Yesterday, I posted up about the JisonCase Classic Smart Case for the iPad Mini and noted how much I liked it. Well, today I have that same case, but in their more premium material, the Vintage Leather Smart Case. This case looks almost identical to the previous case except that it is made from premium natural cow leather. What this means is that it feels much different from leatherette and has an entirely different look to it as well. The natural cow leather has a much different grain than the previous case and if you’re a fan of real leather, it has that real leather smell as well.

Design

Much of this review is identical to the previous review for the Classic Smart Case except for portions that describe the leather.

The JisonCase Vintage Leather Smart Case provides complete protection for your iPad Mini. It is very similar to the Classic Smart Case I looked at earlier except that this case features real natural cow leather instead of leatherette. It is a hard case with a smart cover permanently attached to it. I’ve seen a few cases of this type before, but not one of this quality or build. Unlike others, the hard shell is completely wrapped in leather. It is not a thin sheet either and has a good thickness to it that you can feel. This gives the case a soft, slightly cushion-like feel to it. This case is textured differently from the Classic Smart Case and is a bit smoother. What’s interesting here is that the material is not stitched into the case itself. Instead, it seems to use bookbinding techniques in which it is wrapped around the case tightly using some kind of adhesive and even wraps around the edges of the case. The interior of the case is then finished off in the same fashion with a soft, inner lining that protects you iPad Mini from scratches.

The case itself is a simple, snap on type design in which you just snap the iPad Mini into it. It provides good protection all around and protects both edges and corners. It has cutouts for top mic, audio jack, mute switch on the right, the bottom speakers and Lightning Port, and the rear camera. Notice I left out the volume buttons and sleep/wake button because these are actually covered up the leatherette material. The holes are still there but are covered up for extra protection. You basically have to feel for these to use them but it does not hinder their usage at all.

Moving on to the smart cover, like I said before, it is permanently attached to the case. It is designed just like the official Apple Smart Cover and is hinged so that it can be folded into a stand. Like the real Smart Cover too, there are magnets embedded in it that allow for the iPad’s automatic sleep/wake function. Like the rear shell, it too is wrapped in leather and in the same bookbinding technique. The interior too is lined with the same soft material for scratch prevention. On the front of the cover, JisonCase has included a tiny metal plaque of their logo which adds a bit of elegance to it.

Because this case is made of real leather, it has that distinct leather smell to it that the Classic case does not have. Also, like with most leather products, I believe that the case will look better and better over time with age and usage. This is again, something that only real leather can do.

Features

• High quality Genuine Cow Leather. Vintage style.
• Handcrafted with no stitching. For iPad mini ONLY.
• Full edge mount on Top and Bottom edges.
• Curved fit on all edges and corners for full protection.
• Internal lining protects from scratches.
• Integrated 2 position stand function to view/type in different angles.
• Magnetic smart cover design allows wake up and sleep instantly.
• Covered power and volume buttons for better protection.
• Clear access to headphone jack, USB port, camera lens and mute button.

Final Thoughts

Like the Classic Smart Case, the Vintage Leather Smart Case is very well made. It is a premium case however and costs a bit more than the Classic. This is due to the use of real leather, but in all honesty, I like the real leather case a lot more as it has a more distinct look to it and I really like the smell of real leather. But, quality wise, it’s about the same as the Classic Smart Case so if you want to save some money, go for that one. If you want something more premium, buy this one.

The JisonCase Vintage Leather Smart Case for the iPad Mini can be purchased directly from JisonCase’s site here. The case is available in 3 different colors for $94.99 which is a good price for a case of this type, material, and quality. As a bonus, we have a $10 off coupon that you can apply to your order. Just use the code BYOUTUBE2013 at checkout. It’s good for 2013.

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