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I bought a genuine Apple case “Smart Folio” for iPad mini (6th generation) and reviewed the impression that I carried and used it every day for about 10 days. At the same time as the goodness unique to genuine products, restrictions have become apparent depending on how they are used.
Apple’s only iPad mini (6th generation) accessory
The Smart Folio for the iPad mini (6th generation) is the only iPad mini (6th generation) accessory currently on sale at the Apple Store.
The Smart Folio for the iPad mini (6th generation) is available in 5 color variations, but I bought black. The selling price of the Apple online store is 7,480 yen (tax included).
At the time of writing this article, the Smart Folio is also in short supply, although it is not as good as the iPad mini (6th generation) itself, which is announced in the Apple online store to ship in 4 to 5 weeks.
At the time of my confirmation, Electric Orange was waiting for 1-2 weeks, Dark Cherry and English Lavender were waiting for 3-4 weeks, while Black and White were informed that they could be shipped in 1 business day. increase.
The color is gray rather than black
On the back of the package, the illustration shows how to open the cover and how it can be used as a stand at two angles.
Only the Smart Folio itself is included in the package.
When viewed under indoor LED lighting, the real thing looks grayer than the color printed on the package. I put it side by side with the back of the iPad mini (6th generation) Space Gray.
The surface is a matte and moist polyurethane material that is not slippery when picked up. Even if it gets a little dirty during use, it can be cleaned by moistening it with water and wiping it with a soft cloth that has been wrung out.
The inside is a soft brushed material.
The Smart Folio weighs 105 grams. Combined with the iPad mini (6th generation) Wi-Fi model, which weighs 293 grams, and the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which weighs about 20 grams, it weighs about 418 grams.
A feeling of fit that is just fit.The sides are exposed
To install, simply place the back of the iPad mini (6th generation) on the Smart Folio and it will be magnetically attracted.
The camera hole on the back perfectly surrounds the protruding camera.
The sides are exposed except for the hinges on the Smart Folio. There is also a top button with a built-in Touch ID on the top, so it’s a little lonely that the sides aren’t protected.
With the Smart Folio attached, the sides are the same size as the iPad mini (6th generation).
The edge of the case is slightly higher, almost the same height as the top button with built-in Touch ID and the volume button on the top.
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) also pops out of Smart Folio. I keep putting it in and out of the bag with my Apple Pencil on every day, but it never came off.
If you’re looking for a case that will prevent your Apple Pencil from coming off, it’s best to use a case that physically holds your Apple Pencil in place.
The lid is firmly fixed to the back.Two-handed typing changes into a sense
Smart Folio attracts not only the back side but also the part that covers the display with a magnet.
Lift the lid a little to turn on the iPad mini display and close it to turn it off.
If you open the part that covers the display completely and fold it back, the lid will stick to the back and it will look like a single plate. For the author who often uses the iPad mini in a standing position, it is convenient to be able to use it slimly even with the lid open.
As I introduced in the review of the iPad mini (6th generation) itself, I find it attractive to be able to hold the iPad mini vertically with both hands and perform romaji typing.
However, in addition to being heavier when Smart Folio is attached, the width of the hinge part increases by about 4 mm, which changes the feeling of typing and reduces the ease of typing with both hands.
However, it is troublesome to put on and take off the Smart Folio every time you enter characters, and you can not put it in your chest pocket like the Apple Pencil, so it seems that I will have to get used to it while using it.
If your finger hurts when you hold it with one hand
The iPad mini (6th generation) can also be operated by holding it with one hand with the Smart Folio attached.
If you hold the iPad mini with your left hand in a standing position, it will stabilize with your little finger, but the edge of the Smart Folio may hit your finger and hurt.
In that case, if you move the iPad mini upward by about 2 mm, the Smart Folio will not hit your finger, so you can operate it comfortably.
High stability even when used as a stand
When used as a stand, the end of the lid is fixed with a magnet, so it is stable even if you switch between portrait and landscape orientation.
If you place it on a steel desk in the stand state, the effect of magnetic force will increase the sense of stability.
If the stand is laid down for character input, the Apple Pencil will hit the desk directly, so be careful when placing it.
You can also remove the Apple Pencil and attach it to the back of your Smart Folio.
Conclusion: Excellent fit!The question is what to think about side protection
The advantages of using the iPad mini (6th generation) in combination with Smart Folio are as follows.
- A fit that can be called “genuine”
- The lid can be folded back and firmly fixed with a magnet
- Usability that the screen on / off is linked to the opening and closing of the lid
- Even if the surface becomes dirty, you can clean it by wiping it with a damp and wrung cloth.
On the other hand, I was interested in the following points.
- There is also Touch ID The side of the main body is not protected
- Where to go for Apple Pencil at a laid angle
In summary, the fit and slim fit are great and worth the price.
If you place importance on side protection, it seems better to look for a third-party case that is expected to be enhanced in the future.
Click here for video review
We also released a video that summarizes the review of Smart Folio for iPad mini (6th generation) in about 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Please watch the video.
See: Apple Product Information, Care instructions
(hato)
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Source: iPhone Mania