You can now buy the upgraded iPad mini 5 (starting at £399/US$399), but if you’ve just bought a second-hand mini 4 or have treasured your mini 4 since it was released in 2015, we’ve got a case that’ll suit you right here in our roundup. We’ve looked at everything from smart cases, to rugged, leather, and even folio case options to hand-pick the best.
iPad mini 5 owners looking for a case should see our dedicated roundup of the best iPad mini cases. While the mini 4 and mini 5 share identical dimensions, changes in placement of the rear microphone mean that some cases aren’t fully interchangeable.
If you own a different iPad, you can also see what we think are the best rugged cases, as well as the best cases for the iPad 9.7in, iPad Pro and iPad Air 2 – and why not check out these cool iPad keyboards as well.
iPad mini 5 Smart Cover
If you want to keep things strictly Apple, then we’d recommend the Smart Cover for iPad mini 4 (£45/US$39)– which is also compatible with the iPad mini 5 and comes in a new colour, Papaya (pictured).
It’s ridiculously easy to use, with a magnetic rubberised spine that clips neatly to the left edge of the device.
Repeated daily removal won’t scratch the metal in any way, and the cover’s two folds mean you can safely stand your iPad to watch videos or lay on a desk to type on-screen.
The microfiber lining also cleans your screen subtly while it’s closed, and also auto-wakes and sleeps the iPad – a typically well thought out case.
ESR iPad Mini 4 Urban Premium Folio Case
ESR’s Urban Premium Folio Case has long been a reliable option for your iPad, and the Mini 4 variant is no different.
The hollow-out back aids ventilation, and it is 1mm wider than your device to ensure all-around protection.
The use of artificial leather means the cost can be kept low without sacrificing on style or durability.
You can buy it now for £13.01/US$15.99.
Pipetto iPad Mini 4 Origami Case
Pipetto’s Origami case may seem similar to Apple or Fintie’s offerings on first viewing, but the clue is in the name.
Available in 15 colours and two different materials, it’s unique folding ability offers five different options when using it as a stand – two more than the Apple Smart Cover.
Of course, the Origami case retains full access to cameras, buttons and ports to provide a complete package.
You can buy it now for £9.95/US$39.95.
Torro iPad Mini 4 Leather Smart Cover
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, then Torro’s Leather Smart Cover could be for you.
The British brand has maintained a simple design throughout, with a single flap on the rear for securing it in place as a stand. It also retains the built-in wake/sleep function and microfibre front cover from Apple’s Smart Case.
The case is available in a minimalist black and red finish (pictured) or a more striking tan option.
You can buy it now for £34.99/US$45.00.
JETech iPad Mini 4 Smart Cover
JETech’s smart cover does the same thing Apple’s does – but at a fraction of the cost. You can expect the same auto-wake and sleep functions as well as a folding cover that converts into a stand.
JETech also backs its case with a lifetime warranty. Plus it’s available in a bunch of different colours. Not bad for less than a tenner. Available on Amazon.
Cooper Cases Rugged Children’s Cover
Cooper Cases’s rugged case for children may be the best case for you if your iPad mini 4 is often in the hands of your little one. What we like best is the useful built-in handle that converts into a stand. See some of the best iPad cases for kids here.
This rubberized case is made of non-toxic and washable EVA foam that absorbs shock and allows easy access to ports, cameras, and buttons. It also comes with a screen protector.
Cooper Cases offers a 1-year warranty on its cases. Available in blue, orange, pink and purple. Available on Amazon for £18.95/$13.95.
UAG Folio iPad Mini 4 Case
For a more rugged option that’s not just for kids, UAG’s Folio is one to check out. We’ve featured UAG’s cases in many of our other iPad and iPhone case round-ups because we’ve come to expect great durable cases from the brand.
The Folio is also a smart cover, while offering military-grade protection. It also converts to a stand for hands-free landscape viewing.
For more rugged cases for iPad check out our full round-up. Available for £31.96/US$39.79.
Otterbox Defender Case for iPad Mini 4
Otterbox is another brand we trust for its high-quality cases. The Defender Series case offers three layers of protection to the tablet itself, plus comes with an integrated screen protector too.
There’s also a stand that stows away at the back of the case for convenient hands-free viewing. The Defender provides robust protection from drops, dust, and scratches – perfect for the slightly clumsy and over-cautious alike.
It’s available directly from Otterbox or on Amazon for £35.86/US$56.59.
Ztotop Faux Leather Case for iPad Mini 4
Ztotop’s faux leather case is a stylish shift away from the usual plastic and TPU options – plus you can get it in a few colours, including a denim and faux leather hybrid option (£17.99/US$18.99).
Aside from looking classy, it offers protection from day-to-day wear. The front cover has a soft microfibre lining that keeps the iPad mini’s screen safe from scratches, while the PU bumper keeps corners safe as well.
There’s a handy pocket for notes and papers and a pen/pencil holder too. Available for £13.99/US$15.99.
Maroo leather folio case for iPad mini 4
If the classic leather folio is your style, then the Maroo case is a great choice. Its simple design closes securely with elastic straps over two corners, with your precious iPad held in place in a sturdy rubberised frame.
It has even got a slot for a stylus if that’s how you choose to use your tablet. You can fold back the front flap and create a wedge shape that allows you to either type raised while on a flat surface, or stand up for easy video viewing.
Moshi VersaCover Case for iPad mini 4
With its minimalist, origami-inspired design the Moshi is one of the best-looking iPad mini cases available.
The front cover not only auto-wakes and sleeps your device; it also acts as a folding stand that can form three different positions for use.
The instructions aren’t the clearest out there, and it took us a while to be happy with the viewing angles, but it does also depend on what surface you’re using the case – if you’ve got a slippery glass desk, you might find the typing angle in particular hard to work with.
Available directly from Moshi or on Amazon UK (not currently available on Amazon US).
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Via MACWORLD