Twelve South SurfacePad review: MagSafe support helps this incredible iPhone cover – AppleInsider
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Twelve South has updated its popular SurfacePad cover for the iPhone 12 line — complete with MagSafe support. It is an amazing accessory overall, but small frustrations still give us a bit of hesitation.
The idea behind SurfacePad…….
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content.
Twelve South has updated its popular SurfacePad cover for the iPhone 12 line — complete with MagSafe support. It is an amazing accessory overall, but small frustrations still give us a bit of hesitation.
The idea behind SurfacePad is that it provides minimal bulk while protecting your iPhone from everyday dangers. With SurfacePad, you don’t have to worry about any glare on your screen.
You can avoid your keys in your pocket scratching your display, and your phone won’t be dipped into the water ring you didn’t see on the table. Minimalist protection, minimal bulk.
Design, quality, and protection
Volume buttons on SurfacePad
SurfacePad is crafted from a single piece of Napa leather, which is exceptionally soft and is available in three colors. There is black — fairly standard, as well as cognac-brown and plum. All of the colors look amazing and will hopefully appeal to most users.
SurfacePad interior logo
Inside the leather is a soft microfiber lining that nuzzles against your phone. Regardless of the exterior color you choose, the inside will always be a neutral grey.
Our luxe SurfacePad cover
On the front is a subtle Twelve South logo stamped towards the base, but otherwise the exterior is unmarred. There is a color-matched stitched edge, just as you would see on a classic leather wallet.
Some functionality has been altered compared to the previous generation, including the removal of the hands-free stand and the ability to sleep/wake your iPhone when the cover is lifted. The latter isn’t Twelve South’s fault, as Apple removed the functionality for the iPhone 12 range.
As the cover is designed to be removed and re-applied repeatedly, you can always swap it with a more rugged case when the time calls for it.
Installation and removal
Installation of SurfacePad was always easy, but it is even easier thanks to MagSafe. The internal magnetic ring in the cover quickly helps you align everything properly before pressing it into place.
SurfacePad camera module cutout
Twelve South is using its new SurfaceGrip 2.0 material as the adhesive that secures the cover to your phone. We aren’t sure what makes SurfaceGrip special or how it differs from “SurfaceGrip 1.0” but it is effectively a layer of microsuction foam.
This foam is slightly rubbery and dotted with little air holes that, when pressed up against the side of your phone, …….
