Galaxy S4 with "cheap, plastic" back cover

[ReanimationN]

Reanimation, this is sounding like an excuse though. Basically, plastic is now acceptable, but the caveat will be that Apple only uses it on the 'cheaper' model? Or that Apple plastic will somehow 'feel' more premium?

Prior to this year, the Apple fans said plastic 'would never' happen, because Apple only builds premium products.

Plastic has always been acceptable- until the release of the iPhone 5, Apple has always had a plastic low-end phone in their lineup. Now one is going to return.

I'm not one of those iPhone users who cares that Samsung and co. use plastic, I'd be fine with the next high-end iPhone being made of plastic too, I was just pointing out that couchy's latest attempt at making iPhone owners look like hypocrites is silly. The people who take Samsung and co. to task over their use of plastic usually say something along the lines of plastic is for cheap, or lower-end products- what's the plastic iPhone going to be? A low end product.

Funny how fast that tune has changed. Seems to be a recurring theme though. Remember how adamant Apple fans were that 'specs' didn't matter prior to the iPhone 5? Then when the benchmarks came out and the iPhone was fast, with good benchmarks, specs all of a sudden were important. Now that Apple is way behind the spec curve, specs don't matter again.

Sorry ReAnimation, but hypocritical is synonymous with many Apple fans on this board. Not saying you are, or that 'all' fans are, but I have seen its on this board numerous times. Simply put, aluminum is a cheap metal, much like making plastic is cheap to manufacture, but both offer merits, particularly company profits where plastic is used, and that is why Apple is now using both.

Of course there's going to be hypocrites here, it's a large community with some hardcore Apple fans. I don't think this is an issue you can take a shot at iPhone owners over though, even the hardcore plastic haters aren't wrong here- plastic's going to be used on lower-end products.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Is the plastic even removable for the low end iPhone? If I'm not mistaken, it's not.

Samsung uses plastic for specific reasons relating to functionality.

Apple? To save money. More power to them. It's an untapped market.

 

[Fernandez21]

Is the plastic even removable for the low end iPhone? If I'm not mistaken, it's not.

Samsung uses plastic for specific reasons relating to functionality.

Apple? To save money. More power to them. It's an untapped market.

What makes you think that a removable back can only be made of plastic?

 

[ReanimationN]

Is the plastic even removable for the low end iPhone? If I'm not mistaken, it's not.

Samsung uses plastic for specific reasons relating to functionality.

Apple? To save money. More power to them. It's an untapped market.

Is that right?

 

[onthecouchagain]

Is that right?

Image

How does that fare with drops, scratches, bends?

Actually, I don't know what material that is. Is it metal? How affordable is it to replace that?

PS. I'm all for Samsung using more premium materials (check my post history). Just saying, you're fooling yourself if you don't think there will be legions of Apple fans suddenly embracing plastic thanks to the low-cost iPhone. Imagine what low-cost iPhone adopters will say to high-end iPhone users when they defend their decision.

And while Samsung uses it for their high end phones, there are still functions behind their decisions. Why they don't use metal like their windows phone for user-removable backs, I don't know. But at least it's more function than what we can say about Apple using plastic (or metal, for that matter).

 

[ReanimationN]

How does that fare with drops, scratches, bends?

About as well as any product with similar materials.

Actually, I don't know what material that is. Is it metal? How affordable is it to replace that?

It's brushed aluminium.

PS. I'm all for Samsung using more premium materials (check my post history). Just saying, you're fooling yourself if you don't think there will be legions of Apple fans suddenly embracing plastic thanks to the low-cost iPhone. Imagine what low-cost iPhone adopters will say to high-end iPhone users when they defend their decision.

There's plenty of Apple fans who have embraced plastic for low end phones in the past- the 3GS still sold well even after the release of the 4 & 4S. I don't think there's going to be a sudden, hypocritical embracing of plastic for low end phones when there's been a low-end plastic iPhone for all but one year of the iPhone line's life.

And while Samsung uses it for their high end phones, there are still functions behind their decisions. Why they don't use metal like their windows phone for user-removable backs, I don't know. But at least it's more function than what we can say about Apple using plastic (or metal, for that matter).

No, there isn't, as evidenced by their ability to produce phones built with metal that also feature removable backs. Samsung using plastic on their high-end Android phones is all about the ability to pump out huge volumes of product for a low price, which they then sell at a premium. And they're doing an incredibly good job of it.

 

[kasakka]

Coming from an iPhone 4, I don't think the S4 feels cheap in any way. Samsung has done a good job imitating the metal band on the side and the back also has a nice subtle texture to it. The phone feels rigid and is going to be a bit more comfortable to hold during the cold winter.

I don't know how durability compares as the Samsung has plenty of plastic to add rigidity to the phone vs the iPhone 4 which is mainly rigid glass, a metal band with basically no support for the inside components. That said, the only thing that usually breaks on phones is the glass panel so don't know how the more flexible plastic will react with that if the phone is dropped.

 

[Krimsonmyst]

Plastic is also more damage resistant...

 

[MRU]

Plastic is also more damage resistant...

Yep.... That's why mountain climbers swear by it.....

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[jamezr]

Yep.... That's why mountain climbers swear by it.....

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So MRU ........you mountain climb huh?

 

[Jibbajabba]

I guess plastic has 'become' premium then? lol

See the headline already, "apple innovates the plastic casing - patent pending" ...

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

And while Samsung uses it for their high end phones, there are still functions behind their decisions. Why they don't use metal like their windows phone for user-removable backs, I don't know. But at least it's more function than what we can say about Apple using plastic (or metal, for that matter).

I can't see why its a bonus to be able to remove the back of a phone in any case? The only reason I've ever needed to take the back cover off a phone was to either clean the dust out of it or to change a sim card. I don't keep phones for more than 2 years so changing batteries has never been a problem. If it is in the future then I will get the phone repaired under warranty.

This function argument seems slightly weak as a company like Apple hardly designs products without much thought. You can't remove the back plate on an iPhone for the simple reason being, you don't need to.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Haven't heard anyone complaining about the polycarbonate MacBook and the plastic-backed iPhone 3G/3GS. But all hell breaks loose if Samsung uses plastics of any kind.

Nah we all know Apple's plastic is special and different from Samsung's plastic. Apple has magic premium plastic. All the other plastic used on non-Apple products is the bad type of plastic. Didn't you get the memo?

Funny how fast that tune has changed. Seems to be a recurring theme though. Remember how adamant Apple fans were that 'specs' didn't matter prior to the iPhone 5?

Sorry ReAnimation, but hypocritical is synonymous with many Apple fans on this board. Not saying you are, or that 'all' fans are, but I have seen its on this board numerous times. Simply put, aluminum is a cheap metal, much like making plastic is cheap to manufacture, but both offer merits, particularly company profits where plastic is used, and that is why Apple is now using both.

The irony here is most of the posts I have read on Mac Rumors concerning supposed Apple fans claiming plastic is suddenly great, have actually come from non Apple fans insinuating something that isn't as wide spread as they'd like people to believe. There is a serious danger of creating a stereotype here, and it won't be the one portrayed on this thread.

How about instead of wild assumptions and accusations flying about, we actually deal with what is being said or at least deal with a true collective of opinions? It seems to be the same clique with agenda's spinning the context of most discussions. I really have no opinion on what phones are made of. I bought mine mainly for the OS it runs rather than what it looks like. I do like the look of it, but like anything, looks are not everything. If Apple do produce a cheaper iPhone, then great. It'll sell and fill a gap in Apple's customer base. It makes no difference to me though.

 

[jamezr]

I can't see why its a bonus to be able to remove the back of a phone in any case? The only reason I've ever needed to take the back cover off a phone was to either clean the dust out of it or to change a sim card. I don't keep phones for more than 2 years so changing batteries has never been a problem. If it is in the future then I will get the phone repaired under warranty.

This function argument seems slightly weak as a company like Apple hardly designs products without much thought. You can't remove the back plate on an iPhone for the simple reason being, you don't need to.

My son and I were camping in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon in Cal a few weeks ago...... I use my S4 as my camera....took hundreds of pictures........played games when bored...listened to music...watched movies........ heavy usage. When the battery got o 15%........just popped off the back cover inserted another stock battery....back on the trail and taking pics in about 30 seconds........couldn't do that with an iphone.......

 

[Fireblade]

I can't see why its a bonus to be able to remove the back of a phone in any case? The only reason I've ever needed to take the back cover off a phone was to either clean the dust out of it or to change a sim card. I don't keep phones for more than 2 years so changing batteries has never been a problem. If it is in the future then I will get the phone repaired under warranty.

This function argument seems slightly weak as a company like Apple hardly designs products without much thought. You can't remove the back plate on an iPhone for the simple reason being, you don't need to.

Either you are not serious, or an Apple devote defending Apple, no matter what it takes.

 

[0dev]

You know what I've noticed about my plastic GS4? It's super light. The fact it uses plastic makes it a lot nicer in the hand too. The iPhone feels like a brick in comparison.

And honestly, this plastic is lot more durable than the iPhone's metal. As I've said before, the metal used on iPhones is very easy to scratch, and with the iPhone 5 it even bends. The plastic on my GS4 is far harder to damage. I can take the plastic back off and bend it right around and it'll be fine.

Being able to actually replace the battery is brilliant too. It's ridiculous how even Google's own Nexus devices are completely sealed up these days.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

My son and I were camping in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon in Cal a few weeks ago...... I use my S4 as my camera....took hundreds of pictures........played games when bored...listened to music...watched movies........ heavy usage. When the battery got o 15%........just popped off the back cover inserted another stock battery....back on the trail and taking pics in about 30 seconds........couldn't do that with an iphone.......

I laughed out loud reading that, sorry.

If we are going to go down the route of listing the things one phone does over the other, or give personal scenario's in a desperate bid to try and prove a point, then this really is a waste of everybody's time IMO. If I really was in a position where I was worried about my phones battery dying in the middle of nowhere, I'd either buy a battery booster case or a fast charge unit from the manufacturer. My point was, not everybody needs to have a spare battery, not least in this day and age.

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Either you are not serious, or an Apple devote defending Apple, no matter what it takes.

I'm hardly an Apple devote. I own an iPhone and am fairly new to the serious world of people getting all wound up about mobile phone brands on the internet. If I were as serious in my defence of the iPhone as some of you guys are at finding any excuse to criticise it, then maybe you'd have a point. Call me an observer who is trying to rationalise some of the intent here.

 

[Technarchy]

My son and I were camping in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon in Cal a few weeks ago...... I use my S4 as my camera....took hundreds of pictures........played games when bored...listened to music...watched movies........ heavy usage. When the battery got o 15%........just popped off the back cover inserted another stock battery....back on the trail and taking pics in about 30 seconds........couldn't do that with an iphone.......

Last time I went camping I borrowed a Mophie from a buddy and was fine for three days...what's your point?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

You know what I've noticed about my plastic GS4? It's super light. The fact it uses plastic makes it a lot nicer in the hand too. The iPhone feels like a brick in comparison.

Not criticising the weight in any way of the S4, but seeing as the iPhone in my hand right now weighs marginally heavier than a piece of paper, I think Apple have quite a bit of work to do if they want to match their rivals next time around. Maybe they could use a word also in their product range and call the next iPhone the 'iPhone Air', whilst actually being made out of air? At least it would eradicate worried home owners around the world who make the connection between iPhones weighing the same as bricks.

And honestly, this plastic is lot more durable than the iPhone's metal. As I've said before, the metal used on iPhones is very easy to scratch, and with the iPhone 5 it even bends. The plastic on my GS4 is far harder to damage. I can take the plastic back off and bend it right around and it'll be fine.

I think that depends on the type of user at the end of the day. Surprisingly I don't sit here trying to bend the aluminium on the bezel of my phone, or continually dropping it, wishing it was made of durable polycarbonate. I also have screen protectors front and back to avoid scratches, although if I held it for a few seconds on a disk sander, I dare say I could get a fair few scratches on there. With general use I think most devices stand up pretty well in terms of durability. I say this looking around my sterile Apple themed lair, rubbing my hands together as I send another poor Android phone to its fiery death, whilst thinking of more ways to promote Apple and my image as a devote.

 

[onthecouchagain]

People seem more than happy with Samsung devices, plastic or not:

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sams...ple-iPhone-5-in-customer-satisfaction_id45885

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, two Samsung smartphones are at the top of the list of handsets with the highest level of customer satisfaction in the U.S. Both models manufactured by the Korean based tech titan, the Samsung Galaxy S III and the Samsung GALAXY Note II, beat out the Apple iPhone 5.

S3: 84 points out of 100
Note II & iPhone 4S: 82
iPhone 5: 81

Interesting that people are slightly more satisfied with the 4S than the 5.

(Wonder where the S4 and HTC One will net out...)

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If we are going to go down the route of listing the things one phone does over the other, or give personal scenario's in a desperate bid to try and prove a point, then this really is a waste of everybody's time IMO.

Oh:

I don't sit here trying to bend the aluminium on the bezel of my phone, or continually dropping it, wishing it was made of durable polycarbonate. I also have screen protectors front and back to avoid scratches, although if I held it for a few seconds on a disk sander, I dare say I could get a fair few scratches on there. W

 

[jrswizzle]

People seem more than happy with Samsung devices, plastic or not:

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sams...ple-iPhone-5-in-customer-satisfaction_id45885

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, two Samsung smartphones are at the top of the list of handsets with the highest level of customer satisfaction in the U.S. Both models manufactured by the Korean based tech titan, the Samsung Galaxy S III and the Samsung GALAXY Note II, beat out the Apple iPhone 5.

S3: 84 points out of 100
Note II & iPhone 4S: 82
iPhone 5: 81

Interesting that people are slightly more satisfied with the 4S than the 5.

(Wonder where the S4 and HTC One will net out...)

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Oh:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57...-tops-iphone-in-smartphone-satisfaction-poll/

Has the 5 and 4S both at 82.

Anyways - all that says is customers of both phones are equally satisfied. Not sure how this is a bad thing?

As for this whole plastic nonsense. Samsung has said they use plastic to keep costs down. So what? Apple will be doing the same. And I've got news for all of you "if Apple does it, iFans will think its the greatest" people. Those who yell and scream that plastic isn't premium are trolls. Those who make the comments they don't feel plastic is premium truly believe it and will continue to believe it no matter what Apple comes out with. And those of us who haven't commented on the matter likely don't care and don't appreciate being lumped into the troll group.

Unless Apple comes up with some new type of plastic material, it'll be the same as what Samsung uses and for the same reason. Only difference is Samsung uses the material in their flagships while Apple will be using the material in their "low-cost" option (whether or not its actually "low-cost" remains to be seen - though it'll still likely be considerably cheaper than flagship options).

Interpret what you will - I'm only making the statement.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Anyways - all that says is customers of both phones are equally satisfied. Not sure how this is a bad thing?

Where do I say it's a bad thing?

 

[jrswizzle]

Where do I say it's a bad thing?

Ehh poor choice of words. My bad.

I menat I don't think these rankings can tell us that people are more satisfied with the 4S than with the 5 (because the survey isn't comparing the two) - simply that users of both are equally satisfied.

IMO, all this tells us is that the 4S has aged extremely well!

 

[jamezr]

Last time I went camping I borrowed a Mophie from a buddy and was fine for three days...what's your point?

Point was I could remove the back cover and add a new baterry if needed.
During a scenario of heavy usage where normal charging solutions were not available.
Plus did you see the post i was replying to? Go back and read it again.....

 

[Fireblade]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57...-tops-iphone-in-smartphone-satisfaction-poll/

Has the 5 and 4S both at 82.

Anyways - all that says is customers of both phones are equally satisfied. Not sure how this is a bad thing?

As for this whole plastic nonsense. Samsung has said they use plastic to keep costs down. So what? Apple will be doing the same. And I've got news for all of you "if Apple does it, iFans will think its the greatest" people. Those who yell and scream that plastic isn't premium are trolls. Those who make the comments they don't feel plastic is premium truly believe it and will continue to believe it no matter what Apple comes out with. And those of us who haven't commented on the matter likely don't care and don't appreciate being lumped into the troll group.

Unless Apple comes up with some new type of plastic material, it'll be the same as what Samsung uses and for the same reason. Only difference is Samsung uses the material in their flagships while Apple will be using the material in their "low-cost" option (whether or not its actually "low-cost" remains to be seen - though it'll still likely be considerably cheaper than flagship options).

Interpret what you will - I'm only making the statement.

Puh, never thought I would agree with one of your postings, but here we go.