Pitaka Ultra-Slim phone case: it’s love

Florian Bodoky

17.9.2026

Translation: Katherine Martin

Pictures: Florian Bodoky

Mobile phone cases are ugly, bulky and turn yellow over time. I despise them. At least, I did – until I stumbled across Pitaka’s thin, blue, aramid fibre case. I’ve been smitten ever since.

Dozens of new smartphones hit the shelves every year, each one more expensive than the last. Mind you, they’re made of stainless steel, complete with titanium alloy, fine-grain textures, a glossy finish or whatever the heck else. Plus, manufacturers love indulging in salesy descriptions of how the materials feel.

These days, it’s not uncommon to shell out a four-figure sum for a new phone. At prices this steep, people want to use their device for as long as possible – and keep it looking great for just as long. Which is understandable. So what do they do? They slap a case over it. The thing is, phone cases are a pain. Seriously. They’re usually made of hard plastic or silicone. Choose a different material, and you run the risk of wireless charging no longer working. These cases serve their purpose. Only, if you use them, you then lose your handset’s near-on orgasmic, 1,500-franc feel touted by the manufacturer.

A case makes your phone heavier than it already is. But not content with making your device bulky and unwieldy, it soon starts picking up grease and stains. The worst offenders are clear silicone cases because they go yellow quickly. In fact, they end up looking like they’ve been used to wrap a mustard-smothered hotdog. Yeugh.

But just as I was about to publish my anti-phone-case manifesto – which probably would’ve brought every home insurance company in the country down on my head – I came across this at a friend’s place:

Mobile phone covers

−30%

Returned & Tested

EUR61,23 currently EUR87,46 new

Pitaka Ultra-Slim

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

22

As is often true of love, the feeling struck me when I was least expecting it. When Pitaka’s Ultra-Slim case is on your smartphone, it feels like there’s nothing there at all. It’s that thin. There are cutouts for the side buttons, and no rubber coatings. So you don’t need to jab buttons with your fingers like a maniac. The case leaves a generous amount of space around the camera module, although the edge protrudes slightly to keep the lenses safe.

Then, there’s the material. The case is made of aramid fibre, making it feel grippy. If you want to stick it in your trouser pocket, however, it slips right in. Unlike some case materials – cough, cough silicone – it doesn’t get stuck to fabrics at all. The texture of the case feels extremely pleasant to the touch, though I can’t explain exactly why. I also like the colour gradients. In particular, I’m a fan of the blue. You can still put your phone on the table with the display side down. Although the edge on the front is barely visible, it’s still there. That way, your phone stays protected, even along the edges. Unless, of course, you’ve been deliberately rubbing it against the wall of your house.

To sum up, yes, the case is pricey. About as pricey as the original ones from Apple, in fact. However, it’s the best compromise between going case-free and protecting your smartphone that I’ve come across. I won’t be giving mine up any time soon.

Disclaimer: This article may contain traces of extreme subjectivity.

Florian Bodoky

Senior Editor

Florian.Bodoky@digitecgalaxus.ch

I've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue. more

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