review – Bellroy has always been a leather wallet company in my mind. It’s clear that over the years they’ve expanded into bags, gadget organization, and other accessories, while continuing to excel in wallets. When Apple introduced MagSafe and its compatible wallets, I was immediately intrigued and subsequently disappointed by the magnetic and challenge of extracting the card from the wallet. Somehow I missed Bellroy’s Mod Case + Wallet for the iPhone 12 series, but lo and behold, the iPhone 13 version has a different style of wallet, and it looks like it might just address my grievances with Apple products. Let’s see.
What is it?
The Bellroy Mod Case + Wallet works with the iPhone 13, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max and pairs the beautiful leather case with a matching magnetic wallet that holds 3 cards. A unique registration feature between the two helps the magnetic attachment keep the wallet securely attached.
What’s in the bag?
- Bellroy Mod Case for iPhone 13 Pro
- against wallet
glasses
phone case:
- Ultra-thin leather with protective polymer edges and microfiber lining
- Compatible with iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Magnetic ModRails securely attach detachable wallet to phone case
- Compatible with MagSafe charging (remove wallet)
- aspect: 75 x 151 x 12.5mm
- 3 year warranty
wallet:
- Slim wallet holds up to 3 cards
- Leather with protective polymer edges and microfiber lining
- Magnetic trapdoor keeps cards securely hidden and easily accessible
- aspect: 68 x 98 x 8.5mm
- 3 year warranty
Design and Features
Bellroy’s Mod Case seamlessly blends leather and polymer sides, with only the color break suggesting a material change.
In the photo above, the thin white strip you see between the wallet and the case is a thin layer of paper that helps keep the leather perfect until you use it for the first time. Inside the vibrant blue microfiber, the lining protects the back of your phone, with a slightly recessed circle to tease MagSafe compatibility. A single button is pressed and snaps to the side of the case, resulting in a very nice feel at startup. The port and mute switch openings are also precise.
The wallet sits right below the iPhone 13 Pros’ larger camera group, which makes it difficult to dislodge, especially with magnetic assistance.
On the back, there are two functions dedicated to connecting the wallet. Bellroy calls them Magnetic ModRails. They are grooved channels that match the front features on the back of the wallet. With the wallet removed, the case is fully MagSafe compatible and works with the charger and MagSafe mount.
Below are the corresponding functions on the wallet. The top is harder to see because it’s hidden at the top edge.
The wallet holds 3 standard cards and has a cool magnetic door to lock the cards inside.
The front of the case has a slight lip that sits just above the height of the screen protector, but does a good job of protecting it from a face-down placement on a flat surface without interfering with the screen sliding.
set up
- Press your phone into the case and slide your 3 favorite cards into the wallet.
- To connect the wallet, simply place the door on the back of the phone, with the door facing to the right. As you get closer, the magnets will take over.
Performance
So I definitely said this before in the review, but when an accessory fits so well and functions so well, it fits together so seamlessly that you kind of forget you’re using it. This is definitely the case with Mod phone cases. Pushing a button is as easy as running the phone without the case. The leather feels great and blends into the corners in a way that welcomes your hand. In fact, the closest thing to the edge is the little bump on the purse door. It makes finding and opening card access so fast that any sharpness is forgivable.
The same lip is actually the easiest way to get the wallet out of the case because it fits snugly to the case. The door uses a living hinge, which is held in the closed position with the help of magnets, so you actually hold it open when you remove the card, and close as soon as you release it.
You might be able to get 2 credit cards and 2 thinner cards like ID and Medicare, but don’t force it because it’s hard to pinch out a stuck card. With 3 cards, you just use your thumb and swipe. If your cards still have embossed numbers, you may need to flip/rotate the stacks to keep them as thin as possible.
After running this combo for over a month, I can confidently say this is the best slim phone wallet I’ve ever used. Easily removable to install/charge your phone, or just put your wallet in the front pocket when you need it. The leather hardly looks worn after that time, I really like the obsidian color like dark navy. Bellroy is also available in Black, Cobalt, Lagoon, Terracotta and Citrus. Note that the Lagoon and Citrus have more pebbled leather finishes.
what do I like
- Case fit, feel and button action
- Magnetic ModRail System Retention Ability – Wallet Won’t Move Until You Want It
- Security of Cards in Wallets
what would i change
final thoughts
If you like the minimalism of a 3-card wallet that connects to your phone, you won’t find a better way to do it than Bellroy’s Mod Case. The ModRail system provides extra security to keep the wallet on the phone while still making card retrieval easy. It’s easy to remove when you don’t want your wallet and need to charge or mount your phone. Well done Belroy. well done.
price: $99.00
where to buy: Bellroy and Amazon
source: This product sample is provided by Bellroy
