iPad Pro Smart folio - Apple vs 3rd party

[MrMister111]

I want a simple case for the 2021 11” and like the look and idea of the smart folio. Obviously there is Apple version, which is very costly.

I’m wondering if anyone can recommend any 3rd party ones, probably from Amazon, in UK, that are decent.

I’ve found a JetTech one, but what I’ve found is that around the camera the case doesn’t seem to lie flat. I’m not sure if this is normal, is Apple one like this? or it’s a design fault or a bad case. The test of it seems fine.

I know they stock via magnets, but what about around the camera bump? Anyone got any pics of this.

Also the material is described as PU leather, is this the same as the Apple one? Anyone have both, or tried both Apple and 3rd party tell me if the material is the same?

So any recommendations please of 3rd party that people have and used?

Thanks

 

[lyngo]

ESR makes a solid folio case. I would consider using one of their products.

 

[Robcat101]

I agree that the ESR one seems pretty good for 12 quid. I’ve always found that the Apple ones are better quality and last longer - typically the edges seem to fray after time on 3rd party, whereas Apple seem to not have this issue. (Particularly in the old style two piece Smart Cover and silicone case combos - gen Apple are much better). It’s a shame gen Apple are so expensive - 100 quid for the new folio is pretty steep.

I guess I’ll see what the ESR one is like in a few months. I got an gen Apple for £30 on eBay, so we’ll see which ages better.

 

[MrMister111]

I agree that the ESR one seems pretty good for 12 quid. I’ve always found that the Apple ones are better quality and last longer - typically the edges seem to fray after time on 3rd party, whereas Apple seem to not have this issue. (Particularly in the old style two piece Smart Cover and silicone case combos - gen Apple are much better). It’s a shame gen Apple are so expensive - 100 quid for the new folio is pretty steep.

I guess I’ll see what the ESR one is like in a few months. I got an gen Apple for £30 on eBay, so we’ll see which ages better.

Agree Apple cases normally decent, but these are really expensive.

I’m always dubious of eBay genuine ones, are they really? Hard to tell and sometimes just as easy to get an Amazon one from a 3rd party

 

[Robcat101]

I’ve bought a few of the Smart Cover/silicone case combos off eBay, and they all appear to be genuine. The packaging appears to be genuine Apple as well. They’re certainly miles better quality than the other stuff you get on there. The inner suede lining is quite a lot better. All the third party ones I had on those iPads have been very poor by comparison.

The newer Smart Folios arent actually as well made IMO, but I’ve got an one from the Apple store and another off eBay, and they seem identical.

 

[rgarjr]

I have the Moko, pretty d3scent for the price. Very thin though which may be the same as the Apple.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I try third party ones and always come back to Apple. The issues I have noticed with the third party are that the cover doesn’t stay nice and flush when folded back and also that they can be slightly heavier. I just got a genuine Apple Alaskan Blue on eBay for 19.99. It helps that my iPad is 2018, so there isn’t as much demand for folios that are several years old and only fit that one model.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I have the Moko, pretty d3scent for the price. Very thin though which may be the same as the Apple.

Apple is definitely very thin, but I like that about it. I’m under no illusion that there is any drop protection, but I enjoy holding the iPad more with the soft material than the hard metal. So being able to do that while keeping it just about as light as naked is great.

 

[Wags]

Maybe heard of these in UK. Pretty good design.

Leather Slim Case| Cinnamon Brown

The iPad Slim Clover combines a stylish slim design with ultimate protection and functionality. The Slim Cover is handcrafted with beautiful full-grain leather which protects your iPad in style. The Slim Cover has a three-fold design providing different viewing and working modes. Slim Cover is...

decodedbags.com

 

[Bpmd]

I’ve been eyeballing this since last week, can’t make my mind up.

 

[MrMister111]

I try third party ones and always come back to Apple. The issues I have noticed with the third party are that the cover doesn’t stay nice and flush when folded back and also that they can be slightly heavier. I just got a genuine Apple Alaskan Blue on eBay for 19.99. It helps that my iPad is 2018, so there isn’t as much demand for folios that are several years old and only fit that one model.

If that’s genuine then I’d be happy with that, is that in UK eBay? Can you link please?

I agree I think the quality is better, but sometimes can buy a few for the price of 1 Apple.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

If that’s genuine then I’d be happy with that, is that in UK eBay? Can you link please?

I agree I think the quality is better, but sometimes can buy a few for the price of 1 Apple.

It's from rake-rock on U.S. eBay. Not including link because it was crazy long. It wouldn't work for you, though, because it is for a 2018 (wrong camera cutout for a 2021). 2018 can use 2020 and 2021 cases, but not vice versa.

 

[B_T_W]

I try third party ones and always come back to Apple. The issues I have noticed with the third party are that the cover doesn’t stay nice and flush when folded back and also that they can be slightly heavier. I just got a genuine Apple Alaskan Blue on eBay for 19.99. It helps that my iPad is 2018, so there isn’t as much demand for folios that are several years old and only fit that one model.

This. This. This. I thought it was only me that hated these iPad cases with the “saggy middle". Really hard finding one that’s not Apple’s version that doesn’t have this issue.

B

 

[B_T_W]

I’ve been eyeballing this since last week, can’t make my mind up.

I’ve had this for a few days, and really like it. Great, great construction, nice leather, and the magnetic pencil flap helps the back lie perfectly flat when folded around, which is critical for me. The only thing is that it’s heavy and almost a full pound, so if you’re not liking the increased weight of the 12.9 already, this adds to that and is very noticeable. But it’s so nice that it’ll be tempting to just deal with it.

B

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I’ve had this for a few days, and really like it. Great, great construction, nice leather, and the magnetic pencil flap helps the back lie perfectly flat when folded around, which is critical for me. The only thing is that it’s heavy and almost a full pound, so if you’re not liking the increased weight of the 12.9 already, this adds to that and is very noticeable. But it’s so nice that it’ll be tempting to just deal with it.

B

I like that it looks like it leans back further in the upright position than the Apple folio. Is that true? Also, is it sturdy enough to draw on in that position?

 

[B_T_W]

I like that it looks like it leans back further in the upright position than the Apple folio. Is that true? Also, is it sturdy enough to draw on in that position?

Good question. I’ll try to test this out later and follow up. Mine is mostly for reading/watching, and I use my Apple Pencil only occasionally.

B

 

[jazz1]

I’ve had this for a few days, and really like it. Great, great construction, nice leather, and the magnetic pencil flap helps the back lie perfectly flat when folded around, which is critical for me. The only thing is that it’s heavy and almost a full pound, so if you’re not liking the increased weight of the 12.9 already, this adds to that and is very noticeable. But it’s so nice that it’ll be tempting to just deal with it.

B

Looks great!

 

[B_T_W]

Does the flap fold back around against the case, or does it flop around...It looks very nice!!!

Folds back around and magnetically attaches. Very well made.

 

[Bpmd]

I’ve had this for a few days, and really like it. Great, great construction, nice leather, and the magnetic pencil flap helps the back lie perfectly flat when folded around, which is critical for me. The only thing is that it’s heavy and almost a full pound, so if you’re not liking the increased weight of the 12.9 already, this adds to that and is very noticeable. But it’s so nice that it’ll be tempting to just deal with it.

B

Thanks for this, I hadn’t been able to find any reviews (case reviews just don’t seem to be a thing anymore).

The weight probably wouldn’t bother me, I landed on the Smart Folio for the 2018 model after trying a couple of others (Zugu, Apple Keyboard Folio, cheap ESR thing) and it was always the simplicity of the magnets and how flat it folded back that sold me on it. It’s biggest flaws for me are the price (for the materials involved) and the endless fingerprints.

 

[jazz1]

Folds back around and magnetically attaches. Very well made.

Well it looks like I’ll be buying another accessory soon 😁

 

[B_T_W]

Thanks for this, I hadn’t been able to find any reviews (case reviews just don’t seem to be a thing anymore).

The weight probably wouldn’t bother me, I landed on the Smart Folio for the 2018 model after trying a couple of others (Zugu, Apple Keyboard Folio, cheap ESR thing) and it was always the simplicity of the magnets and how flat it folded back that sold me on it. It’s biggest flaws for me are the price (for the materials involved) and the endless fingerprints.

Same. I had the Smart Folio initially, and then cycled through a Nomad case, a Zugu, a couple cheap ESRs, using each one for a couple months or so, before ultimately returning to the Smart Folio over a year later, chiefly because of my general irritation with the cover not magnetically attaching to the back.

This sweet Torro one is saved for me by the magnetic flap, which holds it almost perfectly flat, and after using it for a few days, I'm finding that it's staying that way on its own. Not sure if the leather is softening after a little use, but the only thing still bothering me a bit is the weight, but I do have it on a stand 85% of the time, and am getting used to it.

But the build is impressive, the magnets are super strong (despite a weird Amazon review saying otherwise) and it definitely feels worth the money, especially when compared to the Smart Folio.

B

 

[B_T_W]

I like that it looks like it leans back further in the upright position than the Apple folio. Is that true? Also, is it sturdy enough to draw on in that position?

After testing it out, it leans a little further back than Apple's Smart Folio, but it's a slight, slight difference. Magnets are very strong, and when writing some notes with the Apple Pencil in that position, felt rock solid. Really nice case if you can deal with the weight.

B

 

[Kyle76]

I bought the Apple Smart Folio, but I wasn’t happy with no pencil support or the way it showed fingerprints and smudges. I sent it back and got the simple ESR magnetic case. I find it folds perfectly flat, has a handy pencil tab and does not show marks like Apple’s case (including the Magic Keyboard, but that’s a keeper). I’m much happier than I was with the Smart Folio and at one-quarter the cost.

 

[MrMister111]

I bought the Apple Smart Folio, but I wasn’t happy with no pencil support or the way it showed fingerprints and smudges. I sent it back and got the simple ESR magnetic case. I find it folds perfectly flat, has a handy pencil tab and does not show marks like Apple’s case (including the Magic Keyboard, but that’s a keeper). I’m much happier than I was with the Smart Folio and at one-quarter the cost.

Is that the ESR one that has the pencil flap? Does it get in way when not using the pencil?

Having had the official Apple one and a 3rd party can you tell me what they are like for the “feel” of them please? Both the same material etc?

Thanks

 

[Kyle76]

Is that the ESR one that has the pencil flap? Does it get in way when not using the pencil?

Having had the official Apple one and a 3rd party can you tell me what they are like for the “feel” of them please? Both the same material etc?

Thanks

The flap will fold back and is held by magnets. It’s not a hassle at all. The feel is smoother than the Apple case, kind of a smooth rubber feel. That’s why it doesn’t show marks like the more textured Apple case.