Custom back plates

B2L · Aug 2, 2013

I'm looking for a replacement back plate for my Galaxy S4. I've seen a couple on Amazon, but that's it. They are mainly stock, metal, or carbon fiber. Are there any websites that offer customized versions? The last phone I was able to do that with was my Mytouch 3G and I loved it. A site partnered with T-Mobile offered back plates with any image you chose.

What have you found? Has anyone bought a replacement? I was using a Neo Hybrid case, but it got annoying to remove when replacing batteries. I'm extremely careful with my phone, so I don't feel the need to have a case.

sincarafan · Aug 2, 2013

Ive been looking at the chrome ones myself but am concerned the aluminum in them will mess with my signal. I haven't found any sites with custom ones yet but have seen iron man, spider man, superman and a few other ones on amazon.

Goodspike · Aug 2, 2013

Moto X envy?

lotus49 · Aug 2, 2013

There are loads on eBay. I quite fancied a carbon fibre one but all the ones on eBay described as carbon very obviously weren't.

B2L · Aug 3, 2013

Goodspike said:
Moto X envy?

Not at all, the Moto X doesn't even appeal to me. I want to put an album cover on the back of my phone, not just change colors.

Goodspike · Aug 3, 2013

B2L said:
Not at all, the Moto X doesn't even appeal to me. I want to put an album cover on the back of my phone, not just change colors.

I was just joking.

The Moto X doesn't appeal to me either, and it being "custom" wouldn't make me buy one even it it were a better phone, particularly when this thread shows you can do basically the same thing with other phones.

ShanDroyd · Aug 3, 2013

I like the colored brushed aluminum battery doors, but will they further hinder the already poor signal reception that Samsungs are known for?

jrmckins · Aug 3, 2013

are you looking for something like this?
Design Your Own Samsung Galaxy S4 Custom Case - Samsung Galaxy S4

I bought a gelaskin and it's held up fine
GelaSkins | iPhone Skins, iPhone Cases, iPhone 5 Cases, iPad Skins, iPod Skins, Laptop Skins, Gaming Skins, eReader Skins, Custom Skins & Cases, and more?

Goodspike · Aug 4, 2013

ShanDroyd said:
I like the colored brushed aluminum battery doors, but will they further hinder the already poor signal reception that Samsungs are known for?

What poor signal reception? I've never heard of such a claim before, nor have I experienced any issues anywhere.

As to the aluminum battery cover, I'd be afraid of denting. Metal isn't great for cell phones and aluminum is one of the weakest metals.

ShanDroyd · Aug 4, 2013

Goodspike said:
What poor signal reception? I've never heard of such a claim before, nor have I experienced any issues anywhere.

As to the aluminum battery cover, I'd be afraid of denting. Metal isn't great for cell phones and aluminum is one of the weakest metals.

I used to sell phones for Verizon, AT&T, and T-mobile. No matter what carrier, it is a fact that Samsung phones get weaker reception, especially compared to Motorola who use dual antennas in most of their phones. there are actual studies with proven test results available showing weaker reception in Samsung smart phones. However, the newer models have had greatly improved reception over previous models.

In my house hold we have a droid RAZR, RAZR M, a GS3 and a GS4. both samsungs get considerably weaker signal than the Moto's, and in some cases the Moto's have signal and the Samsungs have none. this is especially prevalent in rural areas or large buildings with dense walls or interfering signals.

when you get a chance, do a little research on it.

WalkaboutDavid · Aug 4, 2013

ShanDroyd said:
I used to sell phones for Verizon, AT&T, and T-mobile. No matter what carrier, it is a fact that Samsung phones get weaker reception, especially compared to Motorola who use dual antennas in most of their phones. there are actual studies with proven test results available showing weaker reception in Samsung smart phones. However, the newer models have had greatly improved reception over previous models.

In my house hold we have a droid RAZR, RAZR M, a GS3 and a GS4. both samsungs get considerably weaker signal than the Moto's, and in some cases the Moto's have signal and the Samsungs have none. this is especially prevalent in rural areas or large buildings with dense walls or interfering signals.

when you get a chance, do a little research on it.

Consumer Reports publishes reception tests. Objective and under real world circumstances. Samsung does fine , easily on par with Moto.

The VZW Moto Droid I had got very good reception, but my S4 has been excellent too. During some of my recent travels, I stunned by the reception, in fact.

No offense meant, but I see zero evidence that the S4 has any reception issues whatsoever.

Goodspike · Aug 4, 2013

WalkaboutDavid said:
The VZW Moto Droid I had got very good reception, but my S4 has been excellent too. During some of my recent travels, I stunned by the reception, in fact. .

It just occurred to me that I have been to a place with marginal reception. It was out on Hood Canal, near Belfair Washington. The reception there (both data and cell) on my S4 was basically the same as with my Moto Droid 2 Global. Virtually impossible in the house and still spotty outside.

B2L · Aug 5, 2013

jrmckins said:
are you looking for something like this?
Design Your Own Samsung Galaxy S4 Custom Case - Samsung Galaxy S4

I bought a gelaskin and it's held up fine
GelaSkins | iPhone Skins, iPhone Cases, iPhone 5 Cases, iPad Skins, iPod Skins, Laptop Skins, Gaming Skins, eReader Skins, Custom Skins & Cases, and more?

Not exactly, but that will do! A custom skin is good enough for me. Thank you.

ShanDroyd · Aug 5, 2013

well, aside from the debate of how well the reception is for Samsung, ( which is a topic for another forum )

does anyone believe, as my original question was, would an aluminum battery cover hinder the signal/reception, as aluminum is general an insulator? :thinking:

Kelmar · Aug 5, 2013

ShanDroyd said:
well, aside from the debate of how well the reception is for Samsung, ( which is a topic for another forum )

does anyone believe, as my original question was, would an aluminum battery cover hinder the signal/reception, as aluminum is general an insulator?

Can plastic back of S4 be replaced by aluminum, carbon fiber, etc? - Android Forums at AndroidCentral.com

Usually a bad outcome according to thread linked. I remember reading threads on XDA with users who also had horrible results.

sincarafan · Aug 5, 2013

Ive been reading feedback on the aluminum covers on places like amazon and almost all said there was some or a lot of signal issues with them on.

Custom back plates

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