What you need to know about the Sandmarc leather collection:
- Sandmarc Leather Collection is a line of cases/bands for iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, AirTag and MacBook made of genuine leather.
- These products are sleek, minimalistic and elegant.
- Use code IGEEKSBLOG to get 10% off.
The Leather Collection by Sandmarc is a line of protective cases for Apple devices. Leather products typically command a higher price tag than synthetic counterparts, and this is justified as leather not only looks better, it always gets better with time. I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max leather case, a 14-inch MacBook case, an Apple Watch strap, an AirPods Pro case, and an AirTag keychain.
These cases and covers are made of genuine leather, which is higher quality than genuine leather. Shocking, right? Here’s my review of the aforementioned device cases and a little more detail on natural and real leather.
Genuine Leather vs Genuine Leather
Source: Sculpture
When discussing products, the word “Real”is always associated with the original product and the best quality. In this particular case, those of us who are not very knowledgeable about leather might think that genuine leather is the best quality leather. In fact, this is the lowest quality leather.
While real leather is certainly better than faux leather, it’s not the best quality leather you can buy. In addition, genuine leather is not only the highest quality, but also the most natural leather. The proof that whole grain leather is natural is that it develops a patina, the protective layer that is characteristic of natural hides.
The Leather Collection by Sandmarc products are made from natural leather, so they patina and age like wine that only gets better with time. I have been using these products for a while, here is my review of what I think of these products and if they are worth your time and money.
1. Pro Leather Case: iPhone 13 Pro Max
Cases that can protect your iPhone without compromising its design are rare. The Sandmarc Pro Leather Case protects your iPhone while adding a personal touch. Let’s dive in and find out if it’s worth your money.
Design and build
The Sandmarc Pro leather case has full-grain leather on the back, sides and interior, except for the button area, which has a thoughtful microfiber cutout that ensures the leather won’t scratch the buttons. It has microfiber padding on the inside that houses MagSafe magnets.
The case is neither too thin nor too thick. While it increases the weight of the device, it also helps absorb more shock if you drop the device. But this results in a large gap between the notch and the Ring/Silent switch. Since I have small hands, it is easy for me to reach the switch, but some of my colleagues found it difficult to reach.
However, the cutouts for the lightning port and speaker grille are perfect. You also get a pair of punch-hole cutouts to attach the strap to your iPhone. The buttons on the case provide ample tactile feedback and have accents that match the color of the case.
Protection
The case has raised edges on the front that help protect the screen from scratches when placed face down on rough surfaces and provide a degree of drop protection. However, the protrusion is negligible, so I don’t have high hopes for drop protection.
The case also includes a camera lens protector. It is made of aluminum and has a similar finish. The shield also doubles as a dual lens mount and is compatible with SANDMARC lenses and filters, but will wobble when held horizontally on a table.
Camera protection is the only polarizing factor, and if you like it, then the Pro Leather Case is value for money. Sandmarc’s Pro Leather case is $49.99, $10 less than Apple’s leather case, and the overall build quality is better. And it also has a magnetic ring to make MagSafe charging easier.
pros
- Made from the best quality leather
- Raised edges for screen protection
- Compatible with MagSafe
- Multifunctional camera protection
Minuses
- wobbly back
- Deep ring/silent switch
Price: $49.99
2. MacBook case
If you value the creases and patina that genuine leather comes with time, the Sandmarc MacBook Case is worth your time. Designed for those on the go, it provides easy access to your MacBook. But is it worth the asking price? Let’s find out.
Assembly and design
A laptop case is designed to protect your device from dust buildup, accidental spills, or minor drops, so don’t expect a case to protect your MacBook the same way a case does. With that said, this MacBook leather case from Sandmarc strikes a balance between design and practicality.
It is made of genuine leather, which develops folds and patina as it ages. Having used several leather pieces, I can confirm that the patina adds more character to the piece and I can’t wait to see how this sleeve’s look changes over time.
In addition, the MacBook leather case consists of two sheets of genuine leather sewn together. The seams are minimal and do not blend into each other, adding a distinctive finishing touch to the sides of the sleeve as well as the SANDMARC logo.
Utility
In terms of utility, the case can comfortably accommodate a 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, or 13-inch MacBook Pro, giving it all-round protection from minor drops or spills. The interior is lined with microfiber so you don’t have to worry about the case scratching your MacBook. What’s more, you can also charge your MacBook without taking it out of its case.
The MacBook leather case is available for $129.99 and while it may seem expensive, we can’t ignore the fact that it’s made from the best quality leather. While several cheaper alternatives are made from genuine leather, the market for such products seems to be niche.
Niche markets usually mean less production resulting in higher costs. The sleeve is a great addition if you are looking to purchase more products from the Sandmarc Leather Collection or if you love leather goods in general.
pros
- Made from the highest quality leather (Full-grain).
- Detailed yet fine stitching
- Microfiber lining on the inside to avoid scratches
Minuses
- A bit expensive
Price: $129.99
3. Band for Apple Watch
Adding a leather strap to your Apple Watch will enhance its premium look. And when the leather strap is made of genuine leather with a stainless steel buckle, you are in for a real treat.
Assembly and design
The Apple Watch Edition Leather Band is a product of minimalism. These products serve the purpose for which they are created without adding much aesthetic bulk. The general idea behind minimalist products is to be simple yet elegant.
Also, unlike other products that look old over time, this strap’s full-grain leather improves its appearance over time. I am grateful to Sandmarc for using the same leather for all watches.
In addition, the buckle, buckle tongue and strap connector are made of black stainless steel. Again, the color scheme matches the color scheme of the bands, and the brown tint I have works well with Apple Watch cases in the gray to black color palette.
There are two loops under the buckle, one fixed and one adjustable. On the other strap, 7 adjustment holes are neatly punched.
First impressions of my colleagues
Since I don’t use Apple Watch regularly, I thought it would be best to ask a few people who use Apple Watch regularly what they think of this group. It also helped me get different points of view. Also, please note that these are just initial impressions.
Suraj, head of digital marketing at iGeeks Media, uses the Nike Pride Edition athletic loop and says, “While the product feels premium, it feels heavier.”
Dhwanesh, CEO of iGeeks Media, who uses the Alto leather strap, says: “It’s lightweight, has a perfect finish and fits very well. In addition to that, the band is also versatile and will go with most outfits.”
Readham, operator of iGeeks Media, uses the Sports loop and says, “I’ll give it 9/10 for the look and 5/10 for the comfort.”
At $59.99, this band does it right. It is versatile and goes with a variety of outfits. Some people find it convenient, some don’t; it’s subjective. But for the price, it’s a great addition to your Apple Watch band collection.
pros
- Made from the highest quality leather (Full-grain).
- Sleek and elegant
- Versatility in terms of clothing selection
Minuses
- Not everyone can be comfortable
Price: $59.99
4. Leather Edition – AirPods Pro Case
While your AirPods Pro battery will drain over time, I can assure you that this AirPods Pro Leather Case will look better over time. And this case is one of the few that demonstrate how defense and style can go hand in hand.
Assembly and design
Like I said, this AirPods Pro case from Sandmarc demonstrates how protection and style can go hand in hand. And while we’re on the subject of hands, the case also comes with a wrist strap in the same shade (brown in my case) as the real leather on the outside of the case, which ages gracefully over time.
I have to give credit, especially when Sandmarc has paid so much attention to detail that the hooks that connect the AirPods Pro case to the wrist strap have a dark gray finish. This subtle touch ensures that the hooks harmonize with the aesthetics of the case.
The interior padding has a microfiber trim on the top side of both parts of the case and also holds the plastic case to the bottom to help the case stay in place. The leather case does not interfere with the normal opening and closing mechanism of the AirPods case, and the cutout of the case does not feel rough at all.
While the charging port cutout is not geometrically accurate, the edges are smooth and there is plenty of room to plug in a lighting cable. There is also a small hole for the LED battery indicator. All this without loss on wireless charging is commendable.
With all that said, this Leather Case for AirPods Pro is $39.99 and well worth the money if you want to personalize your AirPods without bulking up the device.
While protection against accidental drops won’t be essential, that’s not what the product is designed for. If you want to avoid scratches and aging of your AirPods case while still adding a touch of class to your AirPods, you can’t go wrong with this case.
pros
- Made from the highest quality leather (Full-grain).
- Precise cutouts
- Wrist strap included
- Smooth
Minuses
- Minimum fall protection
Price: $39.99
5. Keychain AirTag
AirTag protects your devices, keys, and more by helping you find everything you have attached to your AirTag. So, protecting your AirTags is also essential. And while we’re talking AirTag protection, why not do it in style with an AirTag leather keychain.
Assembly and design
Like all products in Sandmarc’s Leather Collection, this AirTag Leather Edition key chain is also made from genuine leather inside out. By now, you are well aware of the benefits of full grain leather, and you can expect the same patina and creases in the end, which will improve the appearance of the keychain over time.
You can insert the AirTag by opening the zipper. The zipper has a dark gray finish. The hook is also in the same shade; Believe me; these subtle additions make a huge difference. The lock and push button closure mechanism is so satisfying that you have to use it to find out how it feels.
In terms of security, the AirTag Leather Edition keychain includes the entire AirTag without exposing any part, unlike Apple’s offering. This way the AirTag will not be visible but will always be protected. What’s more, I assure you, it will look amazing if kept with a bunch of keys.
There is not much to complain about the Sandmarc keychain as it meets most requirements. Plus, it’s cheaper than what Apple offers. And it also offers comparatively more protection. A single AirTag costs $29.99, while the leather version, the AirTag key chain, also costs $29.99. Sounds like a great deal to me.
pros
- Made from the best quality leather (Full-grain)
- Provides comprehensive protection
- Elegant Design
- Premium finish
Minuses
- There are no significant cons
Price: $29.99
Are the Leather Collection products worth your time and money?
Short answer: yes. And I say this after spending a lot of time with the products mentioned above. I think it’s a collection of sleek, minimalistic yet elegant products. It will be even better if you buy several products and match all cases for your Apple devices. And I’ll say it again, full grain leather feels nicer to the touch than other genuine leather products I’ve touched.
In addition, those who are familiar with leather products will certainly agree that the aging process of genuine leather improves the appearance of products. Most of the products in the line are total bang for your buck. The only product that I found slightly overpriced was the MacBook case, as it is two sheets of leather sewn together. But then again, it’s TWO SHEETS OF WeIN.
Tip: If you have your eye on any of the above products, now is the perfect time to grab a pair of them at a discounted price using our promo code “IGEEKSBLOG”for a 10% discount.