A protective case for a portable mobile device is disclosed. The protective case comprises a shell that defines a compartment for receiving and retaining a mobile device, a cover panel, and a connector component. The shell has a main panel that includes an aperture and a subpanel that is hinged at a first side within the aperture and reversibly attached to the aperture via mechanical protrusions or detents at a second side so that it can rotatably attach and detach, or snap, into and out of the main panel. The hinge may be formed by one or more flexible layers overlaid on the shell or via mechanical swivel joint such as a pin and socket connection. A connector portion connects the cover panel to the shell and forms a flexible spine between the cover panel and the shell. The connector portion is comprised of opposing inner and outer layers that are overlaid over the internal and external facing surfaces of the shell and cover panel. The main panel of the shell is configured to receive and retain the mobile device within its compartment and may be snap-fitted over the mobile device. In operation, the case can be opened and the subpanel detached from the main panel to allow the main panel to rotate relative to the subpanel and rest on the inner surface of the cover component to provide varied viewing/operating positions to the user.