The early reviewers were really pounding Samsung for the S4 plastic back cover. I have had a Ip4, a Galaxy S3, and Iphone 5 and now a S4. The back cover is a total non-issue. I have a nice case on my phone.( Element Atom case). The back cover on the S4 is actually very good if you want to change batteries or micro sim. It comes off very easily and fits back on very precisely. I have many Apple products and would have stayed with Apple for the next iphone, but I am not going to wait another 12-15 months for a larger screen. I am totally happy with my S4.