Review of the Pela iPhone case: Protect your iPhone and the Environment

You may have noticed a trend in phone cases that claim to be made from sustainable or recycled materials (or “greenwashing”), if you’ve been looking at them lately. Every company wants to appear more environmentally-friendly, right? However, these cases will not completely degrade if they are thrown away because they are still made from plastic or silicone.

Enter the Pela case. Flaxstic material by Pela is made of starch-based products as well as flax shive. It is largely plant-based. And unlike other cases that claim to be “biodegradable,” a Pela case is actually fully compostable in under six months, making it a super environmentally-friendly case choice.

I was able test the Pela case. It is a great case that I feel confident about using with my iPhone 5.

Pela makes cases that fit all models, including the iPhone 5/5s/SE and the iPhone 13 line, which is undoubtedly the best iPhone. Pela cases are also available for the Google Pixel series and Samsung Galaxy lineups, Huawei P50/Pro and OnePlus 9. Prices vary depending on which model you are buying, but can range from $42-60. Pela cases can be purchased directly from Pela’s site. You can also find some models and colors on Amazon or Best Buy, at even lower prices than Pela directly. There are many different designs and colors to choose from.

Pela iPhone Case: Protective case that completely breaks down when you’re done.

I’ve reviewed a number of phone cases since I joined iMore. They claim to use recycled plastics and other sustainable materials. They still use plastic, however. The Pela case is distinctive because it does not use plastic. It is made of flax and starch-based starch shives. The result is a bioplastic plastic elastomer Pela calls Flaxstic, which completely breaks down without leaving any toxic residues. Pela cases can actually be completely broken down in your compost in six months. Other “biodegradables” will remain mostly intact.

The Pela iPhone Case is the only one that completely breaks down in compost. It takes less than six months.

The Pela case is soft-touch and velvety due to the Flaxstic, which has starch-based materials. It may also appear matte, which could lead to oily smudges. It is similar to the silicone cases I have used, but without the sticky feeling. I carry my phone in my pocket, and so far haven’t had any issues with lint or debris getting into the case. The case is extremely flexible so it’s easy to take it off and on when needed.

One might be concerned that Pela cases are not as protective than hardshell plastic ones. It isn’t true. Flax shive, which is one of many plant-based materials, is a byproduct of wheat. Flax shive is used to absorb shock from impacts or drops. I’ve dropped my iPhone 13 Pro around the house using the Pela cover, and it has held up well. My iPhone 13 Pro’s case has not suffered any scratches and is still in great condition.

For iPhone 13 models, the interior has a square area where the magnets should go. For $5 more, you can add a MagSafe Module to your Pela iPhone 13 Case. This allows you to simply place the MagSafe Module in the space provided. Your Pela case will now work with all your MagSafe accessories. This module is completely optional. You can skip the module if MagSafe is not required. MagSafe costs only $5, and MagSafe is not $10 for a different case, as many other brands charge.

I’ve tried many phone cases over the years and my biggest pet peeve is cases that make it hard or too squishy to press buttons. I like the perfect balance of tactile feedback and click. Although the Pela case has larger buttons covers than I have seen, the case still gives you that tactile sensation when you press the buttons.

There are also precise cutouts to accommodate the charging ports, speakers, and cameras as well as the mute switch. The toggle for mutes is very easy to reach because it’s so shallow. The camera cutout does not stick out as much, so there is some wobble when the screen is touched on a flat surface. It’s not bad at all, and it’s stable enough for most people. The charging port opening is large enough that most cables will fit easily.

If you place your screen face down on flat surfaces, the front of the case has raised edges that will protect it. If you drop your screen, the lip should protect it. If you have a great screen protector for your iPhone, the Pela case shouldn’t push up on it. The edges aren’t too thick. You may have issues if your screen protector is completely edge-to-edge.

I was sent the latest Sage Green Hearts design for my Pela sample. Pela offers a wide range of colors, designs and patterns, so you’re sure to find one that suits your preferences. I found the designs to be charming and classy without being too intrusive. Branding is a bit tricky. The Pela logo is at the bottom of each case, but it’s subtle enough.

Pela iPhone Case: MagSafe is an optional addition

Although I enjoy Pela’s phone covers, they are not perfect. MagSafe should have been included with the iPhone 13 versions, and not an add-on for which you have to pay extra. MagSafe is an expensive accessory, so why not include it for the price? I found it odd that the iPhone 12 version doesn’t offer MagSafe as an add-on, despite it being the first iPhone model to have MagSafe.

The iPhone 13 should have come with the MagSafe Module given its price.

I would have preferred the front edges to appear thicker than they are. I love the OtterBox and LifeProof cases’ raised edges. They also slope inward towards my screen (like a roof), making it appear thicker. It gives me more comfort when I set my phone face-down on a table.

Finally, the Pela bag is not cheap. These high-quality cases are compostable and eco-friendly. I love that the cases will fully decompose in compost when you’re done. This means you don’t have to litter the landfills. Pela has a lot of deals, so it is worth looking if you can find them at a discount. You’ll also feel good about your purchase.

Pela iPhone Case: Competition

There are plenty of eco-friendly iPhone cases on the market. OtterBox’s Core Series case with MagSafe is a fun and eco-friendly case. It is made up of 50% recycled material and features a soft-touch exterior, similar to Pela’s case. Its unique “funfetti look is my favorite thing about it. The colored specks that you see throughout the body are actually bits of plastic waste. It has a very unique aesthetic and is quite entertaining.

LifeProof’s SEE bag is another option for a green-friendly case. This case is slim and lightweight, and is made from 45% of recycled materials. It comes in fun colors, and it has the tough and durable protection LifeProof is well-known for.

Pela is the only case that actually breaks down in compost in six months, despite many cases claiming to be made from recycled materials. Pela is still the best choice if you want an iPhone case that is 100% eco-friendly.

Pela iPhone Case: Should you buy it

If you’re looking for a…

• You want a truly eco-friendly case
• You prefer a soft, flexible, but still protective case
• You want MagSafe compatibility with many color options

You shouldn’t purchase this if…

• A rugged case is essential
• You have a budget
• You don’t care about the environmental impact

The Pela case is the best option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. It fully composts in six month. It is made from the brand’s Flaxstic material, which is 100% plant-based. It’s soft and flexible, but still protects enough for everyday use. There are many fun colors and designs available, so even if your iPhone 13 is not in stock, Pela has you covered. An iPhone 13 owner can have a MagSafe module added to the case that makes it compatible with the best MagSafe accessories. This is only a few bucks more.

4.5
Out of 5

Although the Pela case is not the cheapest option for iPhone protection it is the most eco-friendly. It is a little odd that MagSafe is not available with the iPhone 13 models for the price.