Samsung Galaxy S5 S-View Premium Case

 

The basics

The first thing you're going to want to do when your shiny new flagship Samsung Galaxy S5 arrives is clad it in a protective case of some kind, and if you want the best results then it's always advisable to take the official route. At around £40 the Samsung S-View Premium case is undeniably expensive, but has been designed to compliment your handset as well as offer other unique features like its sneak peek screen ability. Is it worth the lofty price tag or are you better off going with a cheaper option? We strapped one to our Galaxy S5 to find out.

The good

While many mobile users are happy to spend a couple of quid on a phone case, the S-View Premium case is a more serious proposition. Just as the name suggests, it's all about giving your beloved blower that sense of luxury. The case is fashioned from a synthetic leather material and, when closed, makes it look more like a book than a phone. To fit the case you actually have to remove the battery cover entirely, as the case itself clips into the same space on the rear of the handset.

When you close the case your screen automatically locks and switches to Samsung's "S-View" - a small window which showcases information such as the time, weather and how many unread notifications you have, all viewable through a handy gap at the top of the case. Flipping the case also instantly unlocks the screen, making it easy to quickly get right into using your phone.

While all of this functionality is excellent, the most appealing element of the S-View case by far is the way in which it seems to add even more value to your already pricey smartphone. Once you've fitted the case it's very hard to bring yourself to remove it and go back to a "naked" Galaxy S5 - this really does feel like a new level of sophistication.

The bad

As it's made from a leather material rather than plastic, the actual durability of the S-View case is questionable. Over time, it is sure to pick up marks and scuffs - just like any other leather-clad item - and dropping it onto a rough surface is likely to totally ruin the look of the case. Of course, it will still perform its primary role - protecting your phone - but it's a little more irksome to have to replace a case which costs £40.

As a result, you might find that the S-View case - while offering protection - actually makes you even more paranoid about damaging your phone. Having the case also automatically unlock your phone's screen might be a bit irksome for those who like their security and privacy, but handily, you can still set an unlock code on your phone for added peace of mind.

The bottom line

Although it may not offer the same degree of protective strength seen in cheaper cases, the S-View is the ideal purchase if you're looking to dress your S5 in something with a little more class. If you choose to have a case because you're incredibly clumsy or work in a particularly harsh environment then you're honestly better off looking elsewhere, but those of you who adore your new smartphone and want to show it off even more, this is the ideal fashion accessory.