REVIEW – We have a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation 2018 tablet (non-LTE version) and Apple Pencil 2 that we’ve been afraid to take with us anywhere for fear of dropping them. We wanted to get a case with drop protection, but most cases out there look way too bulky and have an “industrial” appearance. Fortunately, companies like Speck provide drop protection in slim and simple designs. Speck redesigned their latest Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case to accommodate the Apple Pencil 2 which charges by magnetically adhering to the iPad.

I was able to test the case and found that it seems to provide the protection that we need (we did not do any drop testing), but is a little heavy, has sharp edges along the front cover, and has a locking clasp instead of a magnetic closure. It does have magnets in the cover to put the tablet into sleep mode when the cover is closed.

What is it?

The Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case (2018) is a drop-protective covering for the third generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The case also accommodates and protects the latest Apple Pencil (Apple Pencil 2).

Hardware specs

• 6-foot drop-protection with IMPACTIUM layer: Dropped from 6 feet multiple times by independent labs to ensure superior protection.
• Durable two-layer protection: A tough outer shell and soft IMPACTIUM layer with scientifically engineered crash zones provide two layers of protection in a slim, one-piece case. Rugged exterior resists scuffs and abrasions, and a polycarbonate perimeter prevents fraying.
• Raised Bezel Screen Protection: Gives screen extra protection from scratching and shattering if your tablet falls and lands facedown.
• Compatible with the NEW Apple Pencil®
• Multi-angle stand: Cover converts into a stand for typing and allows you to adjust the angle for viewing videos.
• Secure closure clasp: Locking clasp ensures the cover stays securely closed to protect the screen in the event of a fall.
• Supports asset tagging: Chassis has a clear section in the back that lets you see any asset tags.
• Auto sleep/wake saves battery: Magnets in the cover extend your battery life by automatically putting your iPad to sleep when it’s not in use.
• Thoroughly Tested for Durability: Speck® cases are independently lab-tested for multiple real-life situations, including extreme drops and temperatures, chemicals, antenna interference, cracks and abrasions, device bending, and more.
• Lifetime Warranty: Speck® backs each Pro FOLIO case with a lifetime warranty.

Design and features

I received the Filigree Grey/Slate Grey Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case (2018) to review. This case also comes in Black/Black and Argyle Purple/Eggplant Purple. The outer cover is a slightly textured matte grey material that covers a hard outer shell which, in turn, covers a soft impact resistant inner shell (two-layer protection). The back of the case has a cutout to accommodate the iPad Pro’s camera. The side of the case shown above has the volume up and down buttons as well as a locking clasp instead of a magnetic closure. According to Speck, this helps to keep the case closed and therefore protects the tablet’s screen in the event of a fall.

The clasp is a hard plastic oval piece attached to a nylon strap which is looped through the cover of the case. The bottom of the case contains the cutouts for the power port and speakers. The top of the case contains cutouts for the speakers and microphones and also contains the power button. Inside the case, the front cover is lined with a soft material to prevent scratching the screen. It also contains multiple grooves to allow the case to be used as a multi-angle stand.

The back of the case has a clear hard plastic area to allow you to see any asset tags; in other words, it allows you to view any labels on your iPad Pro. But because of the clear plastic, there are no magnets in this area of the case (the Speck iPad Mini cases have such magnets) to hold the back cover – the portion that bends away from the clear plastic area- to the back of the case.

Performance

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2018 fits very snugly inside the Presidio Pro Folio case. In fact, it was quite difficult getting the iPad into the case. And now that it’s in, I don’t intend on getting it back out. Our iPad and its case are now one with each other.

The case accommodates the Apple Pencil 2 very nicely (note: the tip of the pencil should be pointed toward the bottom of the case) and allows the pencil to magnetically adhere to the iPad Pro to charge without any issues. Speck designed the case such that there is enough room to stick your finger in just below the tip of the pencil to easily pop it out. Those of you with larger fingers may have a little more difficulty accomplishing this, in which case, using your pinkies may work best. The side of the case shown above displays the volume up and down buttons. From the above view of the iPad, you can see the raised bezel that helps to protect the screen from scratches or even drops if the iPad falls and lands facedown (according to Speck). All of the cutouts lined up well with the speakers and the charging port. The opening for the charging port seems large enough to accommodate a variety of USB-C cables.
The above photo shows how the cutouts on the top of the case line up precisely with the speakers and the microphones on the iPad Pro. You can also see the power button on the top of the case.

All of the buttons are easy to press and work well.

The cutout for the camera provides plenty of room for the camera, its microphone, and the sensor. The back of the case is raised enough so that the camera is protected when the iPad is laying on a flat surface.

Our iPad Pro is used mainly for creating magical works of art. With the case on, it is easy and comfortable to use the iPad while it is laying on someone’s lap. It also works well in the stand configuration.  Furthermore, by folding the front cover toward the back of the case as shown above… …the case can be configured to work at an “art angle”.

Even though the case has a locking clasp instead of a magnetic closure, the cover does have magnets that will automatically put the iPad into sleep mode when closed to help preserve battery life. And having a locking clasp ensures that the case will stay closed if it suffers from a fall.

Speck states that independent labs have drop-tested the Presidio Pro Folio from six feet several times to ensure the protection of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018). I have used Speck cases on smaller devices in the past and having accidentally dropped them without any damage, I believe that this case will protect our iPad.

In addition, the case is fairly slim for a drop-protection type of case. It is also simple in design and allows you to use the case as a multi-angle stand.

The case does, however, add some weight to the iPad and the front cover edges are sharp as shown in the right photo above (the left image gives you a reference point for the image on the right). It would also be nice to have a larger selection of colors to choose from.

What I like

• The Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case provides drop-protection
• It accommodates and protects the Apple Pencil 2
• It has a simple attractive design
• It’s not too bulky

What needs to be improved

• The edges of the front cover are sharp
• It would be nice to have more colors to choose from

Final thoughts

The Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case provides drop-protection for the ever expensive 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018). Speck cases have historically provided such protection without being too bulky and looking “industrial” which is why I find it to be one of the more attractive iPad Pro cases. Because we’ve never had anything larger than an iPad Mini, all our cases have had magnetic closures, so getting used to the locking clasp takes a little time. This clasp is supposed to keep the case closed even when dropped and thus provide protection for the screen. This updated case actually accommodates the Apple Pencil 2 nicely (the earlier version of the 3rd generation iPad Pro Speck case did not), allowing it to magnetically adhere to the iPad to charge.

It does, however, add weight to the iPad; the front cover has sharp edges; and if you are used to magnetic closures, it takes a little time to get used to the locking clasp. These are minor inconveniences and thus I recommend using Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case (2018) to protect your iPad Pro.

Price: $59.95 – $89.95
Where to buy: Amazon or Speck
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Speck.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: IPad Pro Case

Speck Presidio Pro Folio 12.9-inch iPad Pro Case (2018) review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 1, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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