attractive to put it mildly. And for all that baggage, I never felt as though my phone was particularly stable. I was always one sharp turn away from losing my precious investment. That is, until now. Enter Piel Frama's iMagnum case for iPhone (85 €). Piel Frama is to my iPhone case collection what Louis Vuitton is to my purse collection: classic, dutiable, high quality, and fashionable. Best of all, it comes with a belt clip that you can actually use.
The first thing you'll notice when going to order your case is the completeness of the website, which carefully explains the unique magnetic closer system, how to attach the belt clip (you can use without the clip to fit into a purse or pocket), and the process by which to care for the leather. The iMagnum is a flip form folio case, but it is not a wallet: because of the hidden magnets, the company advises not to store credit cards near the case.
Upon receiving the case in the mail, I was taken aback by the care that went into the packaging. Packaging was highlighted on the webpage, but the quality of the box was above and beyond what I expected even after exploring the site. Within the box, I found the case and the belt clip attachment. Unlike other cases with a belt attachment, the hook for the clip can be completely removed so that the case sits flush against a flat surface. When the clip is attached, it must be done with the help of a special tool to swap out the flush button back with a raised metal button that attaches to the clip. This makes the belt clip much less bulky than most of the cases I've tried in the past. My main purpose for using the case was our freshmen orientation assembly given at the high school where I teach. I am responsible for welcoming the incoming 9th grades class as well as overseeing 85 upperclassmen student leaders. In the event of an emergency, while giving a campus tour or visit to the library, those student leaders as well as staff and administration need to be able to get ahold of me. At the same time, my phone can't get in my way, I'm just too busy. And, I have a reputation to uphold, I was voted most fashionable teacher in the school yearbook.
The iMagnum case fits the bill on all accounts.
The case sat comfortably on my hip without digging into my skin (the leather is really soft). The position of the belt clip was high enough on the back of the case that one can comfortably sit with the case clipped to the waistband of a pair of jeans or shorts in the event you don't actually wear a belt. Yet the clip is secure enough that I didn't feel as though I was one quick turn away from sending my phone flying across the gym floor. I was able to stand, sit, and even run without fear of losing my phone. I also didn't have to worry about anyone seeing the case, I wasn't ashamed of some rubber-infused monstrosity in a hostile color combination clashing with my outfit. The premium leather looks stylish and refined. Although the company has many different color options to choose from, keep in mind that you may want to go with a neutral color that matches the majority of your wardrobe.
The design of the case is like a reporter's notebook. Yes, I felt a little like Lois Lane when I pulled out my phone. One of the unforeseen benefits to this style was the ease of viewing my screen outside in the sunlight. The top flap of the case provides sufficient sun protection to ease outside viewing. Once I made that discovery, I used the case when I wanted to take some photos outdoors. The camera opening at the rear of the case is generous and I was able to see what I was taking a photo of with ease thanks to the shade provided by the upper flap, although this task will have to be done two handed as the flap will flip over and obscure the camera if you are not holding on to it. The bottom of the case is also open enough for people (like myself) who still have some pre-lightening charging cables and who are using adaptors.
My final impression is that no matter how massive your current case collection, the Piel Frama iMagnum is a good investment to protect your iPhone, especially for busy professionals. Piel Frama also has a wide variety of protective and fashionable gear for other manufacturers as well as for the Apple iPad.