Galaxy S4 with "cheap, plastic" back cover

[neiljay6]

I think the s4 is just fine as is. I very much like the look of it and the way the curves fit in my hand. Some people don't like the finish but it would seem that most do. Hence it doesn't mean that the finish is wrong or bad.

 

[astroboi82]

I went from an iPhone5 to the S4 and I don't like cases on my phone so I just have a screen protector and the feel of the plastic back never bothers me

Sent from my GT-I9505 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[myIphone4s]

I have had iphone 3gs and 4s both had otterbox defender on. The day I got my 4s I was told by person at best buy to get a case because the phone backing was made out of glass she dropped her's on tile from mid chest area and the back glass shattered
(I had bought the defender night before) that phone has been through more including a replacement case (the lower back section of the main cover broke)

It takes longer to get the batt off but its worth having a nice looking phone so when you sell it it brings more. I might get otter box defender on my gs4 but waiting on element to respond back..

 

[graysonk95]

If we're debating the slipperiness of the covers, then yes, they have gotten horrendously slippery.

I have no problem with the cheapness, its the fact that from the S2 to the S3 and S4 the cover is no longer textured.
IMO a textured cover makes the phone look sturdier while adding a small amount of grip.

Maybe we'll see a texture comeback with the S5, because even hardcore Samsung fans won't be able to put up with the same design year after year.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[Haalcyon]

I think Samsung realizes that many (if not most) use a case so whether they texture the backside is inconsequentual to most. If you're concerned about the slickness of the back cover you're prolly more likely to be using a case. I know there are folks that insist on using their phones naked so they can stuff them easier into the front pocket of their skinny jeans but is this the majority?

Sent from my Element Eclipsed S4

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

I think Samsung realizes that many (if not most) use a case so whether they texture the backside is inconsequentual to most. If you're concerned about the slickness of the back cover you're prolly more likely to be using a case. I know there are folks that insist on using their phones naked so they can stuff them easier into the front pocket of their skinny jeans but is this the majority?

Sent from my Element Eclipsed S4

Passive-aggressive much?

I'm a middle aged man who usually wears shorts, or chinos. I carry my own phone in my shirt pocket as long as it fits, because that's what I've been doing since my first company-issued BlackBerry pager in 1999. Because it's my job, I also have to carry every popular Android smartphone, so I usually wear cargo pants when I'm out doing something -- I need the pocket space to lug around a Nexus 4, a GS4, an HTC One, and an iPhone.

The fact is that some people don't like what you like.
Some of us even expect more from the world's biggest electronics company, and market leader for smartphone hardware.
But some just accept what they are given and say everyone else is wrong.

 

[Haalcyon]

Jerry, I think your smartphone usage and carrying patterns may demonstrate the exception, not the rule, but I could again be wrong. The skinny-jean comment is targeted at a typical usage scenario for a great many. Obviously, that doesn't mean these are the only individuals who choose not to protect their phones with a case...for whatever reason.

No matter what the leading electronics manufacturers make they can't please everyone. Yet, their engineers have sound reason for their engineering choices. HTC decided to go with an aluminum closed shell...with no expansion and a sealed battery. This appeals to some. Samsung chose a plastic shell, removable battery, and upgradeable storage. This appeals to some as well. One of the the things I do appreciate about Samsung's back cover on the S4 is that you can easily find a cheap replacement for it that has all the texture some may want (Amazon) without bulking up the phone.

Sent from me LTE Note 8.0

 

[EauRouge]

The material of the back doesnt matter to me, its the overall feel of the phone. the sgs4, y'know, feels okay

 

[jwn66]

Doesn't really matter. Most people will ridicule the "plastic" back, then pick up there phone (any brand) that's in a plastic case, derp. It's quite humorous, and they don't even realize, just smile and nod.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Almeuit]

Doesn't really matter. Most people will ridicule the "plastic" back, then pick up there phone (any brand) that's in a plastic case, derp. It's quite humorous, and they don't even realize, just smile and nod.

Posted via Android Central App

True.

Sent from my T-Mobile HTC One using AC Forums.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Personally, I love my S4 so the casing was obviously not a deal breaker. But, go hold one of the new blackberry and you can see plastic done well.

Samsung could have easily spent the same money and produced a grippy matte exterior that feels relatively upscale.

I would still buy the phone again. But, it is not perfect and the slippery shiny exterior is one downside, imo. Ymmv.

 

[trekk]

I have no issue at all with the plastic that the S4 uses. I never felt it was cheap.