Cellet iPhone 4/4s belt clip review

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During the 90’s, when cell phones were becoming all the rage, the belt clip for phones became a status symbol of sorts. Since phones started out so large that they wouldn’t fit in a pocket, clipping them to a belt (or hiding them in a fanny pack) was an acceptable way to transport them. Even today though, when a smart phone is thinner than a pack of cards and not much larger (in many cases), some people prefer to have their phone clipped to their belt. On cooler days when I wear jeans to work, I usually use a belt clip for my phone, since my work shirt has no pocket. That’s why I was excited to test out the Cellet Leather iPhone belt clip case from the folks at the Wireless Emporium.

Note: Images can be clicked or tapped for a larger version.

The Cellet case is a leather pocket case that is designed to stay on your belt or waistband, and you take the phone out of for use. The outside is a black smooth glove leather measuring 2.5″ x 4.5″ x .75″ The interior is a light brown leather of similar texture, and the case is stitched together with a single-needle top stitch. The edges where the two leathers meet are all folded under, giving a very smooth and well-finished appearance.

Fit, finish and stitching are all first rate.
Fit, finish and stitching are all first rate.

The front of the case closes with a magnetic snap button made of a silver polished metal. On the back are two different types of belt clips. One is sewn on and snaps on the top flap. The other snaps into a bracket that is sewn into the space between the sewn-in attachment strips. (See photo, below.)

Top of case with sewn-on belt strap unsnapped.
Top of case with sewn-on belt strap unsnapped.
Back of case with belt clip removed.
Back of case with belt clip removed.

The case is snug, and the iPhone will only fit in one way. When it first arrived, I tried putting my iPhone 4S in and was sure the case was not designed for the 4s, because my phone kept going into shutdown mode. This was because I had it turned so that the top (sleep/wake) button was being pressed by the side panels of the case. Once I flipped it over, things were just fine – except that it takes two hands to remove the phone from the case. The fit is really tight.

Putting it in backwards will force your phone to shut off. Not good.
Putting it in backwards will force your phone to shut off. Not good.

Also, since the Cellet is so form-fitting, no other case can be used on your iPhone. While some folks may like this, I’m not a fan. Plus, when it’s this hard to remove your device from the belt case, there’s a greater possibility that you’ll have it slip out of your grip.

Phone must be inserted with sleep/wake button facing to the left of flap. If you wear it on your right, it's going to feel upside-down.
Phone must be inserted with sleep/wake button facing to the left of flap. If you wear it on your right, it’s going to feel upside-down.

I really wanted to love this case, but the combination of being so very tight with not letting me use a case was a deal breaker. If neither of these things matter to you, it may be just the thing.

 

Product Information

Price:currently on sale for $18
Manufacturer:Cellet
Retailer:Wireless Emporium
Requirements:
  • iPhone 4 or iPhone 4s, belt or waistband to clip onto
Pros:
  • Nicely made - good, tight stitching and finish
  • Pleasing color combination
  • Protective - heavy doubled leather will protect phone if anything hits it or if the case falls off
Cons:
  • Far too tight - phone cannot be removed with one hand
  • Only one orientation works. Others shut phone off
  • No other case can be used, so phone is naked when in use

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