Paperlike Bumper Case Review: Unmatched Style & Protection for your iPad

Sleek, durable, and built for everyday use.

I’ve been using the original Paperlike Folio Case since its release back in 2023, and I love it so much it hasn’t left my iPad since I first put it on. It looks awesome, feels amazing, and after all this time, I can gladly say it’s also proven to be incredibly durable. The only thing I thought it was missing was some proper protection for the sides of the iPad.

And that’s exactly what Paperlike is trying to address with the release of their new Bumper Case. This new case carries over the same high-quality design and premium feel of the Folio Case, but now comes with thick rubber bumpers for full wraparound protection, making it even better than its predecessor.

Here’s a closer look at everything this case has to offer.

Packaging

The packaging is simple but nicely designed, which is something we’ve come to expect from Paperlike.

Inside, you’ll find an art sticker created by lettering artist and designer Stefan Kunz.

On the back of the sticker, there’s a note from Paperlike’s founder and a QR code guiding you to their “How-to Hub,” a page with setup information and tips for their products. Right now, there aren’t any instructions for the Bumper Case listed, but honestly, you won’t need them. Just slide your iPad into the case, and you’re all set. It’s that easy.

Design and Build Quality

The Bumper Case felt like an instant upgrade the moment I first took it out of the package. The exterior has that same signature fabric-like texture used in the Folio Case, a material that’s kinda like a fancy cloth book cover. It feels really nice and also gives you a good amount of grip when holding it.

The interior is lined with a soft microfiber that protects your iPad’s screen and back panel from scratches. This attention to detail also extends to the fit of the case. It hugs the iPad perfectly, with precise cutouts for the camera, buttons and charging port.

But what really sets this new case apart from the older one is the full wraparound protection, thanks to the rubber bumpers. While I loved the slim profile of the Folio Case when I first reviewed it, I always a bit worried about the exposed edges. With the new Bumper Case, that’s no longer an issue, as the shock-absorbent bumpers are perfectly designed to protect the tablet against knocks, bumps and even accidental drops.

These bumpers are relatively thin at around 0.3mm, so they strike a good balance between offering protection and ensuring easy access to the buttons and USB-C port, thanks to the cutouts I mentioned earlier. During my testing, I had no issues at all pressing the buttons with the case on, but if you’ve got bigger fingers, you might have a different experience.

This case is designed with creatives in mind, so of course, it has a handy spot for the Apple Pencil. A magnetic flap helps keep it secure, allowing you to store and charge your pencil when you’re not using it. This flap is large enough to accommodate the pencil even if you have a grip attached to it.

When you’re not using the flap to hold your pencil, you can just flip it over and the magnets will neatly snap it to the back of the case. So there’s no awkward flopping around, which is a really nice design touch.

The magnetic front cover supports the iPad’s auto wake/sleep functionality and it can be used as a foldable stand, with two viewing angles for watching videos, browsing content or taking notes. It’s not super stable for serious drawing sessions, but it gets the job done. I personally like to pair it with a sturdier stand for better stability or just use it flat on my desk.

It’s worth mentioning that this case also works nicely with screen protectors. So if you already have a Paperlike screen protector or a thicker tempered glass one, you won’t have any problems.

For now, the Bumper Case comes in just one color, Paperlike’s signature charcoal gray. I personally like this neutral tone, as it blends perfectly with my monochrome setup and looks great alongside my Space Gray MacBook Pro.

That said, it would be awesome if Paperlike introduced more color options down the line. This would give users the option to add a pop of personality to their gear, something that I think would really resonate with the creative community Paperlike caters to.

Pricing & Availability

The Paperlike Bumper Case isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s more budget-friendly (and in my opinion, way better) than Apple’s Folio Case. Here’s the pricing for the different iPad sizes:

• $54.99 for 11-inch iPads.
• $59.99 for larger 13-inch models.

The case is compatible with a wide range of iPad models, including:

• iPad Pro 11″ (2018-2023)
• iPad Pro 11″ (2024)
• iPad Air 10.9″ (2020-2023)
• iPad Air 11″ (2024)
• iPad Air 13″ (2024)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (2018-2023)
• iPad Pro 13″ (2024)

Pros & Cons

Let’s wrap it up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Paperlike Bumper Case:

Pros

• Beautiful, minimalist design and excellent build quality.
• Unique texture and feel with a premium fabric-like material.
• Total 360-degree protection with shock-absorbent bumpers.
• Dedicated spot for the Apple Pencil, with a magnetic flap that keeps it secure.
• Fits the iPad perfectly, with precise cutouts for the camera, buttons and charging port.

Cons

• Currently available in only one color.

Verdict

The Paperlike Bumper Case keeps all the great features from the original Folio Case while fixing its one drawback. It provides solid 360-degree protection for your iPad and keeps things slim and understated, without going overboard.

Although it would be great to see more color options in the future, the charcoal gray is neutral and versatile enough to blend into any studio or workspace.

If you’re looking for an iPad case that balances good looks with reliable protection, the Paperlike Bumper Case is definitely worth checking out.

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This product was provided by its manufacturer for review purposes, but the opinions are all our own. This post contains affiliate links to partner brands. We earn a small commission if you click the link and make a purchase. There is no extra cost to you, so it’s just a nice way to help support the site.