Leather cases for smartphones have been around for years, but they’ve never really gone out of style. There’s just something about the feel of real leather that screams premium and timeless, you know? And when it comes to the iPhone 16 Pro, finding the perfect leather case is kind of a big deal. After all, this isn’t just any phone—it’s sleek, it’s powerful, and it deserves a case that matches its vibe.
That’s why I decided to put two of the most talked-about leather cases head-to-head: the Andar Aspen and the Mujjo Full Leather Case. Both are priced at $59, promise top-notch quality, and come with unique flair. But here’s the thing—when you’re dropping that kind of cash on a phone case, you want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Does one stand out as the clear winner, or are they pretty much neck and neck? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.
Design & Fit
First up, let’s talk about color options because, honestly, this is one of the first things most people look at when choosing a case. The Andar Aspen takes the crown here with 11 different colors. Yep, you heard that right—eleven! It’s like walking into an ice cream shop with way too many flavors—it’s hard to pick just one.
On the flip side, the Mujjo keeps things a bit more understated with only five colorways. Now, don’t get me wrong—these colors are beautiful. They’ve got shades like dark tan, black, and even a cool grayish-blue option that feels super sleek. But if you like variety, Mujjo might leave you wanting more. That said, if you’re all about minimalism and sticking to a tight palette, Mujjo’s limited options could actually work in its favor.
Material & Finish
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty—the actual material and finish. This is where things really start to separate the two cases, and honestly, it’s kind of a game-changer.
The Andar Aspen uses what they call full-grain oil-waxed leather. If you’re not familiar with leather lingo, full-grain basically means it’s the highest quality leather you can get. It’s durable, ages beautifully, and has this rich, premium feel to it. Plus, the oil-wax treatment gives it a slight sheen that catches the light in just the right way. It’s also worth mentioning that the Andar case has this distinct leather smell—like, legit leather. You know how sometimes you walk into a store and they’re selling expensive bags or wallets, and you’re hit with that rich leather scent? That’s exactly what you get here. It’s subtle but noticeable, and it just screams luxury.
On the other hand, the Mujjo uses fine-grain Danish leather. It’s still high-quality, no doubt about that, but it feels a little softer and less “structured” than the Andar. It’s untreated, which means it doesn’t have that glossy finish you see on the Aspen. Instead, it’s more matte and natural-looking. Some people might prefer this because it gives the case a more organic, lived-in vibe right out of the box. But for me, it just didn’t feel as premium as the Andar. It’s almost like comparing a vegan leather bag to a genuine leather one—they both look nice, but one just feels a little more “real.”
Camera Housing
Let’s zoom in on the camera housing because, believe it or not, this is where some major differences pop up.
The Andar Aspen has this raised metallic black ring around the camera housing. It’s sleek, it’s modern, and it matches the overall aesthetic of the case perfectly. Plus, the raised design ensures that your lenses won’t touch the surface when you place your phone face-down. For me, this was a big win because I’m always paranoid about scratching my camera lenses. Oh, and another thing—the leather on the Andar case wraps all the way up to the edges of the camera housing, which gives it a slimmer profile compared to the Mujjo.
Speaking of the Mujjo, their camera housing has this copper-colored accent that matches the buttons and other details on the case. It’s a nice touch, especially if you’re into coordinated designs. However, the leather doesn’t wrap as high around the camera module, which makes the case feel slightly bulkier. Don’t get me wrong—it still looks great, but it doesn’t have that same slim, streamlined vibe as the Andar.
Patina Development
One of the coolest things about leather cases is how they age over time. This process is called patina, and it’s basically the wear and tear that adds character to your case. Both the Andar and Mujjo will develop a patina, but they do it in slightly different ways.
The Andar Aspen seems to age faster and more noticeably. Even after just a couple of hours of use, I could already see some changes in the leather—little scratches, smudges, and a softening of the texture. To some, this might sound like a downside, but trust me, it’s not. It’s part of the charm. Over time, the case will develop this unique, weathered look that tells the story of how you’ve used it. It’s like breaking in a new pair of leather boots—it gets better with age.
The Mujjo, on the other hand, takes a bit longer to show signs of aging. Since it’s untreated, it starts off looking a little more raw and natural, but it doesn’t seem to change as dramatically as the Andar. If you prefer a cleaner, more polished look for longer, this might be a plus. But if you’re all about that rugged, vintage vibe, the Andar is definitely the way to go.
Shape & Feel
Here’s something you might not think about until you actually hold the cases in your hand—their shape. The Andar Aspen has these rounded edges that make it feel smooth and pebble-like. It’s super comfortable to hold, and it gives the case a softer, more ergonomic feel. Honestly, it’s one of those things you don’t notice until you switch to something else.
The Mujjo, on the other hand, has squared-off edges that give it a more structured, boxy feel. It’s not uncomfortable by any means, but it does feel a bit more rigid compared to the Andar. Personally, I prefer the rounded edges of the Andar because it just feels nicer in the hand, but if you’re into that sharp, angular look, the Mujjo might be more your style.
Lastly, let’s talk branding because nobody wants a case that screams “LOOK AT ME!” Both the Andar and Mujjo keep things pretty low-key, which I appreciate. The Andar Aspen has minimal branding—a small logo on the side that’s barely noticeable. The Mujjo has its logo on the back, but it’s subtle and doesn’t take away from the overall design.
Button Layout & Responsiveness
Let’s talk buttons because, let’s be real, no one wants mushy or unresponsive buttons on their case. Both cases have metallic buttons, but they handle them slightly differently.
The Andar Aspen has metallic black buttons that are consistent across all its color options. These buttons are tactile, clicky, and satisfying to press. Even the power button feels solid and reliable. Plus, the buttons stick out just enough to be easy to find without feeling obtrusive.
The Mujjo, on the other hand, has color-matched buttons that align with the leather’s tone. While the volume and action buttons feel great—just as clicky and responsive as the Andar’s—the power button is where things get a little weird. For some reason, the power button on the Mujjo feels slightly spongy. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable, especially when you’re used to the snappy feedback of the Andar’s buttons. It’s a small detail, but it’s one of those things that might bug you over time.
Cutouts & Accessibility
Now, let’s dive into the cutouts because, let’s face it, nothing’s worse than a case that doesn’t line up properly with your phone’s ports and features. Thankfully, both cases nail the basics here.
- USB-C, Speaker, and Microphone Cutouts: Both the Andar Aspen and Mujjo have precise cutouts for the USB-C port, speaker, and microphone. You won’t have any issues plugging in your charger or hearing audio clearly. However, the Mujjo has a slightly larger USB-C cutout, which means it’s more forgiving if you use bulkier cables. If you switch between different chargers or use third-party accessories, this could be a small win for the Mujjo.
- Camera Control Cutout: This is where things get interesting. The Andar Aspen has a larger, pill-shaped cutout for the camera control button. It’s spacious and makes accessing the button a breeze—no fumbling or finicky precision required. However, the downside is that it leaves a bigger portion of the phone exposed, which could be a concern if you drop your phone and it lands on that area. The Mujjo, on the other hand, has a deeper, more recessed cutout. While it looks sleeker and more intentional, it’s a bit harder to access the camera control button. You’ll need to press a little harder or angle your finger just right to hit it. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely less convenient than the Andar’s design.
MagSafe Integration
MagSafe compatibility is another big factor for many iPhone users, especially if you rely on accessories like wallets, chargers, or car mounts. Both cases support MagSafe, but there are some key differences in how they perform.
- Andar Aspen: The Andar Aspen has stronger magnets and better alignment compared to the Mujjo. When you attach a MagSafe accessory—like an Apple wallet or a battery pack—it snaps into place securely and stays there. Even if you shake your phone or move it around, the accessory doesn’t budge. This is a huge win if you use MagSafe accessories regularly because you won’t have to worry about them falling off.
- Mujjo: The Mujjo has slightly stronger magnets than the Andar Aspen, but the alignment isn’t as precise. When you attach a MagSafe accessory, it tends to wobble or shift around a bit before settling into place. Once it’s on, it stays put—especially on stable surfaces like car mounts or nightstands—but it’s not as reliable for accessories that need to line up perfectly (like wallets or stands). If you’re a heavy MagSafe user, this could be a dealbreaker.
Final Verdict
Both the Andar Aspen and the Mujjo Full Leather Case are priced at $59, which places them in the mid-to-premium range for phone cases. At first glance, this might seem a bit steep for some people—after all, you can find plenty of cheaper options out there. But when you consider the materials, craftsmanship, and overall user experience, both cases offer solid value for their price. That said, there are some key differences that make one feel like a better deal than the other.
- Andar Aspen: For $59, you’re getting full-grain oil-waxed leather, which is one of the highest-quality leathers available. It feels luxurious, smells amazing, and will develop a beautiful patina over time. Plus, it offers a more ergonomic design, better MagSafe alignment, and a satisfying button layout.
- Mujjo: The Mujjo also uses high-quality leather—specifically, fine-grain Danish leather—but it’s untreated, giving it a softer, more natural feel. While it’s still a great case, it doesn’t quite hit the same level of “premium” as the Andar. The slightly spongy power button and finicky camera control cutout make it feel less polished, even though it’s the same price.
At the end of the day, choosing between the Andar Aspen and the Mujjo Full Leather Case comes down to personal preference. Both are beautifully crafted, protective, and made from high-quality materials. But if you’re looking for the best combination of style, functionality, and value, the Andar Aspen is the clear winner.
It’s comfortable to hold, easy to use, and built to last. The full-grain oil-waxed leather that feels amazing and ages beautifully, giving your case a unique character over time. Add in its superior MagSafe compatibility and user-friendly design, and you’ve got a case that ticks all the boxes.
The Mujjo is still a great option if you’re into minimalism and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of usability for a sleeker look. But for me—and likely for most people—the Andar Aspen is the better choice. It’s the total package: stylish, practical, and reliable. So, if you’re ready to invest in a premium leather case for your iPhone 16 Pro, I’d highly recommend going with the Andar Aspen. It’s worth every penny.
What do you think? Are you team Andar Aspen or team Mujjo? Or maybe you’re using a different leather case altogether? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences!
