We recently took a look at Element Case’s Soft-Tec Wallet for iPhone 5C. Now we are giving the iPhone 5S some of the same love, thanks to the Element Case Soft-Tec Wallet for Apple iPhone 5/5S. This case is under $50, and it offers a great way to carry and protect your iPhone while also leaving your wallet at home.
I liked the iPhone 5C version of the Soft-Tec Wallet, but I have to admit the Soft-Tec Wallet for Apple iPhone 5/5S ups its game by comparison. Not only does it offer a bit more protection, but it also includes a wrist strap so your precious smartphone has an added level of protection when you are out and about for the evening. The included card slots mean that, as the weather gets better and your outdoor time increases, you can carry less. Let’s take a look at the Element Case Soft-Tec Wallet for Apple iPhone 5/5S on video, and then dig a bit more deeply into this great case-wallet combo.
Element Case Soft-Tec Wallet Video Look
- A slim, lightweight design
- A durable Tech-Grip covering
- A plush synthetic suede interior
- ID/Currency/Card Slots
- A built-in stand for adjustable viewing angle
- Easy access to buttons and jacks
- A perfectly-sized camera lens opening
- A removable Lanyard
All of these features come together to create a case that is surprisingly thin and impressively functional. It all begins with the interior and the mechanism used to hold the iPhone in place.
The entire interior is lined with a soft synthetic suede that looks and feels great. A polycarbonate shell on one side holds the phone securely in place, without obscuring the screen. Getting the phone into the shell is as easy as pressing it into please buttons first; getting it out takes a bit more effort. That’s a good thing, since it lets you know the shell’s grip on the phone is secure.
When you close the case around the phone, there is an added tab of material that wraps from the front around to the back. This stands against the iPhone 5C version which lacks this extra material and looks more akin to a book cover that simply sits atop the screen. I like this, since it adds an additional level of protection once the iPhone is in place and the case is closed.
I also love the fact that the cutout for the camera, microphone and flash are no larger than they actually need to be; this means you get full functionality with maximum protection.
Flipping the case over reveals just how refined this protective cover is. The only parts of the phone that are exposed are the very top and the very bottom, and in both places the case actually extends over the phone to make sure there is still protection offered.
Reinforced eyelets sit along the side waiting for the included wrist strap to be installed. I initially didn’t think I would ever find a use for the wrist strap. The more I thought about it however, the more it occurred to be that having a wrist strap might not be such a bad thing- especially if the case is doubling as my wallet. That added security is a good thing.
Speaking of the case doubling as a wallet … the Element Case Soft-Tec Wallet for Apple iPhone 5/5S has two slots for a few credit cards and a driver’s license. It is far from spacious, so you will want to be choosy about which cards you take with you. That is will, however, be resolved when the COIN Kickstarter project begins to ship. When that happens, a license and a COIN — which electronically holds multiple cards — will be all you need when you head out.
And of course the case doubles as a stand for your iPhone.
The Element Case Soft-Tec Wallet for Apple iPhone 5/5S comes in black or white, and both look great.
I’m really impressed with the Element Case Soft-Tec Wallet for Apple iPhone 5/5S, and expect that I will be using it quite a bit this spring. After all, being able to protect your phone and leave your wallet behind is great when the weather warms up and jackets pockets become a distant memory. You can learn more and order yours here.
MSRP: $49.95
What I Like: Highly protective; Case offers a bit of textured grip; Included wrist strap offers extra protection; Case also replaces your wallet; Case doubles as a stand
What Needs Improvement: Nothing. This style case isn’t for anyone but if you like a book-style case that doubles as a wallet you will be quite pleased.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample