We have been covering and ranking leather iPhone cases around here for years, I have reviewed something like 100 of them alone, and one brand that has been consistently in the short list over the last couple of years is SANDMARC. Anyone who has read my reviews already knows this, and knows it well. Some folks were just not a fan of its Pro Leather models (I adore them), but the Minimal Leather iPhone case variant is here and it’s here in a major way to save the day. This is a really good leather iPhone case, you’ll find our exclusive discount code below, and some of our hands-on impressions of the latest lineup.
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Hands-on with one of the best minimalist leather iPhone cases
As detailed in our launch coverage of the SANDMARC Minimal Leather iPhone case, these covers deliver on much of what makes the pro model so fantastic, in fact all of it, just without the metal camera cage protection/lens attachment point. The metal button covers are back though, alongside a new thin-line bezel surrounding the camera cutout, and you’ll also find a snug fit joined by microfiber lining.
They retail for $45, just about never go on sale, like almost ever (literally once a year for 2-days), and you can use our exclusive gadgetnewsonline promo code to knock your total down to $40.50 shipped.
Take a closer look at the specs:
- Magnet-Enabled Design
- Minimal sleek finish
- Microfiber inner lining & metal buttons
- Full-Grain Leather
- Wrist-Strap friendly (strap not included)
- Material: Full-Grain Leather
gadgetnewsonline’ Take
The SANDMARC Leather iPhone cases have easily been among the most popular options in the style category for 9to5 readers over the last two generations. I am largely responsible for covering these accessories, be it leather, plastic, or otherwise, and I too am a huge fan of these covers. They tick all of the boxes without getting up into the $50+ range and, frankly look gorgeous, whether you have to take your phone out at a business meeting, out for the night on the town, or just running errands.
The brand’s Pro Leather Case features premium full-grain leather treatment with a gunmetal aluminum cage around the camera array that threads it way through the camera sensors beautifully as well as adding extra protection – it is my personal favorite leather iPhone 14/15 case anywhere.
But it, understandably, might be a bit much for some folks – the metal cage aesthetic is a gorgeous one for some, and a bit overkill for others in my personal surveys. Some folks even say something to the effect of, “wow it’s such a gorgeous case but I wish it didn’t have the metal cage thing on the back.” And that’s where the newer SANDMARC Minimal Leather iPhone case comes in.
It delivers all of the best elements of the orignal Pro Leather model, but in a more traditional form-factor without the industrial-grade metal treatment. That includes the premium full-grain leather that I can actually confirm develops a nice patina over time as well as more subtle and color-matching metal elements throughout – there are metal button covers and a sort of thin metal bezel surrounding the camera array cutout on the back. You’ll also find the plush microfiber treatment inside to hug up against your Apple handset.
You’re clearly missing out on the ability to attach the brand’s multitude of camera lens fixtures on the Minimal model like on the Pro variant, but if the metal cage is too much for you, and you prefer the Minimal treatment, the brand makes (and usually provides for free) an additional more affordable solution to accomodate you.
This is all to say, I personally love this case too, I just happen to prefer the big metal cage thing just because of the way it looks – lens compatible or otherwise.
This is also to say that we have another contender for landing in our top 5 best leather iPhone cases out there – and two of them happen to be from SANDMARC.
I’m having a hard time finding anything to complain about here. The fit is perfect, the button covers are great, the matching metal accents really elevate the look while maintaining that traditional leather vibe, and well, it’s just about perfect. I still like the Pro model better, but it is just about perfect otherwise.
If I had to find one thing to cry about, it would perhaps be that there’s only four color options. They are the best four colors if you ask me, but there is only four of them.
Okay here’s one – you can only buy it for the pro iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models. No iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 SANDMARC? Or that other one, what’s it called again? Plus or something? Anyway, SANDMARC if you’re listening, make your gorgeous leather iPhone case for the base models too please.
Unless you’re planning on jumping up to iPhone 16 this fall and are already set on your iPhone cover, or only use iPhone 15 standard, you should really consider buying one of these – they are fantastic – just remember to use our exclusive gadgetnewsonline code to get a deal.
Buy the SANDMARC iPhone Minimal Leather Case
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