I ordered this case because the idea of the magnetic angle holds was an idea I really liked since the magnetic folding triangle cases do not seem to be a sturdy option and this case seemed like a great price. I was interested in this case but saw comments on how it was heavy and that the Zugu case was lighter and better etc so I ordered 3 different brand cases all with the adjustable magnetic stand (specifically not the foldable triangle stand as these seem to not be a sturdy option) and tested each out. Which one made the cut?
In short the esr shift was superior in almost every way and here’s why:
Pros:
1. Multiple angles. This was the main reason I chose this case over any others. The ability to have so many different angles that worked with the case both in landscape and portrait was the selling point for me for this case. I love that there are two different flap/ stand options which allows for so many different angles that make it easy to find the position that works best, from laying down in bed reading to using it at a desk, the many different angles are very helpful in being able to use the iPad comfortably.
2. Landscape or portrait. This feature was the other main reason I chose this case over the others. Being able to choose and switch between landscape and portrait is an amazing feature, weather for reading books or playing games, you can position it the way you need while still being able to effectively use the stand features. I always hated when an app made me use my iPad in portrait mode because my case did not function that way which meant I was holding my entire iPad up to use it, which obviously is possible but was just something I found to be annoying and is a feature I didn’t know I needed until finding this case. To be fair, I honestly don’t use this feature super often but I love that I can turn it easily whenever I want.
3. Magnetic to back. I liked that this cases front cover when folded back sticks to the back of the case giving a sleek secure feel rather than just flopping around when holding the case like some of the other cases I tried did
4. Separate case. The ability to separate the case and just use the hard protective shell if you want a lighter feel is a great feature. The outer stand layer can easily be removed (although not easily enough it falls off, it is securely attached with magnets)
5. Magnetic to fridge etc. The shell that attaches to the iPad can be placed on any magnetic surface. I liked the idea I could place on my fridge while cooking etc but I have yet to actually use this feature.
6. Fingerprint id. The case has a cut out on the power button allowing for easy access to fingerprint id (some others have silicone covering this button). This was an important feature for me when choosing a case because I didn’t want to have to type my password in each time
7. Magnetic angles are sturdy. The magnetic stands are sturdy and hold the iPad securely at each angle regardless if you have it portrait or landscape. The magnets are strong and sturdy enough usually to keep the stand up even when picking the iPad up to reposition it on whatever surface you are using it on (I will note that the slot closest to the iPad sometimes will not stay put when I pick my iPad up but not something they really advertise it doing anyway, I just reposition my stand, super easy)
Cons:
1. Heavier than normal iPad case if looking for a light feel. Some people are looking for that iPad Air feel and this is not that. It does feel very secure and I honestly don’t find it to be very heavy.
2. Only change I’d maybe make is I wish it had an option to hold Apple Pencil securely on the charging area to keep it from getting knocked off but understand this would make case slightly bulkier and isn’t really a big deal. Although I know there is a slot for the pencil on the back I worry this may stretch overtime with continued use resulting in less secure hold on the Apple Pencil and does not have the ability to charge in that spot like it would if the slot was on the side
Overall I’m really happy with this case and the many different options and abilities it has. I didn’t know a case like this existed and is the best iPad case I’ve ever had due to its versability . Originally when I began the search for an iPad case I was hoping to get about the cheapest protective case possible but came across the magnetic stands feature and quickly changed my mind. The I came across this one and it was nearly perfect in every way. Exceeded expectations of a case with the wide variety of options it allows. Was only missing one thing in my opinion which is I was hoping to find a case that had an Apple Pencil holder on the side of the case so the pencil could charge while being stored safely but since I don’t use my Apple Pencil all the time this was not a deal breaker for me.
Compared to Zugu case for those on the fence:
To start the Zugu case is more expensive with less features but a few comments stating its superior quality resulted in me ordering it to give it a shot. 1. The weight of both was not significantly different but I will say Zugu was slightly lighter but not drastically enough to be a big factor to me. 2. One thing I liked about the Zugu that esr doesn’t have is a “holder” for the iPad pencil located in the side so it can charge. Although they both have the pencil sleeve on the back the idea to have it on the charger seemed like an nice idea although the Zugu slot was not as secure as I’d hoped and made the cover of the case hard to open since that area blocked being able to open the cover from the side which was a big con for me that I found pretty annoying. 3. The esr has a flush back / flat kickstand which has a nicer feel than that of the Zugu which does not have a completely flat back. 4. Esr has two different kickstand options which allows for more viewing angles, the Zugu has far less viewing options. 5. Esr can come off of the stand and act as a standalone case as well as be turned both landscape and portrait, none of which are options with the Zugu case as it doesn’t detach or go portrait. 6. Esr front cover will stay magnetized on the back when folded flat against the back of the case which is a great feature so it doesn’t fling around when you walk around or want to use it flat, something the Zugu case did not do. Overall I returned the Zugu and went with esr and very happy I did. Still great a year later.
TLDR Summary: Had this case for a year, still great. ESR Case is awesome, get it. Has the best features of any case I’ve tried. Only good case I’ve found that can go portrait or landscape. Two other family members ordered this case after looking at mine and also love it. All three of our cases still holding up great with year of daily use.
Note: originally ordered black but felt was too dark and easy to lose so changed to purple. If prone to losing things I recommend picking a color.
