Since the very first day Apple started selling Apple-branded iPad mini case, I always wanted to get one. However, throughout the years, I could never justified paying such price for a tablet case. The price of full body case for iPad mini 4 is especially expensive because buyer needs to get 2 different items. Especially when AUD gets weaker against USD, such price is good enough to get a low-end Android tablet. So after days of contemplating, I always opt to get some cheaper cases. When I saw a really good sale price by end of last year, I was excited and finally decided to give it a try.

The case for iPad mini 4 was offered as 2 separate offerings: the smart cover and the (back) silicone case. With this strategy, Apple tries to cater to those who only need the screen cover and those who needs whole body protection. Getting just the back case without the front cover is apparently not really something they intend to happen because the back case will look bad and silly without the front cover.

As expected, the material and build quality of official Apple case is very good. It feels very comfortable to hold, not slippery and so far doesn’t appear to attract dust. Having an Apple logo at the back is a nice extra. Totally not needed, but this is one thing we can’t get from any third party back case, unless it’s done illegally, or we’re getting transparent one.

Despite it looking somewhat more sturdy, iPad mini 4 official case is surprisingly lightweight. The smart cover weighs 70 gr and the silicon case weighs 59 gr. The combined weight is less than my previous case (149 gr). Since I am very peculiar about my tablet’s weight, this is a very nice bonus I did not expect.

Back to the initial question: is it worth the price? My experience with this new case has been great so far. It’s a good case, maybe even great, but not spectacular. I still won’t say that it’s worth the retail price, though. If money is not a problem for you, get it. Otherwise, there are tons of other alternatives.