iPhone 14

Nomad just launched its newest case for the iPhone 14, the low profile and ultra-thin Super Slim Case. Available in two colors — Carbide Gray and Frost — this case provides iPhone 14 users with a way to protect their phones while maintaining the phone’s form factor.

Specifications

• 50% recycled materials
• Premium & grippy matte finish
• 360º coverage with chamfered cutouts for buttons and ports
• Raised camera bump for added protection
• Wireless charging compatible
• Two color options: Carbide or Frost
• For every iPhone 14 model
• MSRP: $29.95
• Available starting today

I recently got my hands on both the Carbide Gray and Frost Super Slim cases and I shot a video which I will post later this week on Cellular’s YouTube channel. In the meantime, I took a few vanity photos to show off the case when mated with my Space Black iPhone 14 Pro.

Both cases look good, and to be honest, I’m not sure which color I prefer most. I like the Frost Gray colorway primarily because it’s translucent. This design allows you to see the Apple logo, with the Space Black iPhone combining to provide an almost metallic look. The Carbide Gray colorway also looks good and pairs nicely with the Space Black camera housing and black bezels.

I found the Super Slim case to be fairly grippy, as Nomad states, although it’s not as grippy as the stainless steel band on the iPhone 14 Pro models. I was impressed by the accuracy of the button and port cutouts, as they feature a chamfered design for an even more precise fit.

There’s only so much you can say about a case, but for those of you that desire a measure of protection without the bulk, then the Super Slim Case is a good minimalistic option. It’ll protect your iPhone’s camera housing, protect the rear of the device from scratches, and provide a measure of protection from drops and dings on the corners. Obviously you won’t get the same amount of protection that you’ll get from more fortified options, but you’ll need to make that tradeoff if you want one of the most low profile case options for the iPhone 14.

Again, be sure to subscribe to Cellular on YouTube, as I’ll be posting a brief video walkthrough of the Super Slim case in both colors.

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

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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.

I, too, endorse going caseless *if* you have AC+. Caseless is far superior, as you get to fully experience the look and design of the phone, along with the slimmer profile. With cases and screen protectors being so expensive, it makes sense. I’ve gone caseless for years.

— Jeff Benjamin (@JeffBenjam) September 19, 2022

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.

1. 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. [↩]