Noreve Nokia Lumia 930 Leather Case Review - Papaye
Our good friend, Julien, at Noreve has asked if we would like to review their leather case for the new Nokia Lumia 930. Naturally we jumped at the chance as Noreve have a fantastic history of producing wonderfully made cases. Special thanks go out to Sarah for obliging us on a change of colour and providing this wonderful Papaye-coloured example.
Supplier: Noreve
Model: Tradition B 21283TB31 (NL930 Ambition Leather Case in Papaye)
Colours: Black ex-stock, others on demand in 14 days (such as this stunning Papaye-coloured example in Ambition finish)
Price: from €54.90 (Tradition is slightly cheaper but the Tradition B has the rear kickstand)
Shipping: Free
Note: Although this review is specifically for the Nokia Lumia 930, the case is very similar in style to the examples for the Nokia Lumia 920/925 and are recommended for investigation if you have one of these devices. The Nokia Lumia 1020 is also covered too.
The Packaging
Noreve always supply the case inside a lovely toughened cardboard box in black and red this time. It contains the company logo and the name and exotic location (something that always sends a little tingle of excitement up my spine). Within the box is a bright red bag to protect the case further whilst in transit or should you wish to store and protect it after delivery.
The Case
This is a leather case and I must say the leather used is exceptional. Wonderfully grained and lovely to hold in the hand. No cheap and nasty stuff here. The Noreve emblem (not logo) is fitted in the lower right corner of the front panel in a mixture of brushed and shiny chrome effect materials. Simple but elegant. Also on the front is the leather flap containing and covering the metallic and magnetic fixing for holding the case shut when being carried.
The rear panel contains the various cutouts for camera/flash, speaker and two microphone holes. There is also a strengthened panel where the kickstand sits. The kickstand is securely fixed in place with a stud for when not in use and to prevent it flapping around. To open up the kickstand, insert your thumb or finger into the recess on the right and click it out. It is held firmly in position with a securely stitched piece of black fabric.
The inside doesn't get left out either when it comes to attention or reminding you who manufactured the case! The Noreve name is repeatedly moulded into the inner lining. Between the inner and outer is a very strong layer of material that provides the case strength and integrity. Again the fit and finish are faultless. This is a side opening case unlike the 920 Tradition which is bottom hinged. This feels far more rigid than the 920 case (not that it was flexible in any way) but this really is a tough case and will offer great protection for your valued 930.
As you can probably tell, all the cut-outs are well catered for on the 930 with easy access to the heaphone socket at the top, MicroUSB connector on the bottom and the volume, on/off and camera buttons on the right. The stitching is also noteworthy and finished superbly and, in this example, in a complimentary colour to the Papaye.
In Use
Tactility is an intangible thing but this case has a lovely texture! The leather is nicely grained and grippy so little real likelihood of it slipping from your fingers. It feels like a luxury item and very protective.
To insert the 930, simply push the right side in to the case and press the left hand side down. Simplicity itself, although it is a tight fit. No complicated slide or catching mechanism. It holds the phone securely and there is absolutely no feeling that it could come loose or fall out. Extraction is a matter of inserting a small amount of pressure in the top left corner to free the left hand side of the phone and lift out.
When a call comes in, it is a simple matter of flipping the front clasp open and folding back the front cover and it naturally swings away allowing full access to the screen. I couldn't do this one-handed as I could with the bottom hinged Tradition case for the 920 but it's no issue as you then have to accept the call anyway.
There was no option for a belt clip on this case due to it having a kickstand. I didn't miss one. The Nokia Lumia 930 is a relatively large device and would feel awkward attached to a belt in my opinion. I would rather have the kickstand so I can sit the device on the desk and interact with it.
Inside the front cover are three slots - two for credit cards and placed horizontally and a third positioned lengthwise to allow longer items such as receipts or paper money to be carried.
I have and still use my 920 Tradition case in Black (review here) on a daily basis and I still enjoy the feel of it in my hand and I expect this to be the same over time.
Conclusion
Noreve make wonderful cases. It's as simple as that. The quality of the workmanship and materials are exemplary and on a par with, dare I say, Piel Frama who tend to be more expensive. The leather is exceptional and lovely to touch. When you interact with your device often, this makes a difference and one worth paying for.
Whilst on the subject of price, I think these cases are great value. They are not cheap but then they are hand made and of wonderful materials not cheap plastic covers. That value extends to the fact shipping is included in the cost. Well done, Noreve!
Customisation and personalisation are also one of Noreve's strong points - want a Black case with a Papaye interior - certainly sir! The website allows for you to pick a variety of finishes in a variety of colours and then mix elements if you want to (for a small fee).
Lovely materials, nicely grained leather and grippy
Fantastic workmanship
Great Value - price includes shipping
Kickstand (on Tradition B variant) for allowing you to stand your device on a desk (horizontally)
Sturdy and strong so great protection
Doesn't add much bulk or weight to what many regard as a large and relatively heavy phone anyway
No one-handed opening and call acceptance
Very stiff inner so getting the phone out takes a little practise
This is a close up of the leather quality and grain...
