Grovemade Maple iPhone Case is Distinctive
This incredible Maple iPhone Case from Grovemade is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cases I’ve ever experienced. Carefully crafted in Oregon from maple and handworked to perfection, it’s a beauty. The case is hand-sanded, oiled, and feels amazing to touch. However, it may have some drawbacks for some potential customers that need to be considered before purchasing.
The case is composed of two pieces; one piece is a bumper that gives full coverage on every edge. The second piece is a back cover that adheres directly to the back of the iPhone rather than to the other part of the case.
The Facts
What I Liked
There is just no substitute for the color, feel, warmth, and overall look of wood. Grovemade starts with high-quality wood and constructs what is frankly a work of art. The corners are perfectly rounded and fit together smoothly. The camera, speakers, and each port have precision cut-outs for unhindered use. The sleep/wake and volume buttons get wooden button covers to operate them within the case.
The case itself is lightweight, yet offers all-around protection. A sturdy lip around the iPhone screen gives face-down protection.
What I Didn't Like
The biggest issue I have with this case is that the back panel has a single-use adhesive affixed. For someone like myself who changes her case frequently, this isn’t ideal. If you’re strictly a one-case guy/gal, then it’s not likely to be a problem for you. You also might be able to re-use the back panel if you carefully place it back on the plastic it came on, but that’s not guaranteed.
Another issue I have with this case is that the Ring/Silent switch ‘s hard to access. I keep my nails at a medium length for a woman, and luckily they are pretty strong, but I had to struggle to access that switch with a pinky nail. If you don’t have nails, you may need an actual tool to get in there and flip that switch.
Keep in mind that wood has some natural limitations. A wood case may not offer quite as much drop protection as the same type of case made from TPU or silicone. Wood products are not meant to get wet, so if your iPhone takes a swim, the case may be warped beyond usefulness. This is certainly not an inexpensive case.
Bottom Line
If you’re a fan of wood, you won’t find a more alluring case than Grovemade’s Maple iPhone Case. It looks just as charming in walnut. Expert craftsmanship and nature’s best materials make for a great case that is a joy to behold.
However, it’s not a perfect iPhone case. It can’t be taken on and off repeatedly because the back panel directly adheres to the phone. It’s not waterproof, and it may offer less drop protection than cases made from other materials. The Ring/Silent switch is also difficult to access.
If those trade-offs don’t bother you, then this beauty could be the perfect case for you. You can purchase one on Grovemade’s website for any iPhone model from the iPhone SE up to the current models for $99.00. It’s available in two different kinds of wood, maple or walnut.