Tested: Peak Design’s Clarino leather iPhone 16 case – almost suede-like with beautiful molded buttons

We have been covering the Peak Design Everyday canvas cases around here for at least a few years now, but this year it has introduced a whole new model made of a vegan Clarino Leather. How does it stand up against the bevy of vegan leather out there? Did the brand right its wrongs from last year’s Action Button mishap? The short answers are it’s very good and yes, it very much did. Scope out our hands-on impressions below.

You’re reading Tested with Electronicsforward, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Hands-on with the Peak Design Clarino iPhone 16 case

The Peak Design EverydayClarino iPhone 16 Case comes in three colorways, a soft white Bone color, black, and the tan model you see on display here. It carries a $59.95 MSRP. 

A MagSafe-compatible phone case with the perfect balance of slimness, smart aesthetics, and protection, plus it brilliantly connects to the entire Peak Design Mobile Ecosystem. It’s a case with zero compromise

Features at a glance

• Vegan Clarino Leather build
• Gorgeous molded button covers
• Ultralight polycarbonate body
• Rubberized TPU bumper
• High-strength ceramic locking ring (yttria stabilized zirconia)

Electronicsforward’ Take

We have Tested out Peak Design’s Everyday fabric canvas-style case a few times over as many years – it’s a solid option, so this time around we thought we would check out the brand’s first foray into the vegan leather space with its new Clarino case for iPhone 16. 

Much of the same design approach applies to this model as we have seen the past for the brand’s other Everyday cases, most notably the SlimLink connection system that rests just atop the in-built MagSafe array around the back of the case. This system is once again in place on the Everyday Clarino model, effectively doubling down at the MagSafe action when it comes to connecting to the brand’s plethora of car mounts, motorcycle add-ons, tripods and so on…it very much works much the same as year’s past, and equally as good. 

The real change on this case, of course, is the brand’s use of Clarino leather. While I was in the past, and still am to this day, a fan of the brand’s fabric treatment, I was keen to get hands-on with the special brand of vegan leather, and I’m happy I did – it’s quite nice. 

For those who prefer a leather-like finish, the Clarino vegan leather provides the look and feel of soft premium leather, while being highly weatherproof, abrasion-resistant, and made from post-industrial waste materials. This option offers a sustainable alternative that maintains both durability and style.

Whereas most vegan or synthetic leathers take on a more rubbery, plastic-type of feel, the Clarino in place here is something mostly different. It does have a bit of a rubbery vibe, but if most vegan leathers are trying to be more like your typical full-grain leather, this one leans more towards an almost suede type of leather vibe. It’s not quite that soft and furry (if you know what I mean), but it’s the closest thing to it I have Tested out on a case like this…I like it quite a lot. 

I wish this Clarino leather wrapped entirely around the sides of the case as opposed to giving way to a matching rubber-like material, but it’s not a deal breaker for me personally. The colors match up nicely and it does add a touch of interest to overall look, but I’d still rather we had the full wrap here. 

While this rubbery edge wraps around the sides, top, and bottom of the phone with a tiny bit too much heft for my taste, we are once again talking a game of millimeters here, quite possibly just 1mm. It’s also worth noting that while it might appear as though the case’s bezel sticks out a bit too much for the screen because of this slightly fatter wrap-around approach, it very much does not – there’s just enough of a raised bezel for table top protection, but not nearly enough to be annoying or ugly. 

One place the iPhone 15 series Peak Design cases, at least initially, faltered, was in its treatment of the Action Button…there wasn’t one. It just opted for a cutout and it was a little bit disappointing for folks (the brand issued refunds and store credit though so, good on them). This time around, when it comes to the Action Button, volume buttons, and power button, the brand has absolutely nailed it – these things are gorgeous. 

On the sort of tan-colored model you see in this review, the brand is using a sort of golden, coppery-like color for the metal button covers here, and it looks gorgeous. There’s even a very subtle etching detail on all four of them that both looks and feels totally premium. I really love the button treatment here. 

This, of course, leads us to the Camera Control situation. Like just about all case makers this year, Peak Design has opted for a cutout. Unlike most case makers this year though, it has done it right. We have seen more than a few brands get the cutout right, leaving the naked Camera Control entirely accessible and functional, and you can add the Peak Design Everyday Case in Clarino Leather to the list.  

There’s a subtle rounded cutout here with sloped sides all the way around the Camera Control button and, at least for me, leaves the button entirely useable both in terms of the single press and sliding gesture, as well as the subtle double press action. While I prefer the look of a complete 3/4 cutout like Nomad’s Traditional Leather case, this one works just as good in terms of its functionality. 

A solid Camera Control cutout, absolutely gorgeous buttons, and an almost suede-like, animal-friendly leather are the real highlights here. Add in the SlimLink design system for even stronger connection to its accessories, and you’re looking at a real winner providing you don’t mind the rubberized edges and a (very) slightly fatter bezel than some. 

Buy the Peak Design Everyday Clarino Leather iPhone 16 Case

Subscribe to the Electronicsforward YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!