REVIEW – I’ve always found it essential to keep a case on my devices – phones, tablets, iPods, etc. My hands are just too dry to keep a good grip on smooth devices made of metal and glass so having a good case is important. Enter Otterbox with the Symmetry Series 360.
What is it?
The Symmetry Series 360 is a case designed for iPad Pro with sizes for the 11” and 12.9” models. As the 360 in the model name signifies, this case covers the whole iPad, with a scratch-resistant, hard plastic back cover; a flap to cover the screen; and protection around all the edges. There are cutouts for the speakers and microphones so it’s not perfectly sealed but communication is not hindered either.
What’s in the box?
- Symmetry Series 360 case
- Instruction card showing installation guide and stand modes
Design and features
Symmetry Series 360 features a hard plastic back shell and a screen cover that folds flat against the back, or it can be folded in two different ways, providing multiple viewing angles for the iPad. The lowest setting provides a convenient low angle for typing on the screen of your iPad, and the higher setting allows the iPad to stand up for watching videos or making Facetime calls.
When the cover is closed, magnets in the case match up with magnets in the iPad to put the tablet to sleep; when the cover is opened the magnets release and the iPad wakes up. There is a small flap that folds over the top cover to keep it in place. This also uses magnets so it’s not likely that it will come off accidentally with normal use. I think it would have been convenient if this flap was big enough or had a built-in loop to hold an Apple Pencil. I tried to fit the MECO Stylus that I previously reviewed but the flap doesn’t expand far enough to hold it in place and still be able to close properly.
The back cover is clear allowing the Apple logo and the color of the iPad to show through. The plastic is scratch-resistant so it should look good for a long time to come. There is also a square cutout for the camera bump.
Installation and setup
Installation is as simple as taking the case out of the box and snapping the iPad into the hard plastic back shell. Then just close the cover when you want to put the iPad to sleep or open the cover to wake it up.
What I like
I like the solid feel of this case. I also like the multiple angles provided by the folding options of the front cover. Since I purchased my Logitech external keyboard I don’t have much need to type on the glass but I do often stand the iPad up to watch videos so the second angle is very convenient.
What I’d change
I think it would be nice to have a way to attach an Apple Pencil or a similar stylus. There is no cutout for charging the Pencil but providing a way to hold it would be a convenient option.
Final thoughts
You can’t go wrong with an Otterbox case for your favorite gadgets. The Symmetry Series 360 is not as chunky as some of their phone cases so it’s not going to add a lot of bulk or weight to your iPad.
Price: $89.95
Where to buy: Otterbox.com or Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Otterbox.
