While many smartphone manufacturers pursue a strategy of trying to create a sense of premium-ness in their devices by using materials like aluminum, glass, or polycarbonate, Samsung continues to take a different path by creating plastic body devices. Considering the success that Samsung is enjoying, it is hard to argue with their design decision which will result in the new Samsung Galaxy S IV using the same material. In Samsung's defense, they have solid reasons for using the plastic material as revealed in an interview with Y.H. Lee, Samsung's executive vice president of its mobile division.
Lee indicates aesthetic quality is only one factor that Samsung considers when designing new devices and making material selections. A big factor for a company as successful as Samsung has been is the ability to quickly and efficiently produce parts since large quantities will be needed, qualities that plastic lends itself to. Benefits exist for more than just Samsung though. Consumers also benefit because the plastic material used is more durable and can withstand an impact better.
Lee does hint that Samsung is not oblivious to calls for products that exude more panache and thinks the Galaxy S IV will strike a balance between Samsung's historical design philosophy and the call for more stylish materials and design. We will find out how well Samsung achieves that balance when the new Galaxy S IV is revealed next week in New York City.
Do you think Samsung should pursue other materials when producing their top line products? Let us know in the comments.
source: CNET
Screw that. If I’m going to pay a premium price for a premium product, I want it feeling nice in my hands and not cheap feeling. Looks like I’ll stick with HTC or Motorola this time
I personally applaud Samsung for sticking to with what works. 213 million smartphones sold in 2012 with 40% market share proves that changes just too change is not needed. Surely the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 will share the same design elements just like the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 did in 2012. The Galaxy Note 2 is the BEST ultimate all purpose productivity device ever made since the inception of android. Clearly Samsung is well on their way to another year of excellent sales probably even 250 million smartphones in 2013. Nothing beats Samsung period.
Plastic doesn’t mean low quality. I’m very happy with my Samsung Galaxy phones and love that I can remove the back to swap batteries.