OtterBoxStrada Case for iPhone 13 Pro Max / iPhone 12 Pro Max, Shockproof, Drop proof, Premium Leather Protective Folio with Two Card Holders, 3x Tested to Military Standard, Black

Due to being exceedingly clumsy I wanted a case that would save my phone if it was dropped. And a year on it’s still looks like new possibly due to this case.

Spent a long time researching for a slim leather folio case with magsafe charging capability and preferably built in camera lens protection to suit iPhone 13 Pro Max. This was the best I could find although it didn't have camera protection.My conclusions1. Well made good quality with what I think is genuine leather outer skin although quite thin.2. A perfect fit. The basic flexible composite material phone holder is a perfect fit with the button operators exactly positioned and with a positive tactile feel.3. The fold back folio works well and is held back by magnets. When held back it covers the camera lenses so for desk top use there is no possibility of lens scratching.4. The case is slim and suitable for my use. I don't intend carrying bank cards in the slots provided.5. My main problem was the case isn't designed to work with the magsafe wireless charger. I expected this before purchase because the thicker the case the less effective the wireless charging would be. Added to this the magnets built into the back of the case to hold the front folio pulled the charger off centre. Temporarily I used an elastic band to hold the charger in place and also to help clamp it to the case surface. The phone would charge but not as efficient as it should. I decided then to cut a circular insert into the back of the case as seen on photos. It was impossible to cut through the very tough internal case which fortunately left the internal base layer untouched. I made a bit of a mess of the case but some shoe polish helped a lot to make it respectable. I am sure the manufacturer could do a better job to achieve the same result. It works a treat. Just needs sliding camera protection as well. Still thinking about that one.

My phone feels safe in this, it hasn’t slipped out of my hand like the Apple folio case did on my last phone. It stands up nicely to watch videos. It repels snow reassuringly. The magnetic closure is very strong - however it can be a pain to open fast - you have to prise it open at the left hand slot.The major problem is the button design, with thick unresponsive overlays. Vol up and down do not work well - sometimes they do not operate, sometimes they race to full volume. This is deeply unpleasant when using earbuds. Double clicking on RH button requires huge finger strength and is almost impossible to do without inadvertently switching off phone, or taking a screenshot. If you leave camera app open and close the phone case, the vol buttons will take photos if you touch the case side over the buttons. This is the first case I have ever had that does this and I can’t discover any way to disable it. Also means it is possible to activate the volume controls whilst putting phone away in pocket etc. Phone buttons work fine when case is off.Sad, but I will probably replace it soon as I’m getting really tired of being deafened and having to remove case to make purchases.

Previously I have had FOUR Snakehive iPhone cases.Each one has a problem where the leather becomes detached around the where the case is supposed to protect the camera lenses.I contacted Snakehive yesterday and once again replaced the case which arrived today.This is the third case they have supplied in the same warranty period.Their iPhone 12 case is a really poor design. I have opted for the iPhone 13 design this time. ( Both phones are the same size - I have a iPhone 13 Pro max , previously had a 12 Pro- max).Their case now has no leather around where the lenses are - just a plastic surround.Having been fed up with the disappointing previous Snakehive case I promptly ordered a OTTER case.That too arrived today.So I sat here with the two cases wondering which one to use and whether to send the OTTER case back.as this is a review of the OTTER case here goes;1.) The Snakehive is the better case and the Otter is going back.2.) Snakehive has a leather magnetic flap to hold it closed.3.) Otter will hold 2 x credit cards - absolutely no where to put any cash , train ticket , business card.Snakehive has room for 3 x cards plus a wallet pocket for those of us who still do carry cash as well.4.) Otter case just wins on the style front.5.) Otter case is lighter.6.) Otter case is 3 x tested to military standard.7.) Snakehive case is probably upto military standard if not better and imho as good as the Otter case.8.) Otter case has better protection ( a raised rim around where the lenses are ) than the Snakehive case.And this is the only thing that I wish the Snakehive case should have.So Snakehive case is 95% there and the Otter case runs at about 80%.To sum up up IF you need a storage area for more than two cards AND cash then the Otter case is not for you.IF you need Cards AND Cash and you don't mind the weight of the case then definitely look at Snakehive and if you have an iPhone 12 make sure you get the iPhone 13 case - it's way better.