Noreve Pixel Fold Cover

Noreve sent over a couple of cases/covers for a couple of Pixel phones I have here, the other being a Pixel 9 but I start with this one, for the original generation Pixel Fold. The whole folding phone concept is difficult for case-makers, I contend, particularly when they have a front-facing full screen (unlike, for example, the Microsoft Surface Duo range).

I have tried quite a few cases/covers for my Pixel Fold and none of them really satisfy fully - there's always something not quite right, not quite fitting, not quite tight enough (typically) to hold the device as it should be, but still strong enough to survive being pulled open without the case coming away in one's hand. The original Pixel Fold is a particular challenge in this respect because it's hinge is very firm, stays at any angle and so pulling it open is the real test of how well a case has been designed and put together.

But first, the leather! The classy, gorgeous leather. Noreve sent me one of their 'grippier' versions of the cover (at my request) and it is the Saffiano variant in black. It passes the leather 'smell test' with flying colours, adding to the premium look, feel and appearance compared to many a cheaper model from other manufacturers. There are oodles of different textures to choose from - and even more colours. Each case - or in this case, 'second skin' - is made-to-order and sent out, worldwide, from their base in France.

As you can see from the photos, each is sent out in a premium box and inside, a red drawstring pouch, adding to the unique attention to detail from Noreve. The component parts are protected inside by sheets of polystyrene so that there's no risk to them during shipping/transit. The whole experience does instill a feeling of confidence and that although these cases and covers are far from the cheapest available, they have a special something missing elsewhere.

Anyway, on to the fit and finish. You can hopefully see from the photos here that it has been very carefully designed and made so that there are 'lugs' along the inside of the front portion which ensure that the (particularly front part of the) cover doesn't come away when that stiff hinge is pulled against by the owner, opening things up. Around the edges, there are cutouts for the volume rocker and power button on one side, camera island on the back, speaker up-top, microphones, speaker and USB-C port at the bottom and of course, flush fitting the hinge surround.

There's really nothing to complain about here as everything works exactly as you'd expect, including the Qi wireless charging on a range of chargers that I have around the house/office. As I say, it's not the cheapest solution out there, prices range from €125-€250 depending on colour and finish, but I contend that it's worth every penny for such a remarkably classy and premium product - very often in life you get what you pay for. Noreve did send this over to me for review, but in no way dictated to me what I should say in my review and were quickly responsive when I had queries. Recommended. More discussion about this and loads of other mobile-related topics are on our weekly Phones Show Chat Podcast.