I never thought that I’d enjoy using much less carrying a phablet with a 6.4″ screen, but the Sony Xperia Z Ultra has really grown on me. Up until last week I was carrying it caseless, but that’s changed since receiving the Noreve Sony Xperia Z Ultra Tradition D Leather Case; it is lovely, protective, and a pleasure to use.
This book-style leather case is available in 14 different finishes and a variety of colors under each; after spending no less than 20 minutes looking at my choices, I finally decided to go with Violet Patine.
I know that a purple case for a purple phone may seem unimaginative and obvious, but the appearance of this hand-crafted case is darker on the edges and lighter in the middle; it almost glows, and I would imagine that the gorgeous patina will only grow through use over time. I like that the only branding on the front is a subtle metal logo on the front and a discreet embossed logo on the back. Everything about this case is first class; it is flawless.
The front cover is very lightly padded, and the back cover is reinforced leather; both sides serve to protect the overly large glass face and rear found on the Z Ultra.
There are no magnets or snaps on the Tradition D; it is opened and closed through friction from the tab that crosses over from the cover to the right side of the device.
The entire case is composed of premium leather, and there is nothing on it or in it that might scratch your device. I am noticing that the more I handle the leather, the more it develops its own character explaining — I suppose — the Patine in its name. I can’t recommend this particular type leather highly enough, actually; it’s lovely.
Three of the four corners are protected, and the only reason the upper left corner isn’t is because otherwise it would be awkward to open the cover to the microUSB port. The front and back covers extend ever-so-slightly, though — just enough to make sure that there is some corner protection even on that one otherwise exposed corner.
With the case on, you still have access to all ports and buttons on the Ultra. On the back, there is a perfect cutout for the camera.
One of the coolest features — and perhaps you might have guessed that it was possible because of the line going across the middle of the case’s back — is how the Noreve Tradition D Leather Case folds so that it can be used as a landscape-oriented stand when watching movies or when using the phone as a desk alarm.
Of course, this means that the port for the magnetic charger swings out of the left side of the case …
… so it can slip right into the charging cradle if you have one. This feature is alone makes this one of the most well thought out cases I’ve yet seen.
The Sony Z Ultra is a large phablet to begin with, and adding a lightly padded case may seem like a little bit of overkill, but the added protection and peace of mind is so worth it. The entire time I was traipsing around without a case at IFA, I was thinking that if I dropped my Ultra I was going to be in big trouble since it was the only phone (or tablet) I had brought. Who needs that aggravation?
Since returning home and placing my Z Ultra in this Noreve beauty, I have been continuously impressed with the case’s craftsmanship, the way the entire package feels in my hand, and how easy it is to use the phablet the ways I usually do — and the case does not get in the way.
As hard as it might be to believe, this appears to be the first Noreve case that I’ve ever reviewed, but it won’t be my last. I am very impressed by its craftsmanship and the leather that was used, and I suspect that I will want one of these cases for all of my future devices. Carrying it in my hand is like carrying a finely crafted leather clutch; I love it.
The Noreve Sony Xperia Z Ultra Tradition D Leather Case retails for €119.08 (approximately $153.69), and it is available directly from the manufacturer.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Handcrafted of gorgeous premium leather that will continue to develop an even deeper patina over time; All corners are protected; Case swings out of the way to expose the magnetic charger; All ports, buttons, and doors are accessible as needed when the Z Ultra is in the case; light padding protects the glass screen and reinforced leather protects the back of the Z Ultra
What Needs Improvement: The Noreve Tradition D Case is expensive