Good Design: iPhone 13 Case Edition
The Chosen One
Apple just launched the 13 series iPhone. And, as with all phone launches, that means a whole slew of new accessories to fit the new phones have also launched.
Cases are a huge part of new iPhones and a rather significant decision when you purchase a new phone. It's what your hand is in contact with most while you scroll endlessly on social media or message your mom back. Plus, the protection it provides is crucial to your phone's longevity.
Two years ago, when I got the iPhone 11, I opted for something greener in both color terms and ecological terms. I went with a green Pela case as they were one of the only options for a completely compostable phone case. Bye-bye plastic. I loved the way it felt - grippy but not sticky and really protective. It lasted through about 80% of the 2 years I used the phone but then it broke at the seam right above the lightning port.
This year, with the iPhone 13 Pro, I decided I needed something with a bit more protection and a longer life span. A compostable case is fantastic, but having to buy more than one case is also not great when you're trying to reduce waste. So, with the goal of purchasing a case that would last the full life of the phone, while also being fully compatible with MagSafe, I began the hunt for the perfect case for me.
Right off, this meant no cheap plastic Amazon cases. I wanted one case that will last the life of the phone, therefore cutting down on cost as well as waste over the life of the phone. Even if it meant the single case itself was more expensive.
Below are the results of my research. If you are also looking for a great case, I think all of the options below are fantastic. Read to the bottom to know which one I chose for myself!
The Green Options
Incipio Organicore
Fully Compostable
$39.99
Incipio Organicore in Natural
I love that there are options from both specialty and standard brands for compostable phone cases now. Incipio has been around since before the first iPhone even existed. They make great cases.
The natural color really caught my eye. The only real drawback here is that it isn't fully MagSafe compatible. It works with charging but probably won't stay up on a car mount.
Pros
8ft. Drop Protection
Completely compostable
Long heritage of excellent phone cases (Since 1999)
Wireless charging and Magsafe charging compatible
One tree planted for every case bought!
Cons
Doesn't work with MagSafe accessories (like wallets) as the case itself does not have magnets (magnets aren't recyclable)
Pela
Fully Compostable
$39.95-$54.95
Pela in Stormy Blue
My experience with Pela during my last phone was exceptional! I loved the feel of the case and the color options are fantastic. Also, what's not to like about a great case that also happens to be fully compostable? This time around, it's the lack of full MagSafe compatibility that made me choose a different case. Nevertheless, I highly recommend them, and my wife still went this route for her new phone.
Pros
Grippy but not sticky finish (in and out of pockets easily but won’t fall out)
Completely compostable
1% for the planet company
From experience - good protection all around
Cons
No stated drop protection
Doesn't work with MagSafe accessories (like wallets) as the case itself does not have magnets (magnets aren't recyclable)
Nimble
Made from Recycled Materials
$49.95
Nimble Spotlight Case in Stone
Another company I really appreciate due to their efforts to reduce waste. With every purchase, they will send you a bag to send back your old phone cases in so they can be recycled.
Nimble, makes awesome phone accessories from mostly recycled sources. The drop protection on this case is fantastic at 15ft, and if you're looking for a "green" case with some real personality, this is it.
Pros
15 ft. drop protection
Made from 72% Recycled plastic
1% for the planet
Fun unique design
Cons
Design may be too busy for some people
Doesn't work with MagSafe accessories (like wallets) as the case itself does not have magnets (magnets aren't recyclable)
Leather Options
Nomad
Leather of the Highest Quality
$59.95+
Nomad Modern Leather in Rustic Brown
I've heard nothing but good things about Nomad over the years. One of their main selling points is how beautiful high-quality leather is as it ages, unlike a clear plastic case that just gets scuffed, scratched, and yellowed.
There are a lot of "leather" phone case options out there, but with Nomad you're getting real high-quality Horween leather that is tanned in the United States. It's leather that will actually last the life of the phone. This case is also fully MagSafe compatible.
Pros
Very high-quality Horween leather
Ages gracefully
Fully MagSafe compatible
Cons
Not necessarily eco friendly except in that it will absolutely last you the entire time you have the phone
Packaging is recyclable/compostable
Mous
Drop It Like It’s Hot
$59.99-$64.99
I heard about Mous a few years ago from a friend who got one for their iPhone 8. The company had recently launched through Kickstarter and had an impressive product (check out some of their drop test videos).
Mous is now several generations into making phone cases and they have great protection while staying very slim. They also have a great ecosystem of MagSafe accessories.
For finishes, you can get walnut, bamboo, leather, aramid fiber, or speckled fabric.
Pros
Great drop protection - not stated, but watch their videos
Full Magsafe compatibility
Extensive collection of accessories - wallet, mounts, etc.
Premium materials
Cons
Not necessarily eco friendly except in that it will absolutely last you the entire time you have the phone
Sena
$39.95-$79.95
The year was 2013. After waiting in line since 2 am on the iPhone 5S launch day, the Sena Lugano wallet case was what I chose to leave the store with me and my first iPhone. While pricey, I didn't regret it one bit. The case was protective and the high-quality leather felt great.
These days, Sena is still making high-quality cases and has a good range of wallet cases even beyond the Lugano. If you don't care about MagSafe, and want a wallet case- this is the brand for you!
Pros
Very high-quality materials
Several wallet options
Cons
not fully MagSafe compatible
So what did I chose?
NOMAD
Why?
Longevity. MagSafe. Leather.
High-quality materials and build are combined within Nomad’s cases so that they will last at least the life of the phone. It is fully MagSafe compatible allowing me to add a MagSafe wallet later on if I want (probably from Mous). Lastly, after a few years of compostable and plastic phone cases, I really wanted a leather case again. It's just so nice to hold.
Later on, I'll do a full review of the Nomad case and let you know what I think of it after some time of daily use!
Note: All images above are directly from the manufacturers websites. I do not claim ownership of the images. I am not an affiliate of any of the companies listed above- I simply appreciate good design. 