Although this is intended to be a review of a specific iPhone X case, it is also a review of the idea of using a case with the iPhone X in the first place. I love the feel of the iPhone X, and the perfectly black OLED screen blends in beautifully with the smooth black edges of the Space Gray model. For my first week with the iPhone X, I didn't use a case at all, and I liked it. But I was also very nervous about it. The smooth round edges of the iPhone X — like the iPhone 7, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 before it — make the device just slippery enough that I was often afraid that I would drop it when I was out and about. So after a week with no case, I decided to purchase the Apple iPhone X Leather case for $49. For over a week I kept it on my iPhone all of the time, and then after that I would often take it off when I was working at my desk or in a safe place at home, but otherwise kept it on. I like this case, and if you are looking for something slim that looks nice and makes your iPhone less slippery, this is a good choice.
Leather exterior
I've been using Apple's leather cases since 2014, when I purchased a model for my iPhone 6 (my review). I used that case with both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6s, and then I used a similar model with the iPhone 7. Apple made a nice improvement between the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 7 version, replacing the leather bumps covering the buttons on the iPhone 6 version with actual aluminum buttons on the iPhone 7 version. After a lot of use, the leather over the buttons would wear down to almost nothing, as you can see from this photo of the side of the iPhone 6 version (where the volume buttons are) after two years of use. You can barely even see where the two buttons are:
Fortunately, the iPhone X version (like the iPhone 7 version) uses aluminum buttons, which are easy to find and press and which won't wear away over time.
Although I didn't like how the leather wore over time directly over the buttons, otherwise I really like the way that the leather case ages. My old iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 leather cases feel very nice and soft in my hands. In this photo, the iPhone 6 version is on the left, and the iPhone 7 version is on the right:
My new iPhone X case also feels nice, but not quite as soft, and I look forward to it maturing over time. Here is how Apple describes it on its website: "They’re made from specially tanned and finished European leather, so the outside feels soft to the touch and develops a natural patina over time."
In addition to feeling nice in the hand, the leather also makes the iPhone considerably less slippery, dramatically reducing the risk of accidentally dropping your expensive iPhone. A more rubbery case, such as the silicone case sold by Apple and many other companies, also makes it harder to drop the iPhone. But for me, that style of case provides too much friction, making it harder to slip my iPhone in and out of the pocket on the front of a button-down shirt.
Shape
Apple made a lot of great decisions when it comes to the shape of this case. First, this case is incredibly thin, so the size and weight that it adds to your iPhone X is almost negligible. I haven't yet had an opportunity to try wireless charging with my iPhone X, but Apple confirms that you can charge through this thin case.
Second, I love the bottom. Ever since the iPhone 6 leather case, Apple has kept the bottom of the case open. For the iPhone 6, that made it easier to access the Lightning and headphone ports, and I continue to like that it makes it easy to access the Lightning port on the iPhone X. But with the iPhone X, the open bottom is even more appreciated because swiping up from the bottom of the screen is a gesture performed countless times every day. I've tried using other brands of cases on iPhone X devices used by some of my friends, and the bottom portion of those cases has always seemed to get in the way when I swipe up from the bottom of the screen, or when I swipe left to right to switch between open apps.
The open bottom of this case is one of its best features for the iPhone X.
Third, one advantage of using this case is that it makes your iPhone X lay perfectly flat on the table. A naked iPhone X wobbles a bit due to the bump on the back for the cameras.
Colors
I purchased the simple Black version of this case, but if you want to add some pizzazz, Apple currently offers this case in nine colors: Cosmos Blue, Pink Fuchsia, Dark Aubergine, Charcoal Gray, Taupe, Saddle Brown, Midnight Blue, Black and (PRODUCT)RED:
Protection
The primary reason I purchased this case was to protect my iPhone X, making it less slippery. But the case also adds protection to the sides and back, in the event that something makes contact. My older leather cases have tiny bumps and scratches on them, none of which I mind on a leather case, but each of them represents a time when my iPhone could have been damaged without a case.
The inside of the case is lined with a microfiber, protecting the iPhone from scratches, and making it easier to slide the case on or remove it.
Conclusion
Because I still like using an iPhone X without a case, I don't use this case all the time. But I do have my iPhone X in this case most of the time, and as far as cases go, this one has a lot going for it. The leather feels good and protects the phone, and the thin shape is perfect, especially because it does not cover the bottom. If you are considering a case for your iPhone X, I can recommend the Apple iPhone X Leather case. And while I bought mine for $49.00, I see that you can currently save a few bucks buying it on Amazon.
Click here to get Apple iPhone X Leather Case from Amazon ($44.99)
