Wednesday, July 3, 2024
HomeGadgets and ReviewsSupcase Unicorn Beetle iPad case: Thick yet well protected

Supcase Unicorn Beetle iPad case: Thick yet well protected

Key Takeaways

  • Full protection, including a built-in pencil holder and kickstand, makes the Supcase Unicorn case a convenient option.
  • Adding useful features would add bulk and take away from the appeal of the iPad Pro’s thin and light design.
  • The Face ID glitch and added weight are drawbacks, but the affordability and protective features of the case make them worth it.



Now that Apple has officially launched the 13-inch iPad Pro, the search begins for the perfect case that not only provides protection but also ease of use and comfort. And if that case also has some interesting features that other cases don’t, all the better.

Related

6 Best Cases for iPad Pro

Protect your new iPad Pro with cases from Supcase, Spigen and other top brands

The Supcase Unicorn Beetle iPad Pro case certainly has a lot going for it. It actually seals your iPad inside the case, giving you peace of mind because it has a viewscreen that protects the front of the device, and sturdy plastic and rubber that protects the rest of the device. The problem is, I’m not a huge fan of the weight of this case. The problem is, the weight and bulk of the case kind of erases the two biggest reasons for buying a 13-inch iPad Pro in the first place.


The sub case basically eliminates both thinness and lightness.

SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle iPad Pro 13 inch Case
Strong Points

  • Full Protection
  • With the Apple Pencil holder, you won’t have to worry about losing it
  • The kickstand is sturdy
Cons

  • Face ID doesn’t work with case on
  • The weight difference is quite noticeable
  • Kickstand has only one angle

Related

How we test and review products at Pocket-lint

We don’t make assumptions – we buy, test, and review products ourselves and only publish our buyer’s guides after we’ve actually bought and tested them.

Pricing, Specifications and Availability

The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro for the 13-inch iPad Pro is a relatively new product, having only just been released in May 2024. Of course, it’s new, as the product this case was designed for wasn’t even released until the end of May. You can purchase the case on both Amazon and the official Supcase website for under $40. There were some stock issues shortly after launch, but it looks like it’ll be available soon.

This case only comes in one color, and the basic black looks great on me. The case has a built-in screen protector and is sealed with a rubber gripping lip on the back of the case, so every inch of your new iPad Pro is protected. The kickstand folds out and back into the case for those who want to watch shows or movies on their iPad. It also has a built-in Apple Pencil holder that integrates with the iPad’s magnetic connection. This means that not only can your pencil charge, but it also attaches more securely, so you don’t have to worry about losing it like you would if you left it on top of your iPad.


What I like about the Supcase Unicorn Beetle iPad Case

Protection is key

First and foremost, what I love about the Supcase iPad Pro case is that it completely seals your device. There are plenty of cases that are similar to this design, but they don’t have a built-in screen protector. Most cases leave your iPad screen exposed, even if they’re in a recessed case that makes it harder to reach the screen if dropped. It gives you extra peace of mind knowing that the most important parts of your iPad have a layer of protection.

You’ll have more peace of mind knowing that the most important parts of your iPad have a layer of protection.


Also, I like to take my iPad to bed to read or watch shows, so I try not to take my Apple Pencil Pro with me, lest it roll off the iPad while I sleep. The Apple Pencil holder also charges and holds the pencil securely so you don’t have to worry about it going off somewhere when you’re not paying attention.

0:52

Related

The Atari 2600+ brought back fond memories for me, but the fun is long gone.

The Atari 2600+ may have been a little too faithful to the original console, and that’s not a good thing.

What I didn’t like about the Supcase Unicorn Beetle iPad Case

I feel it’s a bit too heavy

Front view of the supcase with the iPad inside

My go-to iPad case is the very basic Smart Folio, which offers some protection when closed and is very lightweight. The Supcase, on the other hand, is just too bulky and I never really grew to like it. The biggest selling point of the latest version of the iPad Pro is how thin and light it is — even lighter than the famously lightweight iPad Air.


The Supcase basically eliminates both the thinness and lightness, and instead gives you peace of mind that if you drop it, it probably won’t do any damage. If this was the regular iPad Pro I was using until May of this year, I probably would have really liked the Supcase, because the extra weight wouldn’t be as noticeable. But holding this iPad with one hand is a nice feature, and I don’t like the weight coming back with this case.

The SupCase basically eliminates both thinness and lightness. [the iPad] teeth…


Finally, there’s a weird design issue with the case that means the front camera can’t properly read my face to unlock the iPad. I’ve had to take the iPad out and put it back in the case a few times to make sure I’m not putting the case on incorrectly. This seems like a really weird design flaw.

0:34

Related

Polaroid’s Now+ Gen 2 instant camera reminds us that nostalgia comes at a price.

Polaroid’s top-of-the-line instant cameras let you point and shoot, and then tinker with settings and filters to create lifelike photos, but they’re not cheap.

Should you buy the Supcase Unicorn Beetle iPad case?

The extra protection is worth it

SUPCASE for iPad with Apple Pencil, Mouse and AirPods

The Supcase Unicorn Beetle iPad case is definitely worth buying, especially if you’re worried about dropping your iPad and want a little more protection than most cases offer. The price for the larger model is also hard to beat; most cases with built-in screen protectors cost around $100 if they’re of any better quality. This case is good value and has features that some people will undoubtedly like. It just falls short in so many areas that I can’t give it a higher score.


Supcase is a sponsor of Pocket-lint and the case reviewed was loaned to us by the manufacturer, however this review is independently written and the author is instructed only to report their own experience and findings with the product.

Related

Edifier’s planar magnetic headphones offer the best sound quality I’ve ever heard

Rather than competing with the big names in terms of ANC quality, the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 focuses on producing full, clear audio.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments

error: Content is protected !!