ESR iPad Pro 12.9-inch Case Review with Flexible Back Cover & Apple Pencil Holder
We have been looking at iPad Pro Cases and here is one with built-in Apple Pencil holder. The highly rated ESR iPad Pro case is suitable for both third and fourth generation iPad Pro (2018 and 2020). It offers all-round protection with its rubber like polymer case. Here is what else in store.
ESR iPad Pro 12.9-inch Case with Apple Pencil Holder & Flexible Back Cover
ESR is making a name for itself, offering a range of different iPad cases. We looked at the convenient magnetic snap on case by ESR offering back and front protection similar to that offered by Apple’s Smart Folio. But, what if you want more than just front and back protection? The ESR iPad Pro case with Pencil Holder and Soft Flexible Back offers all round protection. Let’s take a closer look.
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Note: We purchased several cases to complete our budget iPad Pro case round-up. You can see the full list here at the Best Budget iPad Pro 12.9 Case for 2018 and 2020 models.
Up Front
For the front, the ESR case features a standard smart cover with tri-fold magnetic flap. This is attached permanently to the soft and flexible TPU back cover. The exterior of the flap is lined with waterproof rubberised material. None of that faux leather texture, just your smooth surface. Flip it open and you will find that the interior is lined with micro fibre cloth to protect the screen.
This trifold smart cover automatically wakes and puts the device to sleep when the cover is opened or closed. Flip it over and the edges snaps together to form a pyramid support structure (as seen from the side). This allows the device to be used in stand and working mode, 65 degree and 30 degree accordingly.
The flap is also bigger than your standard trifold flap. This is because it goes over the extended case. The extension being a silo to store the Apple Pencil. In short, it helps keep the Apple Pencil conceal when the cover is shut.
Round the Back
The back is made from tough, scratch resistant flexible rubber polymer. Our black unit with matching black cover has a matt finish that offers some level of grip. While it flexes easily, once the iPad Pro is in, it pretty much stays on. We have no problem installing the cover, a squeeze here and a tug there and the case is on.
On the opposite edge where the cover is secured to the case is the Apple Pencil Holder. This is the extension that we mentioned earlier. It makes the overall size of the device bigger by adding around 10mm to the overall width. While other manufacturer simply use a magnetic flap, thereby lowering the cost, it risks the Apple Pencil slipping out during transit. This moulded pencil holder however will ensure that the Apple Pencil stays in place with no chance of slipping out.
To remove the Apple Pencil from its holder, just push it out from the back via one of the two open slots. The extension adds a challenge as to how one can reach the volume buttons location on the same side as the magnetic clasp for the Apple Pencil. The case works around this by introducing a pair of mechanical buttons over the real one. These are marked on the case with + and – to correspond to increasing and decreasing the volume. The work and feel like the real buttons with that satisfying click.
Still on the back of the case, we look at the cut-out for the main cameras. This is done with precision and comes with a tapered groove around the cluster giving it a nice trim. The thickness of the back cover is enough to keep the camera bump off the surface when placing the iPad Pro flat on the table. This prevents the camera lenses from scratches and damage.
Final Thoughts
Definitely one to consider for those who wish to keep their iPad safe without spending a lot of money. The ESR offers full iPad Pro protection with a high quality and well thought out wraparound case design. On top of that, it also comes with an enclosed Apple Pencil holder. A must have if you already own the Apple Pencil or intends to buy this.
Unlike other cases including Apple’s own Smart Folio that leaves the Apple Pencil out in the open clinging only to the charging port magnetically, the ESR case allows it to charge and keeps it protected at the same time. In other words, there is no chance of it falling off from an accidental swipe.
Our only issue with the case is that while the cut-outs are clean and there are plenty of these for the Apple Pencil, USB-C port and speakers, where there are cut-outs the rubber like polymer material flexes more. This is understandable as it is a flexible material and these are in fact the weakest spots given its lack of support, see image below. However, this is something that we learned to live with. Having one continuous line is more estatically pleasing than complete cut-outs that you see on some cases.
