What’s a mobile phone without a case? Well in the modern day, you could argue they are becoming slightly less relevant. But with the introduction of their (amazing) S5 Galaxy, tech lords Samsung have introduced the S5 S-View phone case which is quite the innovative piece of technology. But does the creative vision match the output?
Will turn heads, but ultimately there are probably quite a few better valued options in the market.
Functionality
Perhaps the most notable function of this particular phone case is that you actually have to pop the back of the normal phone and connect it to the case. This engages the dynamic front-of-case dynamic S-View screen, which allows you to operate the phone (answering calls, reading texts, using the back camera)without flipping open the front cover. It’s the most ambitious feature of the case, but calls can often be a bit fuzzy and the inability for any type of reply to text’s via the front screen is disappointing.
Usability
Unfortunately the negatives stack up just as high as the positives when it comes to usability. For example, if you are constantly checking your phone throughout the day, the phone unlocks simply by flipping open the front cover – handy and not as annoying as you may think. The frustrating aspect is that if you constantly have the front cover open, it naturally bends and sometimes you’re left with a phone case that wont stop unlocking itself. The front screen is also going to build up noticeable dust and fingerprint marks very quickly when using the case, worth noting.
Build Quality and Design
Arguably the best aspect of this case is the sharp and sleek nature of the build and design. Made from a synthetic leather, the S-View case has a luxurious feel and is quite stealthy despite the professional look. The phone fits nicely into the back panel and never feels loose. It does add quite a bit of size to the S5, which is a notably slim phone – and probably the only slight negative in terms of build. But generally, it’s an appealing product aesthetically – and the times I used it when out, often drew intriguing glares from mates. It’ll certainly draw attention!
Value for Money
Unfortunately, this is where the penny drops – literally. We all know in our current society that you pay for the branding, and you certainly do here. At a RRP of AU$60, there are plenty of better options on the market. The case certainly looks nice for the money you will pay, but I can get a week’s worth of pub lunches for the same price – and I know what I’m choosing. Either that or I’m a bit of an alcoholic. (Probably the latter.)
Overall…
A nice little phone case, that unfortunately, seems a bit to technical for it’s own good. The price here is the determining factor, and for AU$60 the value for money isn’t great. It’s definitely a sleek looking product that will turn some heads with the interactive S-View front screen – but ultimately there are probably quite a few better valued options in the market.
The Samsung S5 S-View Case used in this review was supplied by and is available with a bunch of other great S5 cases at MobileZap.
Samsung definitely have a love for innovation, but it almost seemed as though the tech giants tried a bit too hard to make a phone case cutting-edge.
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