• If you were waiting for the price drop of Apple iPad mini 5, now is the time to act.
• You can save even more, if you get low-priced cases with stylus holder – just in case you need a pen, too.
iPad Mini 5 highlights
▸ iPad mini is the tiniest Apple tablet. It features the 7.9‑inch Retina display with True Tone technology.
▸ It was introduced in 2019, but its combined performance and features are better than the entry-level iPad 10.2 introduced a year later.
▸ iPad mini 5 display sports the highest pixel density of all iPad models. It’s 326 ppi versus 264 ppi in other iPads (including the top-shelf iPads Pro).
▸ You can use iPad mini 5 with Apple Pencil (1st generation), but if you want to save even more money, you can get one of Apple Pencil alternatives.
▸ The list price of $399 for the entry-level variant (64 GB of internal memory) – especially when compared to Amazon Fire HD 8 – was far too high. Many users were waiting for deep price drops.
▸ The launch of iPad mini 6 makes the prices of iPad mini 5 go down. On Amazon, you can save up to 15% on a new iPad mini 5, but you can get the renewed one for even $80 less. Check out Amazon Warehouse for current deals on refurbished iPad mini 5.
▸ A long time since the launch of the iPad mini 5 let third-party producers launch many interesting cases. As the device gets older, the cases get cheaper.
▸ Please note that the case tailored for iPad mini 5 will not be compatible with iPad mini 6. The 2021 device has different dimensions and proportions, as well as the shape of the bezel and position of buttons and ports.
Cheap iPad mini 5 cases with pen holder
Smart Cover alternative with shockproof, clear backshell
▸ The case offers a tri-fold design that’s similar to the original Apple Smart Cover.
▸ The cover supports auto sleep / wake function and can be used to form a stand: either horizontal for writing or vertical for watching.
▸ The tri-fold front attaches to the iPad magnetically, and can be detached easily any time you want.
▸ The biggest benefit of the Valkit case is the backshell. Apple Smart cover doesn’t have it. The backshell gives an enhanced protection for the iPad. It’s made of thick and solid polyurethane.
▸ The backshell doesn’t look heavy as it is transparent, letting you admire the look of the iPad at all times.
▸ On the front of the cover there is a stylus loop so that you can keep the pen always with you, and there is no need to get an extra pen case.
▸ The case is available in four color versions: Navy Blue, Champagne Gold, Mint Gold, and Rose Gold.
▸ The price of the case at the time of writing the post is $15.99.
Our score: 7.5/10
Rugged protective case with multi-angle kick stand
▸ Are you looking for an affordable multi-angle stand case that offers and enhanced protection and has a place for an Apple Pencil? Take a look at the design from Soke.
▸ The case offers 360-degree protection not only from dust and scratches, but also bumps.
▸ Rugged bumper shell made of TPU combined with PU should make your iPad mini 5 withstand the drop from 5 feet.
▸ The case is available in as many as nine colors, including Wine Red, Lake Blue, and Rose Gold.
▸ All variants offer a modern texture. It doesn’t imitate leather, but is intended to improve the grip and has a really cool look.
▸ The built-in kickstand combined with the grooves on the front cover will let you use the iPad as a stand in four positions.
▸ The magnets used for the stand are strong enough to safely attach your iPad mini to a metal surface, such as a fridge or door.
▸ The Soke case comes with a 2-Year Warranty that’s exclusively designed for Apple iPad mini 5 released in 2019.
▸ The current price on Amazon is $25.99 for the Black version, and up to $29.99 for other color variants.
Our score: 6.5/10
Multi-layer honeycomb stand case with screen protector
▸ The case from Suritch combines the tri-fold stand with internal Apple Pencil holder, a honeycomb backshell and screen protector – this is the most functional case in this overview.
▸ Besides the tri-fold front cover with a stand functionality, Apple Pencil holder, and support for auto sleep / wake function, the case offers two unique features.
▸ First, it comes with an innovative back shell that features a honeycomb structure on the inside. It makes the case lighter while keeping the same protection level. Additionally, the honeycomb helps cool the iPad quicker and more effectively.
▸ Secondly, the case offers a built-in screen protector. Thanks to that, you don’t need to spend extra $10 if you are determined to give the front of the iPad a better protection.
▸ The screen protector is being attached to the case via the click mechanism, not the iPad itself. It makes it easy to remove it, if you don’t need it – and attach again.
▸ There are five body colors to choose from, including Green, Black, and Purple Marble.
▸ Currently, the price is set at $25.99 on Amazon. For a case this versatile, it’s a deal.
Our score: 7.5/10
Slim tri-fold case with internal Apple Pencil holder
▸ If you are looking for a case that will give 100% protection not only for you iPad mini but also Apple Pencil, you should take a look at the case from Aoub.
▸ At a first glance, the case looks exactly as Apple Smart cover, but the God is in the details: it has a hard plastic shell that covers the back, and it offers an Apple Pencil slot.
▸ The pen holder is located on the left side of the display. This way, you are reducing the chances of damaging your stylus to 0. The pen – and its tip – is stored inside the hard plastic frame, not outside the case.
▸ You have to push the stylus through the holes in the back to remove it.
▸ The case is available in seven color versions, including my favorite one, Orange, seen above.
▸ The current price is $16.99.
▸ Some variants are out of stock, but the producer claims they will be back on offer, soon.
Our score: 6.5/10
Innovative hybrid case with tri-fold cover
▸ Can a cover be both slim and highly protective? This hybrid case from Fintie can.
▸ When you drop the iPad, it’s mostly the corners and edges to suffer – and it’s them to get an extra layer of protection. Why cover the back with a thick layer of plastic, making the case heavier for no real reason?
▸ The “hybrid” means that the back shell is made of two parts: the durable frame with enhanced corner protection (thicker plastic), and the slim back cover made from thin transparent plastic.
▸ There is also a front protection that’s similar to Apple Smart Cover, with leather texture on the outside and microfiber lining on the inside.
▸ The case can be transformed into a stand for either vertical or horizontal use.
▸ Please note that due to its construction, the vertical stand is not as stable as the kickstand featured in other cases. It may also not well behave on uneven surfaces.
▸ The stylus holder is placed inside to give your Apple Pencil the complete protection.
▸ The case comes in five body colors: Black, Green, Lilac Purple, Rose Gold, and Sky Blue.
▸ The price of the Fintie iPad mini 5 Hybrid case on Amazon is currently $15.99.
Our score: 8.0/10
Keep exploring. Here are other posts for iPad users:
[gu-archive number=5 tag=”ipad”]
Leave a Reply