Nomad has been one of my favorite Apple accessory companies for quite some time now. The company made a name for itself by producing cases utilizing high end Chicago-based Horween Leather, and has continue to broaden its reach over the years to other areas like wireless chargers, watch bands, and even ink pens.1
But Nomad hasn’t forgot the very thing that got them in the game, case (ahem) and point — a brand new series of cases to coincide with the recent launch of the iPhone 14 lineup.
Nomad is also a big supporter of independent creators, which is something I’ve grown to appreciate even more as of late with the launch of Cellular. The company sent over several of its iPhone 14 Pro cases for me to test out, and I happily obliged.
Video walkthrough
Subscribe to Cellular on YouTube for more
All of the cases I tested are MagSafe & wireless charging compatible, although you won’t receive the cool MagSafe animation and sound like you do on Apple’s first-party cases. I should also note that each case also features two handy attachment points for lanyards, if that’s your thing.
Something that you’ll notice about all of Nomad’s cases is the amount of emphasis that’s been placed on protecting the cameras. Each cases features a raised camera ring, and this area is now even more pronounced since the cameras protrude even further than they do on previous iPhones.
Nomad Sport Case
The Sport Case features a high-gloss, premium scratch-resistant finish, anodized metal buttons, and a grippy TPE bumper. Nomad says that the design of the minimalistic Sport Case enables 6ft drop protection. I tested out the Marine Blue and Lunar Gray colorways, but there are Black and Ash Green color options as well.
Nomad Rugged Case
If you’re someone who plans on pushing the new Apple Watch Ultra to its limits, then it makes sense to go with a more rugged case option for your iPhone as well. Although lightweight, the Rugged Case is able to withstand more extreme environments. Nomad’s most fortified case option features 15ft drop protection thanks to its TPU bumper and polycarbonate frame.
Nomad sent over the Rugged Case in Ash Green, but if you’re going to buy this case there is only one right choice — Ultra Orange. Not only does this color complement the orange accents on the Apple Watch Ultra, but it also matches Nomad’s new limited edition Ultra Orange Sport Band, which I’ve pre-ordered and am anxiously awaiting its December arrival.
Nomad Modern Leather Case
The Modern Leather Case makes for a good alternative to Apple’s own leather case lineup, which is $10 more expensive. I tested the Brown, English Tan, and Natural colors, but Nomad also makes the Modern Leather Case in Black.
The Modern Leather case features full grain leather, and an integrated air bumper with up to 10ft of drop protection. The cool thing about these leather cases is that they get better with age. Over time the leather develops a patina that gives the cases a signature “worn” look.
Nomad Modern Leather Folio
My favorite case of the ones that Nomad sent over is the Modern Leather Folio. A book-style case with a front and back cover, it affords extra space for storing multiple credit cards, and even has a place to hideaway cash. The case includes a removable magnetic clasp for extra security.
Like Nomad’s other leather offerings, the Leather Folio is available in both standard and more lustrous hand-made Horween Leather.
With the advent of AppleCare+ I’ve argued that for some folks, it might make sense to go caseless, but the vast majority of people probably disagree with my sentiments.
If you’re going to use a case, you should definitely check out what are, in my opinion, some of the best case options available.
- Nomad sent over its titanium ink pen along with these cases, and I’ve probably spent more time with the pen than anything, it’s just that good. It actually makes me want to start writing again by hand. It’s pricey, but it’s perfectly weighted and is machined from a solid titanium body. [↩]
