JisonCase - Huawei Mate 9 Smartphone Cases product reviews

It's not often I get excited about a phone cover... mainly because I normally don't see the point in buying something that offers a protective service that I don't need. I look after my phones because I like the higher end models and they are not cheap to replace. However, I do use the cases that are supplied with the handsets despite them usually being hard plastic and less than aesthetically pleasing. When I was offered a chance to test a leather case, well... that is something that doesn't come around very often and I have to admit, I was curious to see what, if anything, it could add to my phone-use experience.

I got two cases - a mid-range blue and a standard black - and the first thing I noticed was that they are made from a single, shaped piece of leather. No ugly seams to catch a nail on or to get burred by use. With the curved corners, I was willing to accept a bit of folding, pleating or even puckering, but there was no evidence of that either, it was very well moulded. I then noticed that, while there was a neat cutaway along the bottom edge to allow for the power plug and also leave the speakers and microphone free, there was no cutaway on the side for the buttons. I was concerned, until I spotted the embedded buttons built right into the case, positioned perfectly to sit over, and allow easy manipulation of, the power and volume buttons. At this point, I was already starting to become impressed. The cutaway in the back for the camera, flash, sensor and fingerprint scanner is also perfectly cut and positioned, allowing easy access but without being oversized and presenting too much extra surface for potential damage.

I have now had the case on my phone for 2 weeks - a small timeframe to be sure, but usually more than enough time for me to detect any wear or faulty workmanship. By this stage, I am usually seeing some scratches appearing on the hardshells, but the leather case I used for testing - the blue one - showed no signs of obvious damage and seemed to offer a few extra perks I hadn't considered.

When I have the plastic shells on, and try to use my phone one-handed by leaving it on the desk beside me, it tends to slide around a lot making simple tasks like swiping the screen to unlock or dismiss a notification a complex dance of balancing the various friction forces. The leather case held my phone in place securely, allowing me to use the phone as easily one-handed as I would when holding it - this turned out to be its biggest selling-point for me. Productivity increased, annoyance decreased, and the nett result was that using my phone at my desk became a pleasure instead of a chore.

Slipping the case on to the phone was quite easy - I had to position it over the power and volume buttons first to avoid damaging them but that was a simple matter - you have to start at one corner anyway so it made sense to start there - and it clipped quickly and securely into place. Getting the case off, not so easy though. Again, a selling-point in my book as I don't want a case that falls away if I breathe too hard or drop the phone.

Speaking of dropping the phone, it is important to note that this style of case offers no screen protection. It is a half-shell only, not a full folder-style case. For me, that's ideal and exactly what I prefer, but for others it may be a turn-off depending on your needs and preferences. There are folder-style cases for other phones available, just not for the Huawei range of phones. Still, investing in a sturdy screen guard is a good plan anyway, regardless of which case style you use.

Overall, this is one beautiful accessory, sure to please and impress. Available in four colours including red and standard leather-beige, you should be able to find one that suits your needs, and your style. Surprisingly, after trying the black and the blue, I found the blue to be the most appealing for me... something that actually took me by surprise, considering the predominant colour of almost everything I own is black because brighter colours just don't suit me. Specials are not uncommon on their website, so be prepared to get a great deal if you time it right!