Nomad has already rolled out a series of new cases for all of the new iPhones Apple announced last week. In keeping with what we’ve come to expect from Nomad, the cases are tough, look and feel great and are designed with serious iPhone users in mind. I know because I have three in hand.
Let’s start off with what all three of the review cases we received have in common.
Nomad has continued to use leather from the Horween Leather Co. of Chicago. The leather is gorgeous when it first arrives, and it gets better over time as the raw, vegetable tanned leather develops a patina. As they put it, “your case will weather but not wear out, creating a handsome, rich character unique to you.” Greg, Judie, and I love their use of Horween leather and know you will too!
In addition to Horween leather, Nomad also uses a sleek but tough rubber bumper to protect your (now hefty) investment. The rubber may not weigh a lot, but it is tough and will hold up to the daily use and abuse you throw at it while it keeps your iPhone safe.
The cases also allow you to take advantage of the wireless charging Apple introduced into their phones last year. That’s key since the wireless charging is, by far, one of the best features of the current crop of iPhones.
Finally, all three of the samples we were sent can protect your phone from up to a six-foot drop. These may not look like the rugged cases that were initially available for iPhones a few years but they protect as well or better than many of them!
Finally, there’s the price. Nomad’s cases are premium products. Thankfully, Nomad offers them at a surprisingly reasonable price! When you consider the fact that many of the people grabbing the new iPhone XS Max paid well north of $1000, these cases are a bargain!
So what has Nomad released?
Rugged Case
The first case is their updated Rugged Case. Priced at $44.95, the Rugged Case is
a simple, minimalist case that combines sleek design and sturdy protection. Built with a high-grade polycarbonate body, bonded to a raised TPE bumper on the edge, Rugged Case provides protection for your screen and prevents damage from drops at all angles. Rugged Case is wrapped in supple Horween leather that develops a patina with time and takes on a look totally unique to your case.
Beneath the leather, there is a full rubber frame and a wraparound TPE bumper that is ready to put up with anything (okay, not “anything” but a lot!) of what you might throw at it.
The Rugged Case doesn’t look like a rugged case. No, seriously, when you think rugged case, you think thick and boxy, but that’s not this case. It surrounds the iPhone with protection while leaving the screen fully accessible and without adding too much weight or bulk. Nomad reports that they were able to make the case significantly thinner without losing any of the protection.
Ultra Thin, Yet Rugged: We’ve taken the same elegant design of our prior rugged cases and refined it to be 33% thinner, while still offering the durability you need. Thinner construction gives the case less bulk and a slimmer profile, allowing for greater portability than any of our previous designs. Our minimalist design still offers maximal protection.
If you want a case that doesn’t hide the phone’s screen but also worry about dropping your phone, this is a fantastic option.
Features:
- Rustic Brown Horween leather from the USA
- Develops a rugged patina
- Thin construction
- 6ft drop protection
- Compatible with wireless charging
- Also available for iPhone X / XS and iPhone XR
- Also available in Black
It is available for the iPhone XR, iPhone X / XS, iPhone XS Max. Check it out here.
Rugged Folio
The Nomad Rugged Folio has an MSRP of $59.95 and is great for someone who wants to ditch their wallet thanks to Apple Pay but still needs to carry a few cards. The section protecting the phone is similar to the Rugged Case, but the Rugged Folio adds a cover that protects the screen and adds slots for a driver’s license and a few additional cards. There are, in fact, three card slots and a slot for cash so this case can seriously replace your minimalist wallet!
As Nomad explains, the Rugged Folio…
is a functional case that combines sleek design with sturdy protection. Rugged Folio is built with a high-grade polycarbonate body, bonded to a raised TPE bumper, ensuring protection for your screen while preventing damage from drops at all angles. Rugged Folio offers ample storage for your essentials, with 3 card slots and 1 cash slot. Rugged Folio is wrapped in supple Horween leather that develops a patina with time and takes on a look totally unique to your case.
Features:
- Black Horween leather from the USA
- Develops a rugged patina
- Three card slots
- One cash slot
- Thin construction
- 6ft drop protection
- Compatible with wireless charging
Nomad does recommend you use a screen protector with your phone if you opt for this case since the protector will prevent credit cards from causing micro (or not-so-micro) scratches from your credit cards. That’s especially important to keep in mind if, like me, your main credit card is made from metal!
The case is available for the iPhone X/XS, iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR. It also comes in Rustic Brown. Check it out here.
Rugged Tri-Folio
Finally, there is the Rugged Tri-Folio. The Trim-Folio is the case that surprised me. It is brilliant. Instead of a single cover with card slots like the Rugged Folio and many other folio cases, as the name indicates, the Tri-Folio has three parts.
There is the section that protects the iPhone that is similar in design to the Rugged Case.
Then there are two additional sections with four card slots and two cash slots. That means the Tri-Folio isn’t just for people who already use a minimalist wallet. As they put it, “the new Tri-Folio is designed to completely replace a traditional wallet.” Seriously, this $79.95 case can replace pretty much anyone’s wallet.
As Nomad explains, the Rugged Tri-Folio…
integrates your phone and wallet into one ultra functional minimalist tool. With 4 card slots and 2 cash slots, the Rugged Tri-Folio has the capacity you need for any situation. Built with a high-grade polycarbonate body, bonded to a raised TPE bumper on the edge, Rugged Tri-Folio provides protection for your screen and prevents damage from drops at all angles. Rugged Tri-Folio is wrapped in supple Horween leather, that develops a patina with time and takes on a look totally unique to your case.
Features:
- Rustic Brown Horween leather from the USA
- Develops a rugged patina
- Four card slots
- Two cash slots
- Thin construction
- 6′ drop protection
- Compatible with wireless charging
The Trip-Fold is already a hot seller for Nomad. I think I know why! First, if you are opting for the iPhone XS Max you are already okay carrying a phone that is large and rather bulky. A thick case might be an issue for someone who wants a phone that is small but light, but someone who is ready for a large phone is going to be more inclined to use a case that is a bit on the thick side. (And this case is a bit on the thick side!) Also, the tri-fold design means that, when closed, a smooth piece of leather sits on the iPhone’s screen. That means the Trip-Fold case will not only protect your phone and replace your wallet, but it will also keep your large, gorgeous iPhone XS Max screen safe when the phone is not in use.
Of course, the Tri-Fold Case is available for all of the new iPhones as well. Check it out here.
Greg has an iPhone XS Max on the way so keep an eye out for his full reviews of these awesome cases. As for me, it’s looking like there is a Rugged Tri-Fold Case for the iPhone X/XS in my future! And, when you visit Nomad’s site to order one of the new cases make sure to check out their other products. Their cables and other assorted items are awesome! You can find everything Nomad here.
