OtterBox is the gift that keeps on giving. Their latest case for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and new iPad Air 3 is the OtterBox Symmetry Series iPad Case. It’s tough plastic shell keeps your expensive tablet protected, while the ability to expand its features—Smart Keyboard, Smart Cover—can be seen on the spine. Altogether it appears to be the best iPad case for designers.
Why We Like It – OtterBox Symmetry Series iPad Case
OtterBox is synonymous with durable protection, and this iPad case isn’t any different. Using hard plastic for the casing, cutouts we made to reach buttons with a removable spin to accommodate Smart Keyboards and covers.
- Durable, tough hard plastic
- Has a cutout to accommodate attachments
- Has an Apple Pencil holder
- Doesn’t have screen protector
Performance
Strength, toughness, durable—these are traits I immediately associate with OtterBox, and the OtterBox Symmetry Series iPad Case did not disappoint. Its shell is made of polycarbonate, a shield against drops, bumps, and fumbles. The edges especially are raised to ensure your tablet’s screen doesn’t meet an unfortunate fate on the ground. But it doesn’t stop there. It’s also scratch-resistant, thanks to a micro texture that deflects would-be scratches and scuffs. If you were hoping for protection over style, you’ll find it with the OtterBox Symmetry Series iPad Case.
Design
At first glance the case looks ordinary until you check the spine: a removable compartment that accommodates a Smart Keyboard and Smart Cover. There’s cutouts for buttons and charging port, which is necessary if you’re transferring, say, data from a camera with a USB C port to Lightning. Even better, it fits the new iPad Air 3.
It also comes with an Apple Pencil Holder, like the ProCase iPad 9.7 2018 2017 iPad Case. By attaching a folio case to the spine, and propping it up, you’ve got yourself a quick workstation. However, with everything it offers we wished it had a screen protector bundled inside. Thankfully, screen protectors are relatively cheap.
Value
A case like the Symmetry Series is obviously going to cost a pretty penny, and it does. But is it worth $52? OtterBox has had a long history of being synonymous with phone and tablet cases—even cases that aren’t OtterBox get mistaken for OtterBox. In other words, it is worth every penny. This is the kind of protective case you want for protection, not some flimsy skin like the MoKo iPad Case or the ProCase iPad 9.7 Case for 5th 6th Generation. If we had to choose between the OtterBox Symmetry Series iPad Case or the ESR iPad Case—we’d go with the OtterBox every time.
OtterBox Symmetry Series iPad Case Wrap Up
The OtterBox Symmetry Series iPad Case was everything it said it was and then some, minus the screen protector. The plastic used was really resistant to scratching and did well to protect devices. We especially liked the spine cutout and Apple Pencil holder. If you’re a designer, you can create an adequate workspace by attaching a folio case to the spine and propping it up.
