Have I mentioned I’m a huge fan of SENA’s premium leather cases? Well I am. Before I even had my iPhone 5, I ordered a SENA Ultraslim for it - the same pouch I had trusted to protect my iPhone 4S. While I prefer the Ultraslim for its simplicity, I’m always interested to check out SENA’s other wares, like this Walletbook case for the iPhone 5.

The SENA Walletbook case, like all of their products, is extremely well crafted. Being a wallet case, the Walletbook features a foldable design, with a leather strap and clip button to keep it closed. The button in particular feels like it’s well attached to the leather, so no need to worry about it coming loose or falling off.

The exterior design of the Walletbook is very clean and simple, which I like. While I prefer black, I have to admit the white leather is quite stunning and elegant, and the “crocodile” finish adds a nice texture to the case. Aside from the clasp, the only exterior feature is a small camera cutout on the back.

Inside the Walletbook, you’ll find a spot for your iPhone 5 on the right, as well as 2 card slots and an ID card slot on the left - it is a wallet, after all. As for the card slots, I will say they were a little stiff and tight at first, but like any good leather wallet or SENA case, they will break in and loosen up over time. The first slot on the card side also features a transparent plastic window for displaying your ID - a nice touch. On the right it where you’ll put your iPhone 5, and this is where I have most of my complaints about the Walletbook.

While it’s a nicely designed and well built case, I’m not crazy about the way my iPhone 5 looked inside. Maybe it’s because I was using my black iPhone in a white case, or maybe I’m just too critical of smartphone cases, but I just did’t like the way it looked. I’m not a fan of cases where the material wraps around to the front of the device, as this one does on the top and bottom of the iPhone. In addition, the leather cutout for the Home button along the bottom isn’t quite large enough. The edge of the leather covers up the very bottom part of the Home button, making slightly difficult to press.

SENA has ensured that all ports and buttons are accessible while your iPhone is inside the Walletbook, and they’ve even embossed tiny + and - symbols on the left edge that covers the volume keys. Thankfully, unlike some cases, the leather edges of the Walletbook don’t wrap around the front of the device like the top and bottom do, which makes it much easier to touch the very edge of the screen when typing.

Speaking of typing, I have another complaint about the Walletbook - really any type of case with a flip cover. How are you supposed to type with the cover open? Do you flip it around back like a book? Unfortunately, the Walletbook’s cover doesn’t fold back all the way, which does make it a little awkward to hold while typing.

As for protection, the Walletbook is a fairly lightweight and thin case. It will do fine at protecting your iPhone from minor bumps and scratches, but I wouldn’t trust it to protect my phone if I dropped it. Likewise, most of the edges of the iPhone 5 remain uncovered in the Walletbook, so throwing it in a backpack or purse with other items - like keys - may result in some scratches or scuffs.

Personally, I’m not crazy about wallet style cases, which may be why the bulk of this review has been negative. I’m just not a fan of having to clip and unclip the button all the time, and I don’t really like the way the leather covers up my iPhone. However, cases are mostly about looks, and if you do like the design of the Walletbook, you won’t regret picking one up. SENA’s leather craftsmanship is unmatched, and for $55, the Walletbook is an affordable premium case.

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