The Samsung Galaxy S5 hasn’t quite been the revelation that Samsung were hoping for, getting lambasted by critics for a lack of innovation (perceived or otherwise). While it has likely still sold extremely well, it seems unlikely to have matched the same sales highs that the Samsung Galaxy S4 did, but with so many Galaxy S5’s out there, it means lots of them are going to need protecting. One of the classic considerations when thinking about a case for your phone is whether you really want to obscure the back (or front) of your phone; chances are, you chose your phone for its looks and most cases will obscure at least part of that look on a daily basis. A pouch, while not generally an intuitive option, does give you the flexibility to enjoy the unadulterated looks of your device while still having protection. So with that in mind, let’s check out the Snugg Pouch Case for Samsung Galaxy S5.
What’s in the box
There’s not much to the Snugg pouch case with only the pouch and a ‘Lifetime Guarantee’ slip included in the packaging. The pouch itself is made from polyurethane leather, which is similar to the Nexus 7 Snugg case we reviewed before (read the full review here).
Notable external feature of the pouch include a hold that allows the speaker to be uncovered, and a tab at the back which is connected by elastic to within the case; more on that function later. The pouch is also quite elegant, in my opinion; the Snugg pouch can be had in the pictured Black Leather, or the equally stylish Distressed Brown or Tan Suede.
How does it perform
Unsurprisingly, given the name of the company, the Snugg pouch produces a very snug fit for the Galaxy S5, full encapsulating the phone inside case. It can be a bit tight at first, but with leather, it’s likely to loosen up a bit over time, but I can’t see it getting loose to the point where your phone just falls out. In fact, if you put your Galaxy S5 into this pouch, it’s actually nigh on impossible to get it out by prying with your fingers.
That’s when the aforementioned tab comes into play. Being connected within the case, pulling on the tab allows you to pull the phone out of the case, only by about an inch or so, but enough for you to grab a hold and pull it out. It does take a bit of getting used to, but it is quite a neat system. When not in use, the tab is held in place on the outside of the case by a magnet so that it’s not just dangling around when not in use.
There’s also a pocket at the front of the pouch that will allow you to carry business cards, cash, or perhaps a credit card with your phone, though like the pouch itself, the pocket is quite tight and you won’t be able to cram too many things in there. In terms of protection, the Snugg pouch protects your device exactly as much as you would expect a leather pouch to; it will shield your device from errant scratches and marks, however, it’s not going to stop a disastrous fall down the stairs from being just that. However, it is a stylish option that still lets you enjoy the naked look of your device, so maybe that’s a compromise you’re willing to make.
What I like about the Snugg Pouch Case for Samsung Galaxy S5
I really like how the Snugg pouch case is put together; the leather is well fitted, the stitching is neat and tidy and everything seems to fit as intended. Sure, there’s not much that can go wrong with a pouch, but to know that the quality is there is always a load off. I’m also a big fan of the elastic tag that helps pull the device out of the pouch; it’s a simple yet effective system once you get used to it.
What I don’t like about the Snugg Pouch Case for Samsung Galaxy S5
While I’m a big fan of the elastic tab system, I do worry that it’s not going to stand the test of time. Snugg says on their website that it is a “Strong, elasticated pull tab”, but whether it will last months or years is up for debate. That’s not to say that it feels cheap, inadequate or is in any impending threat of breaking; it’s only a concern for me since the phone is so hard to get out without the tab. All-in-all, this is a fairly minor, neurotic concern.
Final Thoughts
Pouches have gone out of fashion somewhat recently, however the Snugg Pouch Case for Samsung Galaxy S5 certainly looks the part of a more stylish pouch for the present. It’s not particularly expensive either, coming in at $19.99 USD, with versions of the pouch available for not only the Galaxy S5, but Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 as well. If you’re after a bit of protection for your device and still want to be able to enjoy the phone that you chose based on its looks, the Snugg pouch case is a strong candidate for your hard earned cash.
If you’re interested in picking up the Snugg Pouch Case for Samsung Galaxy S5, you can visit the product page here. To check out Snugg’s other products, you can visit their main website here.
