Can plastic back of S4 be replaced by aluminum, carbon fiber, etc?

[quietlybrilliant]

Just wondering...since most reviewers complained about the cheap feel of the back on the S4, can't a third party simply make an aluminum (or kevlar) version of it to replace it?

 

[jaxterzz]

Yea, that's what I didn't understand what the big deal about the plastic is. As a matter of fact, I just bought an aluminum back plate a minute ago on ebay. I saw my friend have a similar one for his S3 and it looked amazing which is where I got the idea from searching for it.

I just bought this. $7 including free worldwide shipping!

Gray Aluminum Battery Back Cover Case for Samsung GT I9500 Galaxy S4 Stylus | eBay

I also bought one of the colours on this variation of an aluminum back plate for $5 with free worldwide shipping.

Aluminium Metal Brushed Battery Door Back Cover Case Samsung Galaxy S4 IV I9500 | eBay

So many colours to choose from!

 

[brianphrack]

Yea, that's what I didn't understand what the big deal about the plastic is. As a matter of fact, I just bought an aluminum back plate a minute ago on ebay. I saw my friend have a similar one for his S3 and it looked amazing which is where I got the idea from searching for it.

I just bought this. $7 including free worldwide shipping!

Gray Aluminum Battery Back Cover Case for Samsung GT I9500 Galaxy S4 Stylus | eBay

I also bought one of the colours on this variation of an aluminum back plate for $5 with free shipping.

Aluminium Metal Brushed Battery Door Back Cover Case Samsung Galaxy S4 IV I9500 | eBay

So many colours to choose from!

I don't have the desire for one of these myself, but I would like to know if they affect the signal.

 

[Raymond Tan]

You usually lose 1-2 bars with aluminum, foil covered, and metal cases. That includes bumper cases also. Carbon fiber cases have no signal degradation.

 

[palebluedot77]

You usually lose 1-2 bars with aluminum, foil covered, and metal cases. That includes bumper cases also. Carbon fiber cases have no signal degradation.

Can someone that actually has an aluminum back replacement please confirm that you do indeed lose signal bars for both wifi and 4G?

I'm very interested in hearing your findings.

 

[satannik]

You usually lose 1-2 bars with aluminum, foil covered, and metal cases. That includes bumper cases also. Carbon fiber cases have no signal degradation.

You lose nfc too

Sent from my rooted Samsung Galaxy S 4

 

[palebluedot77]

You lose nfc too

Sent from my rooted Samsung Galaxy S 4

Aluminum replacement back?fail.

 

[GS4Bob]

No need.........

SlimArmor.... done!

 

[palebluedot77]

No need.........

SlimArmor.... done!

Aesthetically pleasing, yes, but it's not sensible why anyone would want an aluminum back with such glaring deficiencies.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

You could replace it with the OEM inductive back. Feels a bit more substantial and less slippery.

 

[GS4Bob]

Aesthetically pleasing, yes, but it's not sensible why anyone would want an aluminum back with such glaring deficiencies.

The SlimArmor is a TPU case...no aluminum!
Works Great.
Get your facts straight next time.


From my 32gb GS4 via Tapatalk

 

[MRQturbo]

I thought that the feel would be really cheap but it's actually much better than I thought...much nicer than s3 feel..

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Tele_Phone]

If the boot fits

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[jaxterzz]

i've been using an aluminum back almost since the beginning and i've faced no problems with reception. No decencies at all and nfc still works. all of that and my phone looks sleek as hell!