This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
More than ten months after the iPhone 17 Pro launched, I re-picked the camera lens cover for my orange iPhone 17 Pro Max. I compared the NIMASO aluminium camera film with two Podick covers I already had (an early glossy one and a newer matte one). The NIMASO matched the orange body most closely, and its frame is so thin that it barely shows even with the glass removed.
What I tested
- NIMASO camera film for iPhone 17 Pro Max (aluminium alloy, 9H glass, two sets in the box)
- Podick lens cover, early version with a glossy finish
- Podick lens cover, newer version with a matte finish
- iPhone 17 Pro Max in orange, with and without Apple’s own case
What I found
- Colour: to my eye, the NIMASO was the closest match to the orange body. Under some reflections the matte Podick looks close too, but in person the NIMASO blends in best.
- Finish: the matte Podick looks more natural than the glossy one, which stands out a little.
- Frame: once the glass is pushed out, the NIMASO frame is much thinner and lighter than the Podick. It sits a little lower, but still higher than the lenses, so the lenses do not touch the table when the phone is laid down.
- Glass or no glass: I remove the glass because one cover once fogged up inside while I was filming outdoors on a hot day (it may have been freshly applied). With the glass in, the black-painted rim makes the camera look cleaner; without it, the lenses look bigger. You can choose.
- In the box: two covers and two application kits (wet wipe, dry wipe, dust sticker). Keep the plastic holder the covers come on: it is also the tool for removing them, and it is thin, so go slowly.
- With Apple’s case on: you can hardly tell a lens cover is fitted.
Comparison
| Lens cover | Price at the time of recording | Finish | My verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIMASO camera film | ¥1,359 (down from ¥2,000) | Low gloss, very thin frame | Best colour match; frame-only use looks clean |
| Podick (early) | ¥999 | Glossy | Stands out a little |
| Podick (newer) | ¥999 | Matte | Natural, but a thicker frame than NIMASO |
Who it’s for
- Orange iPhone 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max owners whose current lens cover looks slightly off in colour
- People who want to use the frame without the glass but don’t want the frame to stand out
- Not worth it if you are happy with your current cover, or if you want the cheapest option (some start around ¥1,000)
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. YouTube’s auto-translated subtitles can help. Useful moments: around 6:00 fitting the NIMASO, around 7:20 removing the glass and comparing frames, around 10:20 with Apple’s case.
Limitations
This is a looks-and-fit comparison on one orange iPhone. I did not test drop protection or image quality in a controlled way. Prices were Amazon Japan’s at the time of recording; the listing linked below may be a different pack size than the two-set box I bought.
Products
NIMASO camera film for iPhone 17 Pro Max (aluminium, orange): on Amazon Japan
Podick lens cover for iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max (newer, matte): on Amazon Japan
Podick camera film for iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max (early, glossy): on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Screen & Lens Protectors (27) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.