A HISTORY
You know me…I gotta do a little history before I get to the meat of a post. So over the years, well since 2008 and my first iPhone, every iPhone since that time was placed in a protective case immediately upon receipt of my new phone. Since 2008 I have owned every major generation of the iPhone and several cases for each one. I would try and case, not like and try another and so on. Then at some point, the cases started being offered in wood, or at least with a real wood laminate back that could be customized with your own graphic or initials. I have probably owned more than 100 cases for my phones, especially in the beginning. This has allowed me to scrutinize every part of each case and the things that matter most to me.
There’s a lot more to a smartphone case than just a protective covering. Things to consider are customization, materials, wireless compatibility, the liner, durability and even the buttons (for those that have buttons). For my preference, I don’t want a case that is heavy or one that is thick as a brick. I also don’t want one so thin as to not provide any coverage. Finding the right case means it has to look good, be protective and still feel good in your hands. I have had lots of practice with some pretty bad cases, and a few good cases over the years, so I have a good idea what I am looking for when trying to find a suitable case.
LAST YEARS CASE
Last September (2021), I ordered the iPhone 13 Pro Max, and as soon as it was ordered I began my search for a new case. I looked at several wood back cases that could be customized and finally settled on 3 finalists. I ordered one and when it arrived, the look and feel were average, but it would not charge with my wireless charge stand. So I ordered another case from another company, and when it arrived…again it was average and although it worked with wireless charging, the sides of the case (rubber-tpu) was rounded and slippery. I didn’t like it either. I went to my 3rd choice and ordered from Woodgraw. The case arrived about a week (maybe 10 days) later and I was very pleased with the case. This case is made in the Ukraine (no war at that time). The case was fairly lightweight, the edges had a great grip, and the quality of materials used were excellent. But the best thing about this case was the ease at which the buttons worked. I CANNOT STAND a case where the buttons are hard to push or don’t feel good. These were just perfect. I was sold on this case!
Last September (2021), I ordered the iPhone 13 Pro Max, and as soon as it was ordered I began my search for a new case. I looked at several wood back cases that could be customized and finally settled on 3 finalists. I ordered one and when it arrived, the look and feel were average, but it would not charge with my wireless charge stand. So I ordered another case from another company, and when it arrived…again it was average and although it worked with wireless charging, the sides of the case (rubber-tpu) was rounded and slippery. I didn’t like it either. I went to my 3rd choice and ordered from Woodgraw. The case arrived about a week (maybe 10 days) later and I was very pleased with the case. This case is made in the Ukraine (no war at that time). The case was fairly lightweight, the edges had a great grip, and the quality of materials used were excellent. But the best thing about this case was the ease at which the buttons worked. I CANNOT STAND a case where the buttons are hard to push or don’t feel good. These were just perfect. I was sold on this case!
THIS YEARS CASE
Fast forward to the present. In September, just like last year I ordered a new iPhone 14 Pro Max. I immediately contacted this Ukrainian company to make sure they were still in business, and they were although they had to move their operations to a more secure part of Ukraine at the time. I placed my order…HOPING that this new case would be using the same design, the same materials and of course the same buttons. Once I placed the order, the case was completed and sent out in about 48 hours (more on this later).
I knew once I placed the order it would take longer for shipment this time since the war was slowing things down. I ordered (US) a cheap silicone case to protect my phone till the Woodgraw case arrived. However at some point I realized the shipping delays caused by the war would be a fairly long one and I decided to go ahead and order another CUSTOM case from here in the United States. It arrived within a week. The wood looked more like plastic, it had rounded edges and the buttons were stiff…very stiff, and very annoying. I’m impatient…I ordered ANOTHER custom case, and again within a week it arrived. The buttons were stiff, but it wouldn’t charge wirelessly. By now, almost a month had passed since my Woodgraw case was SHIPPED. I could track it, but it was stuck in the Ukrainian port. Finally I just threw the silicone case back on and rolled with it until the Woodgraw case arrived on Friday.
THE REVIEW (finally)
As I opened the box, I was hoping the basic materials and style would be similar to last years case. I was not disappointed at all. Seriously, it was like seeing an old friend. The buttons were smooth as butter, the case fit perfectly and snugly, and the artwork (custom graphic) was outstanding. And this years style also included a felt liner on the inside of the case. I couldn’t have been happier! Also inside the box was a very nice wooden refrigerator magnet imprinted with “Stand with Ukraine” (and I do stand with Ukraine).
Here’s my final analysis of this case:
Build Quality – Excellent, the overall feel in your hand is just comfortable
Materials – Excellent, Rubber and TPU I think.
Buttons – Tactile and Easy to Press
Wireless Chrg – Yes, and this case came with Magsafe, but still compatible with wireless charging.
Graphics – Excellent, the laser burn on this was perfect!
Recommended – 100%
CONCLUSION
Finally, yes this case was worth the cost and definitely worth the wait. I’ll use this case until the iPhone 15 comes out. I’m hoping (hint, hint) Woodgraw will continue with this style of case, paying particular attention to the grippy sides and especially the BUTTONS. Well done Woodgraw. I buy a new phone every year, so I’m changing out cases every year…but if you buy your phone to last a year, or 5 years…this case is DURABLE and will last you the entire life of your phone. TRY THEM…You’ll like them.
ABOUT SHIPPING
NOTE: This was not a paid endorsement, nor was I compensated in anyway. This is my real evaluation of this iPhone case (they also make other brands of cases, and other products). The cost for a custom case is in line with the cost of other custom cases, but the quality of the Woodgraw case far exceeds those other cases. As for the shipping…I’m an impatient guy, but you cannot FAULT the delay in shipping on the company. They shipped this order within 48 hours after I placed the order. If there’s any blame…It’s the war criminal Putin (ooops, excuse the Putin hate). One more thing about the shipping. My order was placed in early September, as we all know (and with the resilience of the Ukrainian people), I think the shipping delays have been shortened to more of a normal time period. And the WAIT IS WORTH IT.
I Gotta Tell Ya 