Oberon Design is similar to other high-end mobile device case makers, because they offer beautifully designed items made with hand-crafted leather. However, Oberon Design sets themselves apart from all other companies, because they offer hand-crafted artisanal leather masterpieces that just so happen to also hold and protect your mobile devices; their new leather iPhone 5 case is a perfect example.
Available in 12 different back cover styles with several color choices for each, the new Oberon Design leather iPhone cases are striking because they add texture and richness to a medium that has largely become cookie-cutter. I was sent the Celtic Hounds design in wine and the Paisley case in teal; at the end of this review, you’ll find out how you could win one of them.
The core of each case is a black hard rubber shell, that even with the addition of leather, stays “slim, light and flexible”. The rubber provides drop protection, the beautiful colors and patterns add visual appear, and the texture of the embossed leather adds a sensory layer that isn’t found anywhere else.
Let’s do a quick run around: the mute button is left uncovered, but the volume buttons have black rubber covers on them.
The power button also has a black rubber cover.
The left side is one long leather over rubber strip.
The bottom of the case has cutouts for the 3.5mm headphone jack and the sync/power cable. Oberon Design notes that these holes are sized to fit the original Apple headphones and charging cable; most after-market cables and headphones will not fit, although you can use a 3.5mm adapter so you can use your favorite headphones.
The Oberon Design leather iPhone case is available for the iPhone 4/4s and the iPhone 5/5S; there isn’t one for the 5C, and there are no plans at this time to make cases for other models or brands. That’s a pity, because I would love a slim, gorgeous case like this for my Sony Xperia Z2.
Oberon Design’s items are always extremely well made, protective, and durable, but they continue to raise the bar by incorporating eye-appeal, originality, and pure artistry. Their new leather iPhone 5 cases are the perfect example of this.
MSRP: $37
What I Like: Absolutely gorgeous leather designs wrapped around a protective rubber shell; the embossed designs add a visual and sensory appeal not found in any other maker’s cases; gorgeous colors which show off the embossed designs
What Needs Improvement: If you don’t use original Apple cables and headphones, you will likely run into fit issues
Source: Oberon Design Leather iPhone 5S Case was a manufacturer supplied review sample
Giveaway: Would you like to win of these Oberon Design cases? You can! Let us know in the comments whether you would like the Celtic Hounds design or the Paisley design, and mention one of the reasons why you like the case. I’ll pick a winner for each by the end of the day on Sunday, May 11th. Winners will have one week to email me at contests@geardiary.com. Good luck!