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Review: Apple’s MagSafe leather case for iPhone 12 series

Apple's MagSafe leather case is made of high quality lather contains solid buttons,provides all-around protection and fits well with the iphone color

In this review, we take a look at Apple’s MagSafe leather case series. What are the differences with previous versions and what advantages and disadvantages does the cover have? You can read here whether the Apple Leather Case for the iPhone 12 series is worthwhile.

Like every year, Apple will also release its own leather cover for the iPhone in 2020. Because the iPhone 12 series has a different design than its predecessors, the cover has been adjusted accordingly. Also new is support for MagSafe accessories , such as Apple ‘s MagSafe leather card holder . We are used to high quality from Apple’s previous leather cases. Does the cover live up to its promise this year?

Leather sleeve with Apple’s MagSafe

Ever since Apple released the leather cover for the iPhone 5s , I have been wearing it on my iPhone every day. Also this year I chose Apple’s leather cover for my new iPhone 12 Pro Max . A blue cover on a blue iPhone should provide me with protection for at least the coming year. Now the thing is that I very rarely drop my phone and I am also careful where I put it. Apple’s leather cover for the iPhone is therefore more intended for me against scratches than against falls.

Apple's MagSafe leather case

Previous experiences with Apple’s leather cases showed that they dent or scratch the leather relatively quickly. The leather for this new case feels the same as the old covers and this ‘problem’ will recur again. Whether it is really a problem depends on your taste. Some people think a used case is ugly, but for others it gives an authentic and familiar feeling. It is also true that light colors get dirty more quickly. That’s why I always choose a dark case to keep dirt from standing out.

Design of the Apple’s MagSafe leather case

This year we find a few big differences compared to previous versions of Apple’s leather case. First of all, the new shape of the iPhone has of course been carried over to the cover: flat sides and no rounded screen edges. The edge of the case still protrudes a bit above the screen so that you can lay your screen flat on the table without damaging it. In that respect, I am positive about the dimensions of the case.

Apple's MagSafe leather case

What I’m not too happy about is the large cut-out for the camera. In previous models of the case, it was flush with the camera bump on the iPhone. However, with the new model of the Leather Case, there is a plastic edge sticking out. This ensures that you can wiggle the iPhone a bit when it is on the table. Depending on how big your iPhone is, this can be more disturbing. The iPhone 12 mini is considerably smaller than the iPhone 12 Pro Max that I use myself. Fortunately, if you hold the case, the edge is not disturbing.

Another big difference from Apple’s previous leather covers is the bottom. This is no longer open. The upright edge is extended all the way around the entire iPhone. Whether you like it or not is a matter of taste. I dare to say with certainty that it is less practical. I soon noticed that not every Lightning cable fits well. Also, swiping up to get to your home screen is a tad less smooth than without the upright bezel. Because you more often wipe the edge of the case with your finger, there is a good chance that it will wear out or discolour faster in the long run. Time will tell whether this is indeed the case. Some find it more comfortable to rest the iPhone on your finger because of the closer bottom than with an open bottom. We don’t really have a preference in that regard.

Apple's MagSafe leather case

To end this part in a positive way I have to say that the quality of the leather and the buttons is again very good. The leather feels nice in the hand and the metal buttons push through without extra effort. The cutout for the switch on the left side is large enough for the few times I use that switch.

Apple Leather Case for iPhone 12 in use

When you put the Leather Case on your iPhone 12 you will see a nice animation on your screen. What the use is, Joost may know, but it is a nice detail. Thanks to the built-in NFC chip, the iPhone knows which color the cover is.

A small side note about this NFC chip is that sometimes Apple Pay did n’t work as well in my experience. The payment terminal in the supermarket told me to present one card – a notification that you get when you hold two or more cards with NFC against the reader. When I only tapped the top of the iPhone against the machine, Apple Pay worked . If you know this once, it will not bother you in the future. Keep in mind that it may happen faster with the smaller iPhone 12 mini than with the large iPhone 12 Pro Max .

Apple's MagSafe leather case


There is always a ring for MagSafe on the inside.

As I said I have been using the cover for at least a year. I never actually change covers, but I do take it off my iPhone regularly when I take a bath. That was more difficult than with the previous case because of the upright bottom. The edge at the bottom does not really disturb, unless you want to use a Lightning cable from a third party. I tried IKEA ‘s Lightning cable . It did fit, but only by pressing it against the cover. Fortunately, Apple’s own cables work without difficulty.

For the test, I also tried wireless chargers. They all work properly. New in the iPhone 12 and this case is MagSafe. This magnetic charging system works with the Leather Case, but in time you will see a ring appear on the leather cover through the use of MagSafe. Apple warns about this on the website and on the paperwork in the case packaging.

It is too early at the time of writing to notice any traces of such a ring, but if Apple warns so emphatically about it, you can bet that the ring will appear. To be clear: the ring only appears if you use MagSafe for a longer period of time. This problem is not an issue with ordinary wireless chargers. It is something to keep in mind if you plan to use MagSafe for a long time.

BENEFITS of Apple’s MagSafe leather case

  • High-quality leather
  • Fits well with the iPhone color
  • Solid buttons
  • Provides all-around protection

CONS of Apple’s MagSafe leather case

  • MagSafe eventually leaves a visible circle
  • Border around the camera is not nice
  • Removing the case is more difficult than before
  • Not all cables fit through the closed bottom
  • Bit pricey APPLE STORE

Conclusion review Apple Leather cases with MagSafe for iPhone 12

Overall, I am quite happy with Apple’s leather cover for my iPhone 12 Pro Max. It may be a bit on the expensive side, but I will also enjoy it for a long time. The design with the upright edges is usually not disturbing and I like it myself. What I am dissatisfied with is the protruding border around the camera crop. It will undoubtedly have to do with the build quality of the cover, but because I am used to a flat cover, this is a shame. Fortunately, it does not disturb when using the iPhone.

It’s a shame you can’t use every cable, but most people use an official cable or one that is very similar. The cutout for the charger isn’t huge, but many cables will fit.

If you want to spend a little less on a leather cover, we recommend the Mujjo covers for the iPhone 12 series . This cover feels less nice than Apple’s, but you won’t notice that if you don’t keep switching between the two covers

Review: Mujjo cases for iPhone 12 series

Are you looking for a leather case for your iPhone 12? At Mujjo you will find good quality covers that are cheaper than those from Apple. In this review of the iPhone 12 cases from Mujjo you can read everything about design and use.