With every new flagship device in the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note ranges, Samsung introduce another version of their popular S-View cover. When first launched with the Galaxy S4, the concept of a cover with a window seemed alien but as we’ve seen with other features and devices, a popular concept soon turns into a must have. Since last year however, Samsung expanded the S-View cover range with larger windows and both wireless and non-wireless versions of the cover.
Thanks to our friends over at Mobile Fun, we are able to take a closer look at the Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover – is this case worth its price tag?
S-View Design
As with other S-View covers, the Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover replaces the golf-ball like Galaxy S5 back cover with a hyperglazed version and we’d have rather that Samsung chose to keep the same design – whilst you may not be a fan of the back cover on the Galaxy S5, the plastic-like rear on the Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover looks far less appealing. When Samsung announced the Galaxy S5, we hoped they had turned a corner with their design philosophy yet for S-View cover users, it takes us back to the rear cover on the Galaxy Note 3 (and before that, the Galaxy S4).
With the Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover, the replacement back cover comes with the Qi wireless charging coil built in which allows you to charge your device without having to unlatch the USB cover. In the box, there is just the S-View wireless cover and not the charging pad itself but this is available to buy separately (for around £30) or as part of the Galaxy S5 Wireless Kit which includes a wireless charging enabled replacement back cover.
The Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover comes with a larger window than the Galaxy S4 which largely improves its functionality – the bigger window allows you to do more on the display and greatly increases its usefulness.
Video – S-View Features
As we’ve mentioned, the larger window allows you to do a lot more with the device. In the case of the Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover, this includes the ability to make and receive phone calls, view messages and selected other notifications, display the weather and pedometer information and control your music. Interestingly, the Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover also comes with the ability to control third party music services such as Spotify.
In the video below, we’ll take a look at the Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover features as well as point out some bad points:
Good & Bad
Here’s the good and the bad:
Good:
- S-View window adds functionality
- Provides protection for the screen and back cover
- Replaces the golf-ball like back cover (if you’re not a fan of it)
- Adds a little thickness and weight which makes the handset sturdier
Bad:
- The front cover does not clasp and opens at will
- The plastic-like back cover and s-view window attract and display fingerprints
- It’s pricey and a wireless charger costs even more
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that the Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover adds functionality that makes the cover worthwhile. At a cost of £45-£50, it’s one of the most expensive covers on the market, especially when you consider the additional cost of a charging pad – it’s worth noting that you don’t have to purchase the Samsung wireless charging pad as any Qi enabled Wireless charger will work. In fact, given the smaller size on the Galaxy S5 wireless pad and the inherent problems with smaller chargers, you might be better off purchasing the Galaxy Note 3 wireless charger if you need to buy one.
Galaxy S5 Wireless Charging Pad
The bottom line is that the wireless charging cover offers A LOT of functionality – since using it with the Galaxy Note 3, I’ve become accustomed to answering calls through the cover, checking the weather + notifications and more through the window and in the case of the Galaxy S5, controlling Spotify without opening the cover. If you’re looking for a cover that is worth its price tag and are less concerned about the price tag, look no further than the Galaxy S5 S-View Wireless Cover.
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