Paperlike Folio Case Review: A Premium Feel for your iPad

In this article we’ll take a look at the brand new Paperlike Folio Case, a premium iPad case designed to make your tablet feel like a cherished notebook.

Since the announcement of the Paperlike Folio Case at the end of May, I have been eagerly waiting to get my hands on it. Now that I have been using it for two weeks, I am ready to share my thoughts on the product and help you decide if it is worth purchasing.

Bring back that feeling

The main selling point of this case is the idea of bringing the familiar look and feel of a traditional journal or sketchbook to the iPad experience, that sense of nostalgia and warmth that is hard to match when using a digital device.

The idea of bringing a more tactile feel to the digital world has always been part of Paperlike’s DNA, a movement they started with their flagship product, the Paperlike matte screen protector.

To create the perfect iPad case, the Paperlike team conducted rigorous testing on more than 200 material samples until they found one that delivered the familiar texture they were looking for, a texture that felt just like one of their favorite notebooks.

The exterior of the case is crafted with that particular material, a fabric-like textured polyurethane, while the interior includes a soft microfiber lining that gently cushions the iPad and protects it from scuffs and scratches.

Build Quality & Protection

The case is extremely well built and feels really great in the hand. The fabric material is soft to the touch but also seems quite durable. Due to its texture, there’s a chance this case might be a bit trickier to clean, however. While only time will tell if it things hold up well, I do feel confident after using it for a couple of weeks. It still looks and feels great, in fact, way nicer that Apple’s own Smart Folio case.

Another great feature of the Paperlike Folio Case is the oversized flap that can be used to keep your Apple Pencil in place, even if you have a grip attached to it. It complements the sleek design of the case and makes everything feel more secure and cohesive.

Similarly to the Apple Smart Folio and other cases on the market, there are two folding positions available, allowing you to use it as a stand to watch content, or place your tablet in a lower position when drawing or taking notes. And just like any case worth its salt, it also supports the iPad’s auto wake/sleep feature.

Overall the Paperlike Folio Case looks really sleek and fits like a glove on the iPad, including a precise and snug camera cutout on the back. Strong magnets are used throughout to keep the case firmly attached to the tablet, and also to help snap that handy Apple Pencil flap into place. Everything about this case feels seamless and well-thought-out.

The case is compatible with the latest iPad models, including the iPad Pro 11″ and iPad Air 10.9″, as well as the larger iPad Pro 12.9″. At the time of writing, charcoal grey is the only color available for the product, but I wouldn’t be surprised if more colors are introduced in the near future.

When it comes to protection, you’ll notice the edges of the iPad are exposed, but the cover is slightly larger than the tablet, with its outer lips extending past the device’s frame, so although it won’t be as safe as a full wraparound case, it should still provide some level of impact absorption. I’m not too worried about this aspect as I generally tend to be quite careful with my devices, but if you have kids and they play with your iPad a lot, it’s something to keep in mind.

Pricing

Priced at $69.99 the Paperlike Folio Case is not only more affordable than the Apple Smart Folio, but it also feels a lot more premium. You can certainly find cheaper options on Amazon, but I have previously tried some of those and have always been disappointed, so I feel like this one is worth the asking price for the high-quality product you’re getting.

Pros & Cons

Now that we’ve gone through all the product details, let’s summarize the pros and cons of the Paperlike Folio Case.

Pros

• Great build quality
• Unique exterior with a premium feel
• The textured material makes it grippier and easier to hold than traditional cases
• The Apple Pencil flap is a great addition, helping keep the stylus in place
• Fits perfectly with a precise cutout for the camera
• Strong magnets keep everything secure

Cons

• Doesn’t fully protect the sides of the iPad

Verdict

The Paperlike Folio Case is the best iPad case I have ever come across. It might even be my all-time favorite case for any device. I love it so much in fact that it has now replaced my previous iPad case for good (and I’m not looking back). The design is super sleek and it fits like a glove, its fabric-like texture delivers a nice, warm feel, and the inclusion of a flap to secure the Apple Pencil is a fantastic addition.

If you currently don’t have a case for your iPad or are thinking about replacing your existing one, I would highly recommend taking a look at the Paperlike Folio Case.

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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.