Zenus Masstige Leather Case for Sony Xperia Tablet Z – Review

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z is a gorgeous bit of kit that will survive a dunk in a bath, but it’s far less likely to survive a drop on the floor. This is why any owner should be looking at cases.

I have a couple of cases that I’ll be looking at, one premium and one budget, both of which we’ll be giving away in a competition soon. First up is the Zenus Masstige Premium Leather Case.

Good

• Looks
• High quality materials
• Build quality
• Dual angle stand

Bad

• No magnetic on/off function
• Not the funkiest of designs

Design
The Zunus Masstige is a bookfold type of case that doubles as a stand. The first thing I thought when unpacking it was that it looks like a file-o-fax (remember them – that’s what we had before smartphone calendars!). As such, I would put this in the category of smart or professional.

The front of the case is almost entirely leather; mainly the colour on the box (in this case ‘camel’), with a thin strip of leather down left hand side in an accent colour. This then wraps around to form the spine and back. On the right hand side is a sturdy popper to keep it closed.

Opening the case provides a bit of a surprise. The face onto which the tablet will sit is decorated with a silhouette of two butterflies and a company logo. It’s actually a bit of a shame that the Tablet Z has to obscure it!

Surrounding the butterflies are the holders that grip the tablet and hold it in place.

On the left hand side there are two flaps that form part of the stand mechanism, and an elasticated strap for which I know no use!

In Use
Slotting the Tablet Z into place is quick and easy; there’s no worries about it getting scratched as it goes in, and it feels secure once seated.

It’s the nature of the beast that a case adds bulk to a tablet, but the slimness off the Xperia Z means it’s still thin and light in the hand.

The stand mechanism is easy to use and offers two height options. By way of the two aforementioned flaps, one of which is larger than the other. When folded back on itself the flaps act as the stand in the time-honoured manner. A nice touch is that these are secured by matching ribbons, extenuating the feel of classiness.

I did miss the lack of an auto on/off switch when opening and closing the case, but the silver nipple power button is easy to access, so it’s no big deal.

Conclusion
At £44.95 the Zenus Leather Case is definitely not cheap, but neither’s the Sony Xperia Tablet Z! However, I’d still class this as exceptional value for money. Okay, it’s not waterproof, but the tablet will most probably survive a drop from a bag or off a car roof in it, and it’s made exquisitely.

This is probably the best case I’ve used bar none. If you don’t need extreme protection, I suggest you win one in our upcoming competition, or buy one if you don’t win.

Superb.

The Zenus Leather Case for Sony Xperia Tablet Z is available from Gearzap along with other Xperia Tablet Z accessories