I’ve reviewed a number of iPhone wallet cases this year, and I’ve already mentioned that I’m a fan of combining my device with my credit cards and cash so that I can leave my bulky billfold at home. But the Q Card Case from CM4 is a little different to those I’ve already taken a look at.
First, it’s not a leather folio that looks a little like a book. Instead, it’s made mostly from rubber — like a lot of simple iPhone cases — and it features a leather pocket on its rear that comfortably holds up to three cards, plus a few bills.
That simple, soft-touch design means it’s not as bulky as traditional leather wallet cases — despite holding the same number of cards as most — and it’ll slip easily into and out of your pockets.
The Good
The Q Card Case (which I will refer to as “Q” from now on for the sake of convenience) is a refreshing change from those traditional leather wallet cases I’ve already mentioned. When you look at it from the front, there’s no way of knowing this case is any different to those simple rubber cases you can pick up from almost anywhere these days.
It looks just as stylish, and it looks just as subtle, and it’s slim, sleek, and lightweight.
One of the advantages to this design, at least for me, is that there is no front. You don’t need to worry about opening a cover every time you need to take a call, and you don’t need to worry about what to do with that cover when you want to reply to text messages, or emails, or do anything with your iPhone’s keyboard.
Of course, this could be a bad thing for you, because it means there’s no protection for the front of your device. Sure, Q comes with a “lay-flat Screen Guard” (screen protector) that will protect your display from scratches, but that’s not going to stop your iPhone shattering when you drop it face-first on your driveway.
Q’s design means that your credit cards and cash are easy to access. Instead of housing them inside the case, Q holds them in a leather pocket at the back of the case. There’s space for three, comfortably, but as the leather stretches over time, you could possibly fit another one or two in there.
With just three cards inside, Q’s pocket is tight enough to keep everything safely secured, so there’s no need to worry it’s all going to fall out while you’re waiting in line at Starbucks. Don’t worry about it being too tight, either; there’s a small cutout in the leather that allows you to slide your cards out with your thumb.
The Bad
You know, I could be picky and complain about really inconsequential things, like the fact that the Q case is ever so slightly bulkier than standard iPhone cases, or that it’s more expensive at $40. But there’s really nothing bad about the Q — it’s just a rubber case that has a pocket for your credit cards. And so whether or not it’s worth your money will all depend on your tastes.
The Verdict
If you like leather wallet cases, you won’t like the Q, because it’s not nearly as pretty or as sophisticated. But if those bulky leather solutions just seem too unnecessary for you, then the Q is a terrific alternative.
It’s basic, but it does the job it’s intended to do, and it does it well. And the fact that I really couldn’t pick fault with this case tells you everything you need to know.
[xrr rating = 80%]
