Known for its machined aluminum cases, Element Case's new Soft-Tec line of synthetically-made cases for the iPhone 5, Galaxy S3 and the iPad mini are finally available for purchase. We first reported on the Soft-Tec cases back in January where Element Case first debut its new offerings at CES 2013. The company has released a $50 Soft-Tec wallet case for both the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 which is made using a new non-slip, grippy rubber material from Element Case called Tech Grip. The supposedly high-tech material is a coating with a matte rubbery finish made to enhance the grip and feel of the case. We've seen a similar material used in the TidyTilt iPhone cover.
Element Case's Soft-Tec case has a slim protective profile with two card slots located on the inner flap. The Soft-Tec wallet case also features a magnetic closure and an embedded snap-on polycarbonate hard shell that can be folded into a horizontal viewing stand much like Twelve South's SurfacePad cover.
We can't help but think about how this case opens almost like an old-school Velcro wallet, with lots of excess flap left to deal with while you're using your device Luckily, there's an earpiece cutout to enable you to talk on the phone whilst the Soft-Tec's flap remains closed. Both Soft-Tec models for Apple's and Samsung's handsets are designed exaclty the same, while Element Case's $65 Soft-Tec case for the iPad mini understandably leaves out the credit card slots.