I rarely utilize a case for my iPhone. Something about covering up all the metal and glass just keeps me from appreciating the craftsmanship. When I do cover my iPhone, I want the experience to be just as premium as using it without a case. That’s when I turn to The Nodus Collection.
Currently, they are having a Black Friday sale now through Monday November 26 and you can save 20% on their entire website, no code required.
If you hate reading overly positive product reviews, just stop here. If you want to accuse me of being paid to write positive things, stop here. Sure, Nodus provided me with these two cases and matching wallet, but don’t get mad at me for liking them so much.
You may have noticed I reviewed the cases in 2016 and 2017. By now, I’d call this an annual update. I’m still as pleased with their product as the first time I reviewed them. Having used them and passed down to my wife, I can vouch that the leather takes on an incredible patina over time and becomes even softer.
The short summary is: Nodus updated their two most popular products the Shell and Access cases for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. I’ve been tinkering around with the iPhone XS Max versions for a couple days. Importantly, that fantastic leather smell still hits you in the face when you open the box.
Nodus Shell II + Micro Dock
The Shell II is a great case if you are hoping for something minimal. The sleep/wake and volume buttons are covered. Your iPhone is wrapped in handcrafted full grain tanned Italian leather on all sides, except the bottom, giving ample access to the mic, speaker, and Lightning port. While the case doesn’t wrap across the bottom, it does have the bottom corners covered. I’d also point out there is a bit of margin in the camera cutout, where the Apple leather cases do not.
Shipping with the Shell case is a Micro Dock which is a 3M adhesive magnet. This is great for kitchen backsplashes, car dashboards, or near your desk. Wherever you need your iPhone handy. Even though the case has a metal plate to mount with the magnet Micro Dock, the case is still fully Qi compatible.
Nodus Shell II is available for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max starting at £39.99 (about $50) in Ebony Black, Chestnut Brown (my favorite), Dark Teal, or Taupe.
Nodus Access Case III
If you are looking for something more professional, the Access Case III is a portfolio style option. Unlike the Apple version, it does not sleep and wake your device when opened, which would be a nice added touch. The inner pocket can hold up to three cards or maybe one with a small folded bill.
Like the Shell, the Access portfolio case is made with full grain tanned Italian leather and has that great smell to back it up. Similarly, it is Qi charging compatible and has a microfiber lining.
The biggest selling point for me is the micro suction pad that holds the iPhone. To install, you place the iPhone right down on the micro suction pad. Give it a good push and it holds fast. Again, I’ve used one of these on and off for years. It works. It doesn’t lose suction and it is a strong connection. This makes the case reusable, over and over. It is not the same as a 3M strip at all. There is no residue, no marks.
Access Case III folio case is available for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max starting at £39.99 (about $50) in Ebony Black, Chestnut Brown, Dark Teal, and Taupe.
Nodus Compact Card wallet
I know we aren’t a wallet blog, but I can’t help but point out the wallet. Their wallets are made from the same Italian leather, in the same colors, and match your case perfectly. If you are one of those people that really love having a matching set, then I’d highly recommend their Compact Card wallet.
I carried a Chestnut Brown Compact Card wallet for two years in my back pocket, every day. I often get compliments at stores when I go to pay and it has taken a nice patina as well. It formed really quickly in my pocket and is perfect for me, because I don’t prefer to carry cash. So, if you just need to toss in 1-4 cards and maybe stash a single bill for emergencies, I highly recommend their wallets as well.
The Compact Card wallet is also enjoying the 20% Black Friday price at £39.99 (about $50) and comes in matching Ebony Black, Chestnut Brown, and Dark Teal.