iPad mini iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3 - Case roundup (UPDATED for iPad mini 3)

[ntnwwnet]

UPDATED for the iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 2.

Since the retina mini is slightly thicker than the old mini, I put together a roundup of cases that are specifically marketed as being for the iPad mini with Retina display. Some older cases might work if they aren't very form-fitting. These cases should work without any problems since they're advertised as such.

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Apple's Smart Cases and Covers

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Poetic Slimline Case for Apple iPad Mini 2 with Retina Display (3 Year Manufacturer Warranty From Poetic), various colours - $5

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i-Blason 2nd Generation i-Folio Slim Hard Shell Stand Case Cover for Apple iPad mini with Retina Display Case, various colours - $10

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i-BLASON Apple New iPad Mini with Retina Display Case (2nd Generation) Auto Wake / Sleep Smart Cover Leather Case (Elastic Hand Strap, Multi-Angle, Card Holder) With Bonus Stylus 3 Year Warranty, various colours - $15

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MoKo Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display Case - Ultra Slim Smart shell, various colours - $10

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Photive SlimPad iPad Mini 2nd generation Smart Cover Case - Ultra Slim Smart Cover Case for The New iPad Mini, various colours - $10

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KAVAJ leather case cover "Berlin" for the new Apple iPad mini, 2 colours - $45

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[Non-Slip] SPIGEN [Tough Armor] iPad Mini Retina Case, various colours - $25

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Snugg iPad Mini 2 Retina Leather Case, various colours - $25

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Acase iPad Mini 2 with Retina Display Case / Cover, various colours - $16

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*screen protector* Tech Armor iPad Mini with Retina Display and iPad mini Screen Protector, anti glare, "HD," or privacy - $8

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MoKo Slim-Fit Case for iPad Mini 2 with Retina Display, various colours - $10

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CaseCrown Ace Flip Case for Apple iPad Mini with Retina display, various colours - $15

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SupCase Slim Fit Folio Leather Case Cover, various colours - $14

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AmazonBasics Clear Back Cover - Compatible with the iPad mini Smart Cover, various colours - $9

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Gumdrop Cases Drop Tech Series Case, various colours - $42

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Twelve South BookBook for iPad mini - Vintage leather case for iPad mini, various colours - $67

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Speck Products FitFolio, various colours & designs - $27

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Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 Bluetooth Keyboard & Stand - $49

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Targus Versavu, various colours - $31

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Belkin Dot Cover with Stand, various colours - $36

 

[nixiemaiden]

This case is identical to the Poetic Slimline:

http://amzn.com/B00G9YMBSA

I am pretty certain that they are made by the same manufacturer and just have different brand names stamped on the cover.

It costs 1 cent plus $4.99 shipping (the black one anyway) which for me was half the price of the Poetic. Also the pictures of the Poetic are more accurate as the speakers are not covered at all. I am comparing this to the Poetic because the material and functionality is identical to the Poetic case I have for my Nexus which is why I am assuming they are really the same case.

Shipping was very quick. I ordered 11/13 and received my package in Florida on 11/16 even though I was not expecting it until 11/22

 

[kalt]

Nearly all of these are not compatible with the mini retina bc there is no cutout on the back for the second microphone hole.

 

[ntnwwnet]

Nearly all of these are not compatible with the mini retina bc there is no cutout on the back for the second microphone hole.

Interesting... I didn't notice that. Time to send some emails to the sellers.

 

[skiltrip]

iPad mini with Retain display - Case roundup

Nearly all of these are not compatible with the mini retina bc there is no cutout on the back for the second microphone hole.

This is what is frustrating me with a lot of these case manufacturers. They are all just slapping the "compatible with new iPad mini retina" without realizing why they aren't. The extra thickness does make a difference. Some fit, but not properly. And the mic hole is an obvious shortcoming.

The Poetic seems like the only game in town right now other than the wildly priced Apple cases. I'm holding out for some real options.

 

[thedon1]

Interesting... I didn't notice that. Time to send some emails to the sellers.

Yeah good point.

Are the slits at the top and back (near the top) the mic holes? Which one is new?

I ordered a loop mummy case since they said it fits the retina but I doubt it would have a slit for the new mic hole.

 

[Giuly]

You know that the difference is 0.2mm or 0.00787402" in hight hence all cases still fit and that the new retina iPad has a second microphone which means they actually don't, right?

Here's one, though: Incipio Smart Feather

Notice the cutout?

Also, there are a gazillion cases for the iPad Mini in this thread.

 

[thehype31]

Here is a smart cover compatible case that looks like it has the mic cutout:

http://amzn.com/B00FN58EZU

Anyone have one of these by any chance or do I have to be the guinea pig?

 

[nixiemaiden]

This is what is frustrating me with a lot of these case manufacturers. They are all just slapping the "compatible with new iPad mini retina" without realizing why they aren't. The extra thickness does make a difference. Some fit, but not properly. And the mic hole is an obvious shortcoming.

The Poetic seems like the only game in town right now other than the wildly priced Apple cases. I'm holding out for some real options.

Fintie also has a few cases with the cutout for the mic.

 

[thehype31]

Here is a smart cover compatible case that looks like it has the mic cutout:

http://amzn.com/B00FN58EZU

Anyone have one of these by any chance or do I have to be the guinea pig?

I ordered one off Amazon... Ill comment when it comes in.

 

[kalt]

Fwiw I got a Skinomi rear protector skin for my miniR today and it has the second mic hole. Fits great. Not a full case though, obviously.

 

[quamsi]

Poetic's thinshell (smart cover compatible) for Retina Mini is on sale for 95 cents on Amazon right now (the clear one). Doesn't ship until Nov 29th though. I've contacted the company and they say it will have the mic cut out. After clicking the link, be sure to select options for Mini 2.


Poetic ThinShell Back Smart Cover Partner Case for Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display (2nd Generation iPad Mini) Clear (3 Year Manufacturer Warranty From Poetic)

 

[Z3man]

You know that the difference is 0.2mm or 0.00787402" in hight hence all cases still fit and that the new retina iPad has a second microphone which means they actually don't, right?

According to apples specs the difference is 0.3mm.

I sent an email to Incipio asking if they are doing an ultra slim snap on feather case specifically for the retina mini and they said it is due out in 2-4 weeks time. I have always used Incipio cases on my iPhones and they are always an excellent fit and quality.

 

[meihcydna]

anyone ever tempted to just cut off the lid on the smart case? i love the back casing but prefer to not have lids on my ipads.

 

[makavelli]

The Kavaj Case Does Not Fit the iPad Mini with Retina

I purchased the Kavaj iPad mini retina case and there is an issue with the power button staying depressed while in the case. My mini would randomly attempt to power off and get stuck at rebooting.

The Photive case also does not fit the iPad mini with retina

 

[freechef]

Nearly all of these are not compatible with the mini retina bc there is no cutout on the back for the second microphone hole.

I received the poetic a few days ago and I confirm it does have the second mic cutout.

 

[HarryWild]

No all mini case will fit the Mini 21

Found this out trying a hard case that said "Mini/Mini 2".

 

[jaziCo]

Moshi's VersaCover

Anybody here anything about Moshi's VersaCover ?

 

[vito]

I currently can't decide between a bestskinsever (back) or a back cover, any suggestions? I have a read smart cover at the moment.

 

[scapegoat81]

I'm REALLY undecided for a case for my mini 2. It's mainly gonna be used by my crazy 1 1/2 your old kid so I'm looking for a durable, yet sleek case with a multi angle kickstand & a nice screen protector. The Spigen cases look perfect but no kickstand. Leaning toward the Poetic Slimline. Can anyone tell me how thick/hard & durable the actual case is ? I'll prob get it being that the screen is also completely covered. My kid is really starting to like his mini hockey sticks. Lol

 

[BrianSoCal]

I'm REALLY undecided for a case for my mini 2. It's mainly gonna be used by my crazy 1 1/2 your old kid so I'm looking for a durable, yet sleek case with a multi angle kickstand & a nice screen protector. The Spigen cases look perfect but no kickstand. Leaning toward the Poetic Slimline. Can anyone tell me how thick/hard & durable the actual case is ? I'll prob get it being that the screen is also completely covered. My kid is really starting to like his mini hockey sticks. Lol

Had a ZooGue on my iPad 4 and absolutely loved it. Too bad its sold out for the Mini:

http://www.zoogue.com/ipad-mini-case-prodigy/

 

[scapegoat81]

Had a ZooGue on my iPad 4 and absolutely loved it. Too bad its sold out for the Mini:

http://www.zoogue.com/ipad-mini-case-prodigy/

Pleather material w/ exposed corners ? My kid will eat that thing for breakfast lol

 

[kalt]

I got the apple leather case, even though it's much more expensive than it should be and i feel stupid spending that much... happens to be a really nice case. Mine fits so perfectly i'm amazed by it. It's even and accurately cut to the nanometer it seems. BUT i've read posts here from others that indicate i may have gotten lucky.

I wish apple made a case without the front cover though. It's really the back I want protected, I like to keep the front open on my stand so i can view the notices as they come in.

 

[eljaykooljay]

Brenthaven - Trek Folio for iPad Mini

I just order this folio from Brenthaven's website. I saw some good reviews for this case for the original iPad Mini. They claim their updated cases fit the new Retina models. They're $34.95.

http://www.brenthaven.com/fbx-live-feed/trek-folio-ipad-mini-black

 

[Haesslich]

Anybody here anything about Moshi's VersaCover ?

It doesn't fit: one corner won't go in. Many hard cases have similar issues (Speck SmartShell, Joy Factory SmartSuit mini, Switcheasy CoverBuddy). Even the Tech21 Impact Mesh will have issues, as it fits tighter than many TPU cases.

Funny enough, the Ampjacket for iPad Mini by Kubxlab fits fine, though. Just no hole for the second mic.