iLoungeiLounge
  • News
    • Apple
      • AirPods Pro
      • AirPlay
      • Apps
        • Apple Music
      • iCloud
      • iTunes
      • HealthKit
      • HomeKit
      • HomePod
      • iOS 13
      • Apple Pay
      • Apple TV
      • Siri
    • Rumors
    • Humor
    • Technology
      • CES
    • Daily Deals
    • Articles
    • Web Stories
  • iPhone
    • iPhone Accessories
  • iPad
  • iPod
    • iPod Accessories
  • Apple Watch
    • Apple Watch Accessories
  • Mac
    • MacBook Air
    • MacBook Pro
  • Reviews
    • App Reviews
  • How-to
    • Ask iLounge
Font ResizerAa
iLoungeiLounge
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • News
    • Apple
    • Rumors
    • Humor
    • Technology
    • Daily Deals
    • Articles
    • Web Stories
  • iPhone
    • iPhone Accessories
  • iPad
  • iPod
    • iPod Accessories
  • Apple Watch
    • Apple Watch Accessories
  • Mac
    • MacBook Air
    • MacBook Pro
  • Reviews
    • App Reviews
  • How-to
    • Ask iLounge
Follow US

Reviews

Reviews

Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2

Last updated: May 19, 2021 10:24 pm UTC
By Phil Dzikiy
Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2

Relatively few iPad Air 2 cases have hit the market early in the device’s lifespan, as companies likely had a short time to adjust to the design changes in Apple’s thinner full-sized iPad. Griffin has released a few options, though, including the Slim Folio ($30) and Survivor All-Terrain ($80). Slim Folio is a very thin fabric case that actually fits both the iPad Air 2 and original iPad Air — it has holes for the camera and microphone locations on both devices. Survivor All-Terrain is a beefy rubber-and-plastic case solely for iPad Air 2, similar to the other products in Griffin’s Survivor line. The case offers complete button coverage, as well as screen and port protection. A multi-layer case, Survivor All-Terrain is weather-resistant and military spec-tested to be safe from two-meter drops onto concrete.

Advertisements

The case also comes with a detachable stand.

Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2


Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2

Slim Folio is similar to Griffin’s earlier Elan Folio Plus, though this new version has more minor build quality issues than the prior, troubled case. We found the fit to be a bit off in certain areas here — the side mic hole isn’t perfect, the speaker grille holes don’t attempt to match up with the device, and the camera hole for the iPad Air 2 is strangely asymmetrical.

Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2
Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2

Moreover, protection is minimal in Slim Folio, to say the least. It also might bother some users that there are extra holes which don’t match the device, due to Griffin making the case compatible with both iPad Air models. A notch on the back of the case lets users insert the flap to form a two-position stand, which works better in the lower position; the upper position feels a bit unstable and flimsy, much like the case itself.

Advertisements

Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2
Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2

Survivor All-Terrain is a thick case that adds plenty of protection — and lots of bulk — to a thin iPad Air 2, which may limit its appeal to many users. The thick rubber and plastic combo certainly makes a user feel safe, though, as do the front screen protector and fully covered buttons and ports.

It’s very similar to the previous Survivor for iPad Air, with a thin layer of plastic added to cover the Touch ID button.

Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2
Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2

Unfortunately, this time around, Survivor misses the mark in one specific area — the feel of the volume controls. While the decrease volume button is nice and responsive, trying to increase the volume of the iPad Air 2 can be an exercise in frustration, as the button’s feel is floaty at best and completely unresponsive, at worst. This is the sort of thing Griffin may address in a subsequent revision of the case, but for now, it’s not quite right.

Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2
Review: Griffin Slim Folio and Survivor All-Terrain for iPad Air 2

Griffin’s latest cases represent opposite sides of the spectrum — the thin, slight, cheap Slim Folio, and the thick, protective, expensive Survivor All-Terrain. Both cases have their issues. Slim Folio doesn’t have much going for it: the case feels flimsy and a bit thrown together, and doesn’t offer enough to justify a purchase, even at such a low price.

Advertisements

Latest News
Play-Doh World Arriving on Apple Arcade
Play-Doh World Arriving on Apple Arcade
1 Min Read
The AirTag 4-Pack is $34 Off
The AirTag 4-Pack is $34 Off
1 Min Read
Apple Isn’t Done with Apple Watch Blood Oxygen US Ban Yet
Apple Isn’t Done with Apple Watch Blood Oxygen US Ban Yet
1 Min Read
iPhone 17 Air to Come with ‘Main’ Color
iPhone 17 Air to Come with ‘Main’ Color
1 Min Read
The USB-C AirPods Max is $150 Off
The USB-C AirPods Max is $150 Off
1 Min Read
BOE Stands as the Top Apple Partner for MacBook Displays
BOE Stands as the Top Apple Partner for MacBook Displays
1 Min Read
iPadOS 26 and iOS 26 Third Developer Betas Now Available
iPadOS 26 and iOS 26 Third Developer Betas Now Available
1 Min Read
Apple Rolls Out New Developer Betas for visionOS 26 and watchOS 26
Apple Rolls Out New Developer Betas for visionOS 26 and watchOS 26
1 Min Read
The AirPods 4 with ANC is $30 Off
The AirPods 4 with ANC is $30 Off
1 Min Read
New US TikTok App to Launch in September
New US TikTok App to Launch in September
1 Min Read
Online Leaks Show MagSafe and Apple Logo Changes for iPhone 17 Pro
Online Leaks Show MagSafe and Apple Logo Changes for iPhone 17 Pro
1 Min Read
Apple Original Film Garners $293 Million in Ten Days
Apple Original Film Garners $293 Million in Ten Days
1 Min Read

iLounge logo

iLounge is an independent resource for all things iPod, iPhone, iPad, and beyond. iPod, iPhone, iPad, iTunes, Apple TV, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc.

This website is not affiliated with Apple Inc.
iLounge © 2001 - 2025. All Rights Reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • Submit News
  • About Us
  • Forums
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?