Apple accessory maker Twelve South today launched a new SurfacePad cover for the iPhone X. More like a Smart Cover for the iPhone than a traditional case, it protects the front and rear of your iPhone X, while providing sleep/wake functionality by way of a magnetized front cover.

The iPhone X SurfacePad also provides two handy credit card slots, works as a stand for videos and FaceTime calls, and is comprised of full-grain leather instead of Napa leather like the previous version. As a result, users can expect the updated cover to have a longer lifespan and wear in better over time.

The $49.99 SurfacePad is available in three colors: Black, Cognac, and Deep Teal. Twelve South sent us samples of the latter two to examine. Watch our hands-on impressions for more details.

It’s only natural to want to compare the SurfacePad to Apple’s own iPhone X Leather Folio, since they both feature a common form factor, can store credit cards, and each take advantage of the iPhone X’s sleep/wake cover functionality.

Yet each product is also very different. The iPhone X Leather Folio is a full on case, with protective walls covering the stainless steel outer edge. In fact, as I described in my initial hands-on, the iPhone X Leather Folio is almost like a case inside a case.

Video walkthrough

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On the other hand, Twelve South’s SurfacePad is more like a slim, low profile cover. It protects the front and rear of the iPhone X, but such protection is limited. It also provides no protection around the stainless steel edges.

The advantage of the SurfacePad is that it features a slimmer profile that some users may prefer. Just remember that you’re giving up a considerable amount of protection by going this route.

In my opinion, the SurfacePad is great for those who may have considered using the iPhone X without a case at all, but like the idea of having some protection, along with the ability to carry around a couple of credit cards.

Sleep/wake cover functionality, a feature that I feel is underrated as a Leather Folio user, is also nice to have. As is the ability to use the SurfacePad as an iPhone stand for watching videos or conducting FaceTime conversations.

Twelve South acknowledges that the SurfacePad is limited when it comes to protecting your iPhone, which is why it’s made it easy to remove the cover and reuse the adhesive multiple times over. For those times when you’re navigating treacherous terrain, it may be wise to put your iPhone X in a proper case. Once finished, you can always go back to the SurfacePad at a later time.

What are your thoughts on SurfacePad? Would you consider using one for your iPhone X?

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