Tackle your day with a sleek protective MagSafe Compatible case
The Catalyst Influence case provides a simple, yet elegant suit for your new titanium iPhone 15 Pro Max. Maintain easy access to your action button, volume buttons, power button, and new USB-C port, while also improving upon forward sound with specialized forward facing cutouts. Decrease drops with the grippy side material, the included wrist lanyard or add other CRUX accessories. The imbedded MagSafe tech allows for wireless charging and secure magnetic mounting. Properly named, the Influence case can be the catalyst for your practical, professional, and playful activities.
- Design
- Ease of Use
- Price
- Port Access/Features
- Drop Protection
Tackle your day with a sleek protective MagSafe Compatible case
Like many, I excitedly awaited Apple’s September 12, 2023, new iPhone 15/15 Pro lineup announcement. I enjoyed the presentation and the jazzy buzz of new features, then patiently prepared for the way-too-early morning preorder on September 15, 2023. The build-up did not end with the iPhone release/arrival, however. Despite the allure of the new shiny phone, I remained equally excited about new accessories and cases. More specifically, I have looked forward to the launch of Catalyst’s iPhone 15 Pro Max 6.7” product line.
Packaging:
The catalyst Influence MagSafe Compatible iPhone 15 Pro Max Case arrived in an attractive 4 1/2 inches wide by 7 9/16 inches tall by 7/8 inches thick hanging-style retail case. The cover panel provided a pacific-blue banner with a bold catalyst company name along the top of the panel and a lower semi-translucent glossy plastic shell cover. The lower edge of the cover provided a white sticker with the “Influence” product name and detailed the MagSafe compatibility, 6.7” Pro size, and drop-proof protective nature of the product.
The semi-clear cover panel provided more information than a flat drawing/photograph. I enjoyed directly observing the case, the MagSafe ring, the protective-raised camera protector, and the wrist lanyard. The blue-colored top panel provided a plastic hinging tab and catalyst web address. In contrast, the bottom panel provided typical product manufacturing labels (soy ink, recycled paper, Made in China, etc.). The side panels provided a multilingual product feature description: 1. Mil-STD-810G 10ft/3M drop resistant (corner drops). 2. Up to 3.8dBa sound direction toward the user at 1cm over the base device standards.
The white-colored rear panel provided a more thorough description of the case and features. The top picture showcased the forward-angled speaker cutouts and data suggesting the user can experience up to 30% louder forward-facing sound. The second panel demonstrated the non-slip side panel grip material, while the third panel demonstrated an efficient, pocketable phone. The fourth panel showed the easy-to-access side buttons, the fifth panel showcased several catalyst corner accessories, the sixth panel provided information about the anti-drop wrist lanyard (10Kg pull test), and the seventh panel detailed the raised-edge screen and camera protector.
The last summary image demonstrated a side view of the Influence case, a toggle mute wheel, and the raised camera protection. Interestingly, the image was one of an older device/design, as the new case had a right-side cutout for the new action button. Finally, the lower edge provided a QR code, product SKU barcode, design award logo, eco-friendly package logo, and information about warranty, trademarks, and warnings.
Testing:
I opened the packaging cover, removed the plastic insert, and then the cardboard strap (2.5x higher drop protection and up to 30% louder sound) that held the phone to the inner packaging. The Influence case measured 3 5/16 inches wide by 6 9/16 inches tall by 9/16 inches thick and weighed only 1.4 ounces. The 0.1-ounce wrist lanyard was wrapped around the cardboard backing and packed adjacent to the phone case. The Influence case had a 1 5/8 inches wide by 1 11/16 inches tall by 1/8 inches tall camera cutout with a raised black border along the top left.
The remainder of the 2 7/8 inches wide by 6 1/8 inches tall back panel consisted of a smoky-frosted black plastic panel. Even though the smoky grey color was on the darker side, it still contrasted nicely against the glossy black camera protector, and the matte black MagSafe ring visible through the back frosted black panel (2 1/8 inches total diameter by 3/16 inches width and lower oval 1/4 inches wide by 13/16 inches tall magnet).
The right side panel (volume button side) provided a matte black grippy surface, rounded corners, a tapered 9/16 inches long by 5/16 inches tall action button cutout (inner dimension 7/16 inches long by 5/16 inches tall), and a conjoined 1 inch long by 1/8 inches tall volume up/down button. The raised buttons provided a nice tactile feel and proved to be quite responsive. The left side panel (power button side), provided the same matte black colored grippy surface and rounded corners as the other panel. You will find an etched “catalyst” name along the lower edge and a single 11/16 inches long by 1/8 inches tall power button near the top.
The lower grippy edge provided a 1/2 inches long by 1/4 inches tall USB-C port cutout and 1/16 inches diameter vent hole. The flat top panel provided the same matte black colored panel and grippy surface material as the side panels. Each of the panels had angled trapezoidal edges for added grip and drop protection. The slightly-raised front panel provided glancing protection for the iPhone screen. Each corner had a 3/16 inches long by 3/32 inches tall accessory cutout. These cutouts were designed to work with the wrist lanyard and Crux Accessory system. Lastly, the lower edge of the front panel provided dual 9/16 inches long by 3/32 inches tall vented speaker cutouts for forward-facing sound.
To install the iPhone 15 Pro Max into the Influence case, you must first align the volume/action button side with the edge of the case. I pressed the phone into the top edge of the case, then the power side, then the bottom edge. I was pleased with the alignment of the power button, speaker, and USB-C ports and the case/phone’s lightweight nature. The MagSafe Ring aligned well with the back of the phone and allowed access to MagSafe chargers/mounts without requiring phone case removal. Once my phone was inserted, I installed the wrist lanyard onto the lower crux accessory port.
I gripped the 2-inch-long narrow cable loop (1/16 inches diameter) and guided it through the lower corner crux attachment point. I placed the 3/16 inches diameter paracord-like loop end (6 1/2 inches long wrist strap loop) through the narrow loop and tightened the Lark’s head knot. I liked the 5/8 inches long by 5/16 inches wide bullet-shaped cable attachment point with an etched catalyst name, and the 5/16 inches-wide by 3/16 inches tall wrist lanyard slide. I appreciated the easy installation process and the inclusion of the secure wrist loop/slide.
If you have not watched any drop-test demonstrations, I would encourage you to view them. For my controlled tests, I held and dropped the iPhone 15 Pro Max Influence case combo onto each corner from a height of approximately 2.5 feet. Each drop simulated a sliding phone from my dining room tabletop onto my hardwood floor. I was pleased that the case was protected from these drops, and my iPhone remained undamaged. I have not yet needed to test this version of the Influence catalyst case in a real-world drop scenario.
However, my children have previously tested the brand’s mettle and helped to forge my trust in the case. The raised screen border will allow you to set your iPhone face down without scratching the surface. While face-up, the borders will add a layer of glancing protection. Similarly, the camera borders added yet another layer of safety. The case provided several layers of protection from the plastic barrier, raised bezels, a secure MagSafe magnetic attachment ring, and with the addition of various Crux Accessories (sold separately).
I was initially saddened when I learned the new case design removed the volume mute toggle wheel, which was historically a best-in-class feature. However, the new iPhone action button design demanded a change. Where many case brands provide a narrow, difficult-to-access cutout, the influence case provided appropriately sized cutouts for the action button and the lower USB-C port. I tested various USB-C cables against the lower cutout and found each fit nicely within the provided space. Additionally, the action button was easily accessed by my pointer finger or thumb, without obstruction. Lastly, the MagSafe feature allowed for secure magnetic mounting and wireless charging.
Summary:
You can purchase a clear or Atlantic Blue version if you are interested in other colors beyond the black/frosted case. I enjoyed the color, the design, the grippy feel, and the overall layout of the case. The iPhone 15 Pro Max Influence case continues to build on my trust in catalyst, which started with my iPhone 6S plus. I look forward to yet another catalyst-enhanced year.
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