A durable iPhone 14 Pro leather case is a worthwhile investment; it gives your phone the protection it deserves and will keep it in pristine condition for years.
There may be several slim, rugged, transparent, and flip cases to choose from, but nothing beats the look, touch, and feel of a premium leather iPhone case.
Leather cases are the crème de la crème of phone cases. They’re:
- Extremely durable: Leather is one of the strongest materials available, superior to plastic, rubber, and silicone.
- Superior insulators: Unlike other materials (like plastic) that retain heat, a leather case’s porous skin lets your iPhone release heat freely, preventing it from overheating while you game or watch a movie.
- Stylish and elegant: Leather cases give your iPhone a classy, high-end look.
- Shock resistant: Real leather is a natural shock absorber. Its thick layers will absorb the impact if your phone is dropped, protecting it from cracks.
But not all leather iPhone cases are the same. Some are made with faux leather that peels off within a year or two of regular use.
Furthermore, others aren’t compatible with Apple’s MagSafe technology—a vital feature of the iPhone 14 Pro.
So if you’re in the market for a leather case for your iPhone 14 Pro, these valuable tips will help you pick the perfect one.
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Tip 1 - It Must Be Compatible With Apple’s MagSafe Technology
Apple named the magnetic technology on the back of their iPhones “MagSafe.”
The iPhone has 18 magnets attached to its charging coil, using Qi wireless charging technology. As such, this lets chargers and accessories such as magnetic wallets, snap and stay physically connected to your phone.
But this is only possible with a MagSafe-compatible case.
Unlike regular leather cases, MagSafe cases have a ring of built-in magnets that enable them to directly snap into the back of your iPhone 14 Pro.
Once secured in place, they can wirelessly charge your phone using Apple’s MagSafe charger.
MagSafe cases have several benefits. For one, you’ll never have to worry about wrestling with cords and plugs again—now the magnet does the charging for you!
Additionally:
- They’re super convenient: No more removing your case when you want to use a MagSafe charger or other MagSafe accessories.
- MagSafe chargers are more efficient: They charge faster than the standard wireless charger. A MagSafe-compatible case means faster charging!
All of Popov’s leather iPhone cases are MagSafe-compatible, evidenced by their built-in magnetic charging rings.
Our MagSafe enabled leather cases have a sleek, minimal design with high level of protection and functionality. They’re also compatible with other MagSafe accessories like chargers, car mounts, wallets, and batteries.
"This is a very nice and practical case … The MagSafe charging works very well."
Tip 2 - Ensure It’s Made With Full-Grain Leather
Yes, today's leather industry sees many faux leather manufacturers targeting unsuspecting customers who struggle to distinguish between real and fake leather.
It can be so difficult!
Unless you’re a leather expert, you may not be familiar with all the technical leather terminology. But if you want the highest quality leather products, you should know some common leather terms, especially when it comes to different leather grades.
For instance, manufacturers don't make all iPhone 14 Pro leather cases labeled “genuine leather” or “top-grain leather” from real leather. Some use artificial leather, and they will start to peel, crack or bend over time.
Neither will they develop a beautiful patina.
The best leather case for your iPhone 14 Pro is one made with full-grain leather, the highest quality grade of leather.
Learn More: The Ultimate Guide to Leather Grades
As its name suggests, full-grain leather contains the full thickness of the cowhide.
It comes from the topmost part of the hide, keeping everything you love about leather intact.
Blemishes, scarring, insect bites, scratches, and other natural markings remain untouched, making it the purest form of leather.
Your classic iPhone 14 Pro deserves exceptional treatment, which only the best leather case can offer. The older it gets, the stronger it becomes and the softer it feels.
It even develops a rich leather patina—an authentic trademark of high-quality leather that makes the case uniquely yours.
Truly, spotting an iPhone case made with real, full-grain leather is not easy for the average customer. But with these three tips, you’ll undeniably be a few steps ahead:
- Smell the case: Real leather has an unmistakable mild, earthy smell that results from its tanning process. This distinctive smell is far from the plastic or chemical-like smell of its faux leather counterparts.
- Observe its texture: Full-grain leather is soft and supple to the touch, unlike leather imitations, which often have a hard, plastic feel.
- The price speaks volumes: Full-grain leather goes through an intense manufacturing process which makes it costly, while faux leather is made using cheap synthetic materials and scrap leather that are easily available.
Popov Leather products are made using full-grain Horween leather, a premium American leather that’s highly durable and develops a rich patina over time.
Our leather iPhone cases are no exception; they’re durable, stylish, uniquely hand-sewn, and unlike anything you’ll find in a department store.
Lower Quality Leather Can Affect MagSafe Compatibility
Lower quality leather, often referred to as “genuine leather” or “bonded leather” can sometimes interfere with the transferral of energy to your phone.
When I was doing my own research with manufacturers I learned that inconsistent manufacturing processes produced “genuine” and bonded leather in wildly different thickness and density levels.
In fact, Apple has stated that if the thickness of the leather is more than 2.1mm, or over 0.95 grams per cubic centimeter, then it's likely that charging will be disrupted.
Density plays a lesser role than thickness, but still needs to be factored into your decision making process.
"... The leather feels nice and the stitching is really good quality. The case is nice and flexible without being flimsy ..."
Tip 3 - Choose a Sturdy and Durable iPhone 14 Pro Leather Case
For the full protection of your new iPhone 14 Pro, you’ll need two main accessories: a screen protector and an iPhone case.
Of course, you’ll want the best screen protector, such as Popov Leather’s iPhone 14 Pro Screen Protector. It’s highly sensitive to touch, made from durable, ultra-clear 9H tempered glass, and has an easy to wipe oleophobic coating.
Similarly, you’ll want the most durable, comfortable, and well-fitting leather case—not one that easily breaks or scratches.
Full-grain leather cases are the strongest and toughest cases, and can last up to five times longer than plastic, silicon, or faux leather cases.
This durability stems from full-grain’s nature. Since it comes from the topmost part of the hide, it contains all the hide’s strength and durability.
This makes our full-grain leather iPhone 14 cases the best accessories for protecting your phone from accidental falls and daily wear and tear.
They’re thick enough to absorb impact should you accidentally drop your phone, but aren’t so thick as to interfere with MagSafe connectivity.
Did you know?
Because of its popularity and impressive durability, the leather industry generated global revenue of a whopping USD 242.85 billion in 2022. This annual revenue is higher than that of rice, sugar coffee, tea, cotton, and rubber combined. Leather shoes take the lead, contributing close to 60% of the revenue.
Leather Cases vs Silicone Cases: Which Is Better?
When it comes to iPhone cases, a good number of shoppers are torn between a leather case and a silicone case. After all, Apple sells them both.
Both cases protect your iPhone, but the degree of protection varies.
However, silicone cases, for instance, will easily crack after a hard fall as they aren’t strong enough to withstand such impact. But leather cases are great shock absorbers and are thick enough to absorb the harshest falls.
Several other differences are examined in the table below.
| Factor | iPhone 14 Pro Silicone Case | iPhone 14 Pro Leather Case |
| Durability | Can begin to tear from minor scratches | Withstands tears, falls, and scratches |
| Quality | Rubber-like texture that easily bends and leads to cracks | Naturally strong and supple fibers that don’t crack |
| Protection | Light layer that can’t withstand hard falls | Layer is thick enough to absorb impact during falls |
| Design | Rubbery feel that makes it look common and cheap | Looks sleek, classy, and elegant |
It’s easier than ever to make an informed choice about which phone case will best suit your iPhone 14 Pro.
Silicone cases are slightly cheaper than leather cases, but they won’t offer as much protection, durability, or longevity.
So, would you rather spend a few more dollars on a solid iPhone 14 Pro leather case and save your $1000+ gadget, or pay $500+ to crack its glass?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean my iPhone 14 Pro leather case?
Use a slightly damp clean cloth, warm water, and a leather-safe cleanser, such as our all-natural leather scrub, to gently wipe down your iPhone 14 Pro leather case.
Plus, finish off with a leather balm for long-lasting protection.
Can a leather case affect wireless charging on the iPhone 14 Pro?
No. Most high-quality leather cases are designed to be compatible with wireless charging.
The Popov Leather iPhone 14 Pro leather case includes a built-in magnetic charging ring. Each magnet aligns perfectly with the magnets in the MagSafe charger. You will end up with a stable connection when the two sides come into contact.
Without true alignment, your phone won't receive the maximum amount of energy transference possible, and this is the risk you take with lower quality iPhone leather cases.
Are there cutouts in the leather case for easy access to ports and buttons?
Yes. Our leather cases are all designed with precise cutouts so you can easily jam your cords into the ports.
Likewise, cutouts are shaped and contoured around the iPhone's buttons and camera bay.
As Steve Chenoweth, Macedon USA, commented “Fit and finish is excellent.”Thanks Steve!
Battery leather cases - do I need one?
No, you don’t need a battery leather case.
Battery cases come with a built-in battery that makes them heavy, bulky, and certainly not aesthetically pleasing.
Above all, what you need is a case that’s compatible with the Apple MagSafe charger which offers up to 15W of wireless charging power—the fastest wireless charging speed for an iPhone.
Can I customize my iPhone 14 Pro leather case?
Yes, we can laser-engrave your initials, name, or a special date on your leather case upon request. Our engraving is permanent and will never fade. Contact our team to get started.
Written by Ryan Popoff
Ryan Popoff is the creative mind behind Popov Leather wallets, iPhone cases, belts, watch bands and journals since 2013. With a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts, my leatherworking journey began at home. I wanted to create a simple leather wallet that could fit into my front pocket and — to my delight — it was a hit with family and friends. Hopefully you love our honest, quality leather goods too! Reach out with questions.
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