There is a huge difference and believe me, the leather snob, this is bonded leather. Bonded leather may have as little as 15% leather bonded to synthetic fibers which make up the material of this wallet. All the same, most wallets are made of bonded leather if not all in this price range. So what counts is this is a smaller more convenient wallet that is practical and looks good. It will probably fall apart just as any other wallet that is in this price range. I'd expect it to last a few years, and if that's the case, I got my moneys worth. I do love this wallet and recommend it to the thrifty.