What's the Point of Having a (Slippery) Glass Back?

[Jon44]

I've already dropped my S8 once, and, just to reaffirm my trust in the universe, is there a rational reason for making the back glass? Note 4 had rubberized plastic on the back and while it maybe didn't exude as premium a vibe as S8, the thing stuck to your hand and was a pleasure to handle.
Is Samsung being logical or trendy?

 

[eric002]

I've already dropped my S8 onces and, just to reaffirm my trust in the universe, is there a rational reason for making the back glass? Note 4 had rubberized plastic on the back and while it maybe didn't exude as premium a vibe as S8, the thing stuck to your hand and was a pleasure to handle.
Is Samsung being logical or trendy?

About the only reason I can think of a glass back is it looks good. I will agree that its slippery but I don't mind the slipperiness not sure why but it's ok with me. Mostly because it is barely show fingerprints. I would say just yet get a case. I bought a case off amazon for five bucks are red and gold trim the case that I get to me in a few weeks.

 

[vasekvi]

G6 doesn't slip and it has a glass back

 

[LineKill]

Wireless charging.

 

[eric002]

Wireless charging.

See now I didn't even realize that. thanks for the information. Ironically , I just bought my first wireless charger from my galaxy s 8 a couple of days ago.

 

[madgalaxy]

Style and wireless charging. Humans like shinny things - cars, wheels, jewelry, stars. Samsung is heavily invested in wireless charging so it is not going away anytime soon. Beside they know MOST people will slap a case on it.

 

[eric002]

Style and wireless charging. Humans like shinny things - cars, wheels, jewelry, stars. Samsung is heavily invested in wireless charging so it is not going away anytime soon. Beside they know MOST people will slap a case on it.

You don't know something, I completely agree with you. I actually love the styling of the s8 which includes the full backing and fronting of the glass panels.

 

[ol_jackburton]

I like the glass, it is a nice premium look and feel. I also would be ok with metal but the wireless charging would not work with that. I really like the wireless charging, it is a great feature,

However currently the case i am using is interfering with my wireless charging, i need to make a decision there.

 

[Misterb]

Wireless charging.

Then explain how there is no such thing as a glass case, but yet you can get cases out of rubber, leather, etc that still allow for wireless charging...

I rely on wireless charging, and have since the glass backed Note 5, Note 7, S7 Edge, and now the S8+. I have used cases on all of them, and wireless charging works awesome.

Samsung used glass, in part because it is a trend set by Apple, in part because it is sleek looking and feeling, etc

 

[Gary02468]

I only find it slippery when my hands are unusually dry. Maybe try some hand moisturizer and see if it helps.

 

[jcp007]

I like the glass, it is a nice premium look and feel. I also would be ok with metal but the wireless charging would not work with that. I really like the wireless charging, it is a great feature,

However currently the case i am using is interfering with my wireless charging, i need to make a decision there.

Wireless charging and appearance of premium value.

Otterbox, Seidio, UAG, Spigen and Ballistic make wireless charger friendly cases. Defender, a slimmer than prior versions, has no issues with wireless charging.

 

[ol_jackburton]

Wireless charging and appearance of premium value.

Otterbox, Seidio, UAG, Spigen and Ballistic make wireless charger friendly cases. Defender, a slimmer than prior versions, has no issues with wireless charging.

The current case i am using (and i like a lot) is a Lumion wallet style case. The wireless charging does work just is not as "powerful" with this case on it (vs using no case). Not sure if this is because it may sit weird on the charger or what. I am using last years version of the samsung charger stand.

 

[Matty]

I've already dropped my S8 once, and, just to reaffirm my trust in the universe, is there a rational reason for making the back glass? Is Samsung being logical or trendy?

I think it's a bit of both. Glass is generally nice to look at and you can achieve certain colours or effects through reflection of light. An example of this would be the 'Honor 8'.

Another reason for glass is obviously for wireless charging (as other have mentioned), while there are ways to charge through metal, OEMs seems to stick with glass just to be safe.

Another is for better cellular connection. We see devices like the iPhone 7. They have to have plastic areas around the phone to let the cellular radio waves 'enter' the device

Glass is also not the greatest at holding heat, so you device will feel cool to the touch more often. Which some prefer. Maybe it's also cheaper to manufacture compared to aluminum or stainless steel?

I personally love the LG V10 back. We need more material devices.

 

[eric002]

I think it's a bit of both. Glass is generally nice to look at and you can achieve certain colours or effects through reflection of light. An example of this would be the 'Honor 8'.

Another reason for glass is obviously for wireless charging (as other have mentioned), while there are ways to charge through metal, OEMs seems to stick with glass just to be safe.

Another is for better cellular connection. We see devices like the iPhone 7. They have to have plastic areas around the phone to let the cellular radio waves 'enter' the device

Glass is also not the greatest at holding heat, so you device will feel cool to the touch more often. Which some prefer. Maybe it's also cheaper to manufacture compared to aluminum or stainless steel?

I personally love the LG V10 back. We need more material devices.

Ys know j didn't think of the glass backing good for reception but that's absolutely right! That's why the pixel phones have the glass panel on the back as well. Overall, kudos to samsung for making s gorgeous phone!

 

[jcp007]

The current case i am using (and i like a lot) is a Lumion wallet style case. The wireless charging does work just is not as "powerful" with this case on it (vs using no case). Not sure if this is because it may sit weird on the charger or what. I am using last years version of the samsung charger stand.

Does your wallet case have RFID protection? That might impede the ability of the wireless charger.

 

[exempli_gratia]

Most people use a case, so all the "plastic looks/feels cheap" arguments become pretty silly for the vast majority.

But for Samsung:

- Shiny sells when displayed in store.

- Reviewers, who only use the phone -- a review unit at that -- got just a couple weeks, don't have to sorry about fragility, and instead rave about "style", also sells phones.

- When your phone shatters, Samsung sells more phones.

Really all plus for the phone maker to use glass.

 

[t11rmh]

Basically Samsung phones were derided for years for feeling too plasticky so they changed to glass to appease the naysayers.

I quite liked my plastic feeling Note4....

 

[eric002]

I love the feeling of glass and I'm very careful/ anal about my phone anyways.

 

[Misterb]

You guys still clinging to the wireless charging excuse are not seeing the big picture. If that were the case, these phones wouldn't charge or charge properly wirelessly unless you used a case made out of glass...

 

[eric002]

Well, regardless, the glass phone is awesome feeling!