Nomad has released a range of new cases for the four versions of the iPhone 12. They sent a few samples for my iPhone 12 Pro, and, as usual, they are impressive. Here’s a quick look at the Nomad Rugged Case for the iPhone 12 Pro. Made from Horween leather and available in three different colors, they are gorgeous.
The Nomad Rugged Case for iPhone 12 Pro is a simple case that maintains the iPhone 12 Pro’s clean lines, doesn’t add significantly to its size or weight, and offers excellent protection. In fact, it is designed to withstand a ten-foot drop!
I’ve reviewed earlier versions of the Nomad Rugged Case. This new offering maintains the same clean design but delivers even more protection than ever. As Nomad explains,
We have spent the last year meticulously refining Rugged Case and it now offers even greater protection than ever before.
The first thing you see when you get the Rugged Case is the beautiful Horween leather. It is sourced from the Horween Leather Co. of Chicago, one of America’s oldest tanneries. The case comes in Black, Brown, or natural, is vegetable tanned, and, over time, it will develop a beautiful patina that makes the case look well-loved. However, no matter how worn the leather becomes, it will continue to offer the same excellent protection.
10ft Drop Protection: With an all-new internal shock absorption bumper, as well as a full 360-degree exterior TPU bumper, Rugged Case is now equipped to protect against drops up to 10ft, keeping your iPhone safe from unexpected tumbles.
The case is made from a combination of vegetable-tanned Horween leather, a polycarbonate frame, and external rubber TPE bumper, and a new internal shock absorption bumper. This internal shock absorption bumper is what makes the case so effective at keeping your phone safe even if it is dropped from ten feet. But Nomad didn’t stop there.
They also added an internal, protective microfiber lining, so your phone is kept extra safe and remains free from scratches.
I’ve always loved Nomad’s minimalist approach to iPhone protection, and this case is no exception. The leather feels fantastic in hand, and the bumper rises just a bit over the screen, delivering lay-on-the-table protection.
The (HUGE) camera cutout is surrounded by a ring of rubber that keeps the camera lenses raised above any surface the phone is placed on. That helps keep the camera lenses from getting scratched. It is small design features like this that make these cases an investment in iPhone protection.
The case is available in Rustic Brown Leather, Natural Horween Leather, and Black Horween Leather and is available for each of the new iPhone 12s.
It is worth noting that the case also works with Apple’s new MagSafe system… mostly. As they explain in the FAQ section of the product page:
Rugged Case with MagSafe charges at full speed. However, the magnetic connection is weaker with a case on, so MagSafe may not stay securely attached when picking up your phone.
To address this concern, Nomad’s engineers are currently working to incorporate MagSafe directly into our iPhone 12 Rugged Cases and Folios. But, at the moment, while the cases will work with MagSafe, they aren’t optimized for it. So should you wait until the updated cases are released? Not necessarily. Anyone purchasing one of the new cases will now be able to purchase one of the updated cases for 50% off when they are released. So pick one of these up not, so your new phone remains pristine and, not so long from now, You can get a new case that looks great, offers terrific protection, AND works seamlessly with MagSafe.
Here’s our video look:
That’s pretty nice, but we would expect nothing less from this company. I’m a fan of these cases and know you will be too.
The Nomad Rugged Case for the iPhone 12 sells for $49.95; it is available directly from the manufacturer.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Beautiful Horween leather; Minimalist but offers good protection; Sleek design looks great and will age nicely; Qi-wireless charging compatible; Includes lanyard straps
What Needs Improvement: Current design is not fully compatible with Apple’s MagSafe charging; Lanyard attachments but no included lanyard
