Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Nomad Horween leather cases for Apple iPhone XS Max: Functional, rugged, and attractive

1 of 7 NEXT PREV
  • Nomad Rugged Tri-Folio and Rugged Case for the iPhone XS Max

    Nomad Rugged Tri-Folio and Rugged Case for the iPhone XS Max

    The Apple iPhone XS Max just launched last week, see our full review, and over the past few days I have been testing a couple of Horween leather cases from Nomad.

    Black and brown leather in Rugged Case, Rugged Folio, and Rugged Tri-Folio (brown only) are available for the iPhone XS Max. I was primarily interested in testing out the Rugged Tri-Folio in rustic brown because I've never seen a folio with a tri-fold arrangement. On my commuter train it seems just about every other person has some kind of folio case for their phone where cash, credit cards, transit cards, door access cards, and more are carried in one accessory.

    Published: September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Tri-Folio case before inserting my gear

    Tri-Folio case before inserting my gear

    Some of these folio cases are packed to the gills with stuff hanging out all over. Nomad's Rugged Tri-Folio is designed to provide ample space for everything with another dedicated flap to carry more.

    The back of the main iPhone shell and both flaps is covered in rustic brown Horween leather that is designed to develop character over time. There are four card slots on the first flap and then long cash slots on the front and back of the third flap. A black TPE bumper is attached to the high-grade polycarbonate body to safely hold your iPhone in place with a six foot drop protection rating on the case.

    Published: September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Loaded Tri-Folio case

    Loaded Tri-Folio case

    Strong material is used on the hinges with grooves to make closure easy and not feel bulky at all. Stitching looks solid and the leather looks, and smells, fantastic. Wireless charging and Apple Pay work through the case so no problems there. An ample opening for the rear camera is also in place.

    Published: September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Rugged Tri-Folio is fairly compact for such a design

    Rugged Tri-Folio is fairly compact for such a design

    As cool as this tri-folio case looked, I thought it would be way too awkward to hold and use. However, I decided to give it a chance and have come to thoroughly enjoy using it to carry two credit cards, my driver's license, ORCA transit card, office access card, and some bills in the cash slot. The front two flaps fold down onto the display to protect the display with no cards pressing against the glass.

    When in use, the front two flaps fold behind the shell part of the case and don't bother me at all with the added bulk. Raised buttons are present for the volume and right action button. An opening is present for the ringer switch too. Taking photos can be a bit awkward holding the case with the two flaps dangling down below the main body of the case, but that is a compromise you have to make to use such a folio design.

    The Rugged Tri-Folio is available for $79.95.

    Published: September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Awesome Horween leather back panel of the Rugged Case

    Awesome Horween leather back panel of the Rugged Case

    The Nomad Rugged Case is one of my favorite designs with a very simplistic form that protects your phone while providing a case with character.

    The $44.95 Nomad Rugged Case is composed of a TPE bumper shell, polycarbonate body, with Horween leather secured to the back. It is designed to survive a six foot drop and adds very little size or weight to your iPhone XS Max.

    The Horween leather is designed to patina so over time your case will develop some cool features. The case is built well and I look forward to checking it out in a couple months.

    Published: September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Raised volume buttons and a ringer switch opening

    Raised volume buttons and a ringer switch opening

    The volume and right button are raised and work well with the case. There is an opening for the ringer switch, but my fat fingers are somewhat challenged to reach in and flip the switch.

    Published: September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

  • Raised TPE edge rises above the display to protect the glass

    Raised TPE edge rises above the display to protect the glass

    The TPE bumper surrounds the four edges and rises just about the glass. This lets you set the iPhone face down and rest assured that the glass is not on the surface.

    Published: September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

    Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 7 NEXT PREV
Matthew Miller

By Matthew Miller for Smartphones and Cell Phones | September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • Nomad Rugged Tri-Folio and Rugged Case for the iPhone XS Max
  • Tri-Folio case before inserting my gear
  • Loaded Tri-Folio case
  • Rugged Tri-Folio is fairly compact for such a design
  • Awesome Horween leather back panel of the Rugged Case
  • Raised volume buttons and a ringer switch opening
  • Raised TPE edge rises above the display to protect the glass

The Apple iPhone XS Max is the most expensive smartphone currently available so spending $45 to $80 on a case seems like a reasonable investment for protection and function. Nomad makes some of the best leather options and we took two of them for a spin.

Read More Read Less

Nomad Rugged Tri-Folio and Rugged Case for the iPhone XS Max

The Apple iPhone XS Max just launched last week, see our full review, and over the past few days I have been testing a couple of Horween leather cases from Nomad.

Black and brown leather in Rugged Case, Rugged Folio, and Rugged Tri-Folio (brown only) are available for the iPhone XS Max. I was primarily interested in testing out the Rugged Tri-Folio in rustic brown because I've never seen a folio with a tri-fold arrangement. On my commuter train it seems just about every other person has some kind of folio case for their phone where cash, credit cards, transit cards, door access cards, and more are carried in one accessory.

Published: September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT)

Caption by: Matthew Miller

1 of 7 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Apple Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware
Matthew Miller

By Matthew Miller for Smartphones and Cell Phones | September 29, 2018 -- 12:21 GMT (05:21 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Mous cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21: Drop protection and magnetic accessory features

    Mous has a couple of case options for the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup. Both models offer AiroShock drop protection while the Limitless 3.0 case includes strategically placed magnets ...

  • Incipio and Survivor cases for Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Dual-layer and compostable options

    Wrapping your expensive phone in a case is a good way to provide extra protection. Dual-layers, enhanced grip, and even cases you can easily recycle are available from Incipio and ...

  • Gear4 and InvisibleShield for Galaxy S21 Ultra: Impact protection and anti-microbial treatment

    ZAGG has Gear4 case options and InvisibleShield screen protection for the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Various levels of drop protection are provided in different case models. ...

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Speck Presidio cases: Drop and antimicrobial protection

    Speck cases are designed to help you hold onto your phone and if you happen to drop it then the case is there to aid in the likelihood of survival. 13-feet drop protection and Microban ...

  • How to test chargers and power banks to make sure they don't blow up your expensive smartphone

    I test dozens of chargers and power banks every month, and you can be guaranteed that plugging my expensive iPhone or iPad into them isn't the first thing I do. (Updated: October 2018) ...

  • Spigen cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21 series: Affordable prices, professional looks

    Spigen offers a wide range of case options for the new Galaxy S21 series with prices ranging from $19.99 to $39.99. All the cases are available in black with a couple subtle color options ...

  • First look: Galaxy S21 and everything else announced at Samsung Unpacked [in pictures]

    Browse all the products and highlights from Samsung's January 2021 Unpacked event.

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums