The Zagg Crystal Palace solves a vexing problem for iPad users: you want to show off your gorgeous iPad but you need to protect it too. That’s why most of this folio case is transparent. Nevertheless, it provides 6.5 feet of drop protection.
It also acts as a stand, and there’s a useful Apple Pencil holder.
Zagg’s case offers plenty of great features, but an unfortunate design flaw in the cover flap makes it hard for me to recommend this product.
Zagg Crystal Palace review
Wrapping an iPadt in a protective case buries the Apple logo under layers of plastic. The result is an anonymous device that could be made by anyone. When using my tablet in public, I like showing off that I’m using an Apple product. Yes, it’s shallow but it’s also human nature.
The Zagg Crystal Palace clear iPad case shows the Apple logo for all the world to see.
I tested the version for the new M4 iPad Pro, and there’s one for the M2 iPad, too. And Zagg makes it for earlier tablets as well.
Table of contents:
- Clear but protective iPad case
- Flip cover and kickstand
- But there’s a problem
- Zagg Crystal Palace final thoughts
- Pricing
Clear but protective iPad case
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The iPad is wrapped in a tray that protects the back, sides and corners. Openings allow the cameras, USB-C port, speakers, etc to do their jobs, as do the button covers.
Zagg commits to 6.5 feet/2 meters of drop protection, which means your precious tablet should survive if dropped that far.
Zagg Crystal Palace looks really quite transparent, and the material is supposed to resist turning yellow from exposure to light. Scratch resistance is another feature, plus an antimicrobial agent inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
I’m testing the version for the 13-inch iPad Pro, and it weighs 0.82 pounds. It also increases the thickness of the tablet to 0.5 inches. That’s not a bad weight or thickness for a protective case like this one.
A slot at the top of the screen holds my Apple Pencil Pro on its charger built into the tablet. It’s a welcome addition.
Flip cover and kickstand
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Zagg Crystal Palace has a black, very non-transparent flip cover that protects your iPad’s all-important display when you’re carrying the tablet around. It also covers the Apple Pencil — a nice touch.
Flip the front cover around to the back to get it out of the way, or fold it into a triangular kickstand. On my review unit, this supports the tablet’s screen at around 30 degrees past vertical, which I consider a useful angle.
Alternatively, rotate the iPad until the kickstand props up the screen at a 20 degree angle. I found this well suited for writing or sketching with an Apple Pencil. Just remember, the stylus holder will be at the bottom of the screen in this configuration, as will the buttons.
But there’s a problem
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The problem I mentioned earlier crops up when using the iPad while holding it in my hand. I flip the cover around to the back to get it out of the way, but there are no magnets to hold it in place on that side so it flops downward. I can try to hold it in place but even then the top edge hangs down.
I can rotate the screen so that the buttons are at the bottom, and that positions my hand so I’m mostly holding the flap in place, but I shouldn’t have to change the way I use my tablet because of a problem with its case. It’s a frustrating design flaw because Zagg should know better.
Zagg Crystal Palace final thoughts
Keeping the iPad in view while also protecting it from drops is my favorite feature of Zagg’s case. The kickstand and Apple Pencil holder are nice, too.
One might think I would endorse a product with this one’s advantages – but that is clearly not the case. There are too many good iPad cases on the market for me to wholeheartedly recommend one with a floppy flip cover.
★★★☆☆
Pricing
The cost of Zagg Crystal Palace depends on size. The 11-inch one is $49.99 while the 13-inch version sets you back $59.99. But at the time this review is published, an Amazon deal knocks off between 47% and 10% of the price, depending on model.
Buy it from:
- 13-inch iPad Pro: Amazon or Zagg
- 11-inch iPad Pro: Amazon or Zagg
- 13-inch iPad Air: Amazon or Zagg
- 11-inch iPad Air: Amazon or Zagg
Zagg provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
