[Review] Samsung Galaxy S4 flip cover 4,500 mAh power case with Kickstand

Most of the time we purchase a case that meets our style and our attitude. Other times we get something that we know will protect our valuable devices from our clumsy fingers. Then there are the cases that we get that are just plain useful and cool. That is where this Samsung Galaxy S4 flip cover case comes into play.

This case takes all the best parts of any good case and rolls them into one. It just plain awesomeness. To really get this case, we have to take the grand tour of it.

The Front 

On the front of the case is a flip cover with a the Galaxy S4 logo on the bottom. It feels like it is a vinyl material. There is of course a cut out at the top for the ear piece as well. The small window is a durable piece of plastic that is just as thick as the flap. On the inside of the flap you have a nice soft velvet to prevent any scratching of the screen. When you flip the cover over the device when the screen is on, it triggers the window view like the official flip cover case from Samsung. With it flipped closed you see the time and date along with the notifications. When a calls come in you can answer or ignore it without having to flip it open at all.  As soon as you flip the cover open your lockscreen pops up, just like if you hit the power button. Saves you the headache of hitting the button all the time and also the wear and tear that those buttons have to endure for us Android junkies.

The Inside Front

On the inside front is where your device is. Just below the base of the device you find the mic holes so you can still talk to people. This is also where you will find a power button and 4 blue LED lights. Remember, this is a battery backup case too. I will tell you about that in just a minute.

The Top

On the top you find a cut out on the case material for your headphone port and IR blaster.

The Bottom

On the bottom you find a single micro USB charging port.

The Right Side

Obviously you have easy access to your power button.

The Left Side

With the flip closed, you have nothing. With it open you can access your volume controls. You can still press them with the flip closed, but they aren’t exposed.

The Rear

  This is where you will find the small holes for the speaker output along with the cut outs for the camera/flash and a sure handy kickstand for whatever you might need it for. You will also find the power bank information. Along with all the other goodies this case has to offer, it also packs in a 4,500 mAh battery back up. While the output is only 5.0v/0.8A, it still charges up your device quite nicely if you are running low on juice.

Installation

Getting your Galaxy S4 inside the case is pretty simple. There is no need to ‘shove’ your device inside. The top of the case clicks up, place your Galaxy S4 in and slide it into the micro USB connector. Then simply slide the top piece back down. It is really very simple and efficient.

The Good

The whole main part of the case is a finished with vibrant piano paint. It is a bit shiny and semi-rubbery feeling. Utilizing the kickstand for watching movies, or with the use of an external keyboard, is great. As you can see in another image below, simply flipping the cover back gives the device a small angle as well.

The power button for the cases battery is placed in a great location and the LEDs give you a quick visual of how much charge is left in the case. With 4 LEDs it breaks down by 25% increments. Initially I thought the case didn’t do pass through charging, but I was wrong. If you plug the case in with your phone inside of it, you just hit the power button on and it will charge your phone first and then the case. You can also sync data to your PC through the case without having to remove your device.

The quick view window is pretty cool and gives you basic information. I like how I don’t have to keep hitting the power button on my device for the screen to come on or go off. Just flip it open or closed.

The case doesn’t feel cheap at all. It is built extremely well. The Galaxy S4 fits in perfectly and securely. It really is a solid feeling, slightly heavy, but nice addition to your device if power is an issue and you could greatly benefit from the kickstand.

The Bad

One on hand, this power case offers a heck of a lot, but it also does ad some girth to your device. It measures in at 0.59 inches thick, combined with your phone inside you are looking at carrying around double the size of the Galaxy S4 on its own. That is the price to pay for such a large built-in battery though.

The only other thing that could prevent this from being your next case for your S4 is the fact that NFC is not functional through it. If you use NFC often for things, you would find yourself popping your device in and out. I don’t use NFC for anything so this aspect doesn’t bother me one bit.

Final Thoughts

If you are in dire need of keeping your Galaxy S4 charged up extended periods of time, this power case is definitely the answer. With the added benefits of the quick view window and kickstand, it is hard to wrong with picking on up. Especially since they will run you $36 each and come in black or white.

Case Specs 

• 5.7 x 2.87 x 0.59 inches
• weight – 88g
• Charge time – 6-8 hours

Where to buy

To pick one up you simply need to head over to shop.brando.com. They have tons of accessories and items for various devices. Once my order way in it took about a week to arrive. That could be different based on your location. The standard shipping charge was only $3, so $39 gets you one of these in about a week or so. Well worth it in my opinion.