The Samsung Galaxy S4 will have a plastic body, confirms an executive at the company.
"At a time when competitors are using glass, aluminum, and even higher quality plastics such as polycarbonate, Samsung has stuck to its guns with a thin, bendable plastic body," writes CNET.
"CNET sat down with Y.H. Lee, executive vice president of Samsung's mobile business, to discuss the company's thoughts on design. When Samsung looks at what materials to use, it isn't just taking into consideration the aesthetic quality of the device, Lee said. The company also assesses how quickly and efficiently it can manufacture the product, knowing that it will have to ship a high volume."
So, basically, Samsung knows it will sell plenty of Galaxy S IVs, and plastic is easier and faster to make.
Hmm. That sounds more like cutting corners. After all, Apple iPhones are made out of metal and glass. The HTC One is aluminum. Even Nokia is using polycarbonate.
But Samsung says there are other reasons for sticking with what works.
"Samsung has argued that the plastic back cover, which feels light, is more durable than those of other smartphones because it's bendable and can better absorb physical impact," says CNET.
In addition, the removable plastic back offers access to the battery, and it's nice for users to have to option to replace it.
So does the Galaxy S IV offer a perfect compromise between aesthetics and pragmatism? Samsung thinks so. "I think the next product has a nice balance between this," Lee said. "We listen to the market and try to accommodate."
The plastic body of the Galaxy S III didn't hurt sales, and the device became the first smartphone ever to outsell the iPhone.
Time will tell if the Galaxy S IV can repeat that feat. Check back for more information ahead of the Mar. 14 launch event in Times Square.
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