Review: PowerSkin battery case with NFC support for the Samsung Galaxy S lll

The PowerSkin for the Samsung Galaxy S lll is exactly what it says it is: a power skin! Not only does the unit protect the device, but it also has gotten me through a lot of long days. Keeping up with AndroidStory, the Community, and almost every social outlet out there while always on the run will suck the juice from any device in a heartbeat, especially one with a screen size as large as the Galaxy S lll. With the PowerSkin, I’m able to have that extra juice that I need to get me through the day.

It does add a bit of bulk to the device, though I find it comforting. Samsung is known for making slim and lightweight devices, while some find this attractive, others feel it makes the device more prone to damage. The design of the Galaxy Line can make it very hard to get a firm grip on, with any sweat on your palms its only a matter of time before the device takes a heart stopping plunge to the concrete…

The design of the PowerSkin fits firmly in the palm of your hand, and the extra weight makes the device feel more solid. It is made from a one-piece silicone material that is soft to the touch but offers some much-needed grip to an otherwise slippery device. The cases dimensions come it at 5.69 x 2.9 x 0.75 inches. So yes, it is going to add some bulk, but you are getting a 1,500 mAh battery backup built inside of the case at the same time. Overall additional weight will be a small 0.2 pounds. The battery is rated to offer the end-user an additional 97 hours of standby time or an extra 170 minutes of talk time. More up-time and a protective case built into one product is a win win for everyone. Another small but note worthy mention, is that you can still use all your NFC functions through the case. We weren’t sure how well that would work out with there being an extra battery and thick rubbery case in the way, but it works just fine.

 As for the external design elements. On the top you will find a cut out for your headphone plug. On the bottom right hand side you have your USB charging port. On either side you find covers that go over your power and volume buttons, giving you complete device protection. On the rear at the top is a single cut out for your Camera, Flash and Speakerphone. On the very back near the bottom of the case you will find two things of importance. One being the physical power button to turn the cases extended battery on or off. Second, is a series of blue lights to show you how much charge you have left in the battery. Press and hold the button for 2 seconds to turn on the battery and to light up the indicators.

Getting the case on your device isn’t rocket science, but you will want to take your time and fit it on correctly. On the inside bottom of the case is a micro USB plug. You will want to get that fitted into the bottom of your phone first so that it is connected properly and seated right. If you place the device in head first, you will have issues and could damage your charging port in the process. You will directly charge the case while it is plugged in and your phone is in place. Simply plug it into your PC or wall outlet and away you go.

All in all, I would definitely recommend the PowerSkin unit to any Tech Junkie..  My only recommendations would be a larger battery and TPU casing. As you might notice in the positives and negativeS, I mention that bulk and weight are both. For me the added bulk and weight is great. It lets me handle my phone a little easier and gives me something that feels a little more solid in my hands. This could be a turn off for some of you. If you are in need of a case and find your self charging your device up halfway through the day, the extra size is something you will have to consider.

 

Tips–

• While the unit has Smart Power Management, as long the device is on, its drawing power. It will continue to pull power from the PowerSkin while keeping your device at 100%.
• What I do is once my power level gets.. let’s say 70%, I then turn on the PowerSkin. Once the device says “charged” I then turn off the external power supply. That way I find I can keep my device fully charged without wasting precious back up power.

If you are interested in picking up PowerSkin case for your Galaxy S III or a number of other devices, you will want to go visit their website at power-skin.com. They are retailing for $79.99 and come with a one year warranty. If you are an avid Amazon shopper though, you can pick one up for only $59.99. You can find that link below.

Purchase – Powerskin Protective Case with Built-in Battery for AT&T and T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S III (Black)