A cover that doesn't look like a cover. It is the Twelve South SurfacePad, an older product (it debuted with the first iPhone 6s and then was adapted to all subsequent and previous iPhones) that was unveiled a few weeks ago in the iPhone XS Max version . The SurfacePad comes from a not too original concept, that of wallet cases with “door” that closes on the front, but which is implemented by TwelveSouth in a rather original way and with a quality interpretation that many other products do not offer.
The version we had in our hands to present our impressions immediately appears as a product that stands out in several respects : shape, system to apply it to iPhone, materials and operation.
The cover is delivered in a minimalist package that recalls the minimalism of the case itself. In practice, once extracted from the paper and plastic box that contains it, you will find in your hands a sort of leather “sheet” covered in microfiber that folds in two. There is no plastic shell or corner like in other wallet covers to lock the phone, just a strong adhesive film that is applied to the glass back of the iPhone.
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The case as delivered to you 
The adhesive surface 
Here is the case 
One once the phone is placed inside, the thickness is minimal 
The camera is left free 
Here too you can see when the thickness is reduced, but the edge is uncovered 
The seams are made with skill 
The volume keys are “simulated” on the edge 
The microfiber interior 
The Twelve South logo 
The corner of the iPhone is exposed 
A picture of the stand function 
Another image showing how the desk stand works
To put the Twelve South SurfacePad into operation, you have to remove the protective cover of the adhesive film of the case and then bring the iPhone close to it so it is firmly fixed to the case. It should be noted that although the system with which the film is applied may appear “brutal” and crude, in reality it is also possible to remove the cover when you no longer want to use it; subsequently it is possible to apply the case again because the film does not lose its adhesive power. However, we must be careful not to dirty the surface with dust and lint coming from clothes, otherwise it will no longer work properly. It is also likely that no matter how careful you are, the adhesive power will gradually drop if you choose to stick and detach the case ..
Once the cover is applied, what immediately emerges is its minimalism . It is very subtle, inconspicuous and unobtrusive. The iPhone XS Max increases its thickness a little and can practically be kept anywhere, or almost, it was placed before the application of the cover. This is due to the fact that, as mentioned above, there is no internal shell that would also increase its bulk to hold the phone.
The iPhone remains completely free; no obstacles to the view of the iPhone
The overall aesthetic effect is very pleasant. Twelve South's SurfacePad is unobtrusive. The edges will remain free and when you open the front, the iPhone will show itself substantially in its entirety. This, added to the excellent quality of the leather, makes the cover an elegant accessory that underlines the taste of those who use it.
The disadvantage of the Twelve South SurfacePad derives from these advantages. In particular, it does not cover the edges and since the door is completely free (there are no hooks that hold it), in case the iPhone should fall into it don't expect a very high protective factor. The stiffness of the lid is also relative. In practice, the iPhone XS Max is protected only from scratches and abrasions and from very “casual” bumps such as those that the phone undergoes in a bag or backpack.
Finally, Twelve South offers with its SurfacePad cover three accessory functions : the front flap turns the iPhone off and on (as happens with some iPad cases), the cover becomes a small stand and inside there are also two slots for credit or debit cards.
This is how the front flap works to turn the screen on and off
Turning the phone on and off using the flap are quite useful because they save battery without resorting to constant use of the side key. The other two functions are also quite convincing and well researched. In particular, the cover-stand satisfies a need that those who have the iPhone XS Max probably perceive: the use to watch movies. In this, the custody does its job well. Credit card slots can be useful if you turn around without a wallet and use the cover to keep a payment document
Twelve South SurfacePad can be used to hold the phone to view a file,
In conclusion, the TwelveSouth SurfacePad is a wallet cover like few others: non-intrusive, minimalist and well made . It is not ideal for those who want protection for their phone , but it is for those who want something that elegantly accompanies their iPhone without burying its design.
The SurfacePad for iPhone XS Max is on sale on the TwelveSouth website in versions compatible with practically all iPhones at a price starting from $ 19.99 (plus shipping and any taxes) up to $ 59.99. It is also found in Italy, in particular on Amazon.
The colors of SurfacePad
