Polls

Would you rather get rid of glass backs, even if it costs wireless charging?

by Preslav Kateliev

Oct 24, 2017, 9:17 AM

Would you rather get rid of glass backs, even if it costs wireless charging?

Over the past few years, wireless charging has been all the craze in the smartphone world. Most major manufacturers have steadily been moving towards making the feature a standard and are working on making it work faster.

But since the current version of wireless charging — that's inductive charging — doesn't work then the phone's exterior is pure metal, manufacturers have turned to glass backs.

And glass looks nice, sure — it's shiny, it's cool to the touch, it just reeks of "premium". But it's also a magnet for fingerprint grease and feels particularly unpleasant when your hands are sweaty. Thus, not everyone is a fan of glass backs.

So, we thought we'd ask you. Is wireless charging worth having a glass back on your phone, or would you rather stick with a pure metal build and forfeit wireless charging? If your phone doesn't have a glass back, vote based on preference.

Would you prefer to be rid of glass backs, even if it means no wireless charging?

Yes! I'd do it in a heartbeat!

61.68%

No, I kind of like glass backs!

16.98%

No, wireless charging is just too good to drop!

21.34%

Options

46 Comments

47. Panzer

Posts: 283; Member since: May 13, 2016

WiPower can already charge through metal. Obviously does not work with QI standard. I am surprised Apple did not use with the iPhone but they don't like paying Qualcomm already so that is probably the main reason. https://www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2015/07/28/qualcomm-becomes-first-company-enable-wireless-charging-mobile-devices

posted on Oct 25, 2017, 7:51 AM 0

46. techbuttcheex

Posts: 205; Member since: Jul 25, 2015

Wireless charging is stupid and pointless. Quick charging wins every time.

posted on Oct 25, 2017, 7:01 AM 0

45. Karriope

Posts: 148; Member since: Jun 07, 2013

Besides, most glass backs that allow wireless charging... just sit on top of plastic, don't they?

posted on Oct 25, 2017, 4:36 AM 1

44. Karriope

Strong fibreglass. Or something. Or quality plastic like on this old XPERIA or, say, a Nokia N97. I have just about no love for glass backs on phones, especially since you can't even see inside them.

posted on Oct 25, 2017, 4:32 AM 0

43. dreyfus

Posts: 22; Member since: Feb 24, 2015

Oh, no! I'm chargin my S7 ony wirelessly!

posted on Oct 25, 2017, 2:24 AM 0

42. kanagadeepan

Posts: 1291; Member since: Jan 24, 2012

Why not kevlar back? Has good feel, good grip, supports wireless charging as well (eg Droid Maxx), feels sturdy, no need for a case as well...

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 10:09 PM 2

39. boriqua2000

Posts: 262; Member since: Mar 11, 2009

Give me a removable battery and keep your glass back.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 2:47 PM 1

38. MrShazam

Posts: 987; Member since: Jun 22, 2017

I'd prefer tough glass with wireless charging. Regardless of material, will still put a case on it, so, much rather have the convenience of wireless charging. Have 2 fast wireless convertible chargers in my home, and an iOttie Easy One Touch Wireless Qi Standard Car Mount that I keep in my truck.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 2:40 PM 0

32. uncle_gadget

Posts: 1050; Member since: Sep 20, 2017

It actually doesn't matter. Metal backs scratch to easy, glass backs break. Since you have to use a case either way, the fact is it doesn't make a difference. But in the case of Apple, where you can't charge the phone and listen to music at the same time with the inbox headphones, better keep the glass backs.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 2:30 PM 0

31. tedkord

Posts: 17517; Member since: Jun 17, 2009

With a sealed battery, I don't care. But if I could get a replaceable battery back, I'd ditch glass in a heartbeat.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 2:02 PM 0

27. Shubham1221

Posts: 153; Member since: Jul 29, 2015

I prefer metal, Ceramic, polycarbonate over glass backs anytime.Glass backs were most impractical design decisions ever on a smartphone.One should have peace of mind while using smartphones in different situations of daily routine life.Most people used cases with glass backs to protect them.I think only persons happy with glass backs were protective case makers and all the users dont want glass backs.I also dont use wireless charging.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 1:27 PM 0

26. treypoundz

Posts: 92; Member since: Sep 05, 2017

Also with glass backs now i have to use a case. Ive never used a case before on my phones. So again what is the poiny if you never see this glass back. Aaaaa

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 1:08 PM 1

25. lyndon420

Posts: 6932; Member since: Jul 11, 2012

Go old reliable plastic/poly is good enough for me. I don't need glass on the back of my phone for any reason whatsoever.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 1:07 PM 1

24. treypoundz

Id rather the iphone back. More durable. Wireless charging takes longer then charging the phone with a cord. So why do you ppl really want this.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 1:04 PM 0

23. TechDork

Posts: 405; Member since: May 10, 2010

Wireless charging honestly wasn't something that was a MUST HAVE with me, so it's not a factor as to why I like or don't like it.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 12:55 PM 0

22. MartyK

Posts: 1043; Member since: Apr 11, 2012

Metal with wireless charging receivers, throw in front facing speakers.. Good to go.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 12:50 PM 0

20. L0n3n1nja

Posts: 1612; Member since: Jul 12, 2016

I have 2 phone that charge wireless and don't have glass backs. Glass backs are stupid, slippery, and combined with tiny bezel make a phone hard to hold.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 10:39 AM 2

19. dnomadic

Posts: 450; Member since: Feb 20, 2015

Love the look of glass, but like the iPhone notch, it is not the most practical approach in phone design. I would love a combination of metal and a polycarbonate... Heck, I was fine with all plastic phones....lightweight!! Maybe the note 4 approach Metal frame, plastic back

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 10:21 AM 1

17. DFranch

Posts: 566; Member since: Apr 20, 2012

I like wireless charging, not glass backs. I'd gladly go back to polycarbonate backs. Then I wouldn't have to buy a case to protect the glass back. Metal is fine, but I have had wireless charging since the 920 came out, and would not want to lose it. So, until somebody releases a way to charge a metal backed phone, I won't be getting one. My hope is once android auto goes wireless, I can just put my phone on a charging plate in my car.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 10:14 AM 1

15. Furkan

Posts: 552; Member since: Feb 25, 2017

I love sexy glass phones. Dont need wireless charging anyway

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 10:08 AM 0

14. 0kax0el0

Posts: 238; Member since: Nov 15, 2012

With a glass back you end up putting a cover... Then what's the point of having glass if you're never touching it or even seeing it. Metal, plastic, kevlar, fabric, ceramic. I don't feel that "wireless" charging is all that convenient, but if OEMs want to put it in a phone there's a lot of different materials that should be compatible.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 10:06 AM 2

11. rdvn26

Posts: 78; Member since: Aug 04, 2017

wireless charging is not an useful spec. Id rather go for non slippery back material

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 9:57 AM 0

37. uncle_gadget

Or you can just put a skin or rubber case on it?

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 2:36 PM 0

10. antmiu2

Posts: 552; Member since: Jun 19, 2011

how about they figure a way to do wireless charging with other materials eh? its almost 2018

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 9:48 AM 2

36. uncle_gadget

Well there are other ways, but they cost too much and slow production. One way is to use carbon fiber. But you have to make the case by hand and not machine. Lowing production, raising costs. It can be done with metal backs. But it requires a dampening cover which adds costs.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 2:35 PM 0

9. salami1980

Posts: 80; Member since: Dec 27, 2016

Aluminum all the way , it is the best, or polycarbonate like Nokia Lumia 1020

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 9:47 AM 1

8. libra89

Posts: 2344; Member since: Apr 15, 2016

Indifferent about wireless charging but glass backs are so annoying with how slippery they are.

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 9:46 AM 3

7. hmd74

Posts: 546; Member since: Jan 31, 2013

The most Gimmicky tech is wireless charging! the only usage is charging in high-end cars while driving

posted on Oct 24, 2017, 9:37 AM 1

30. Brewski

Posts: 739; Member since: Jun 05, 2012

Not true. I update my phone once a year and have had wireless charging for the last 4-5 years. I have a wireless pad on my desk at work, one next to my bed at home, one next to my computer in my office at home and a dock in my car (pick-up truck, not "high-end car"). Basically, I never have to carry cables with me and anywhere I go I always have a charger so full battery all the time! All without fumbling with plugging it in, I just set my phone down while I do something else and when I need my phone again it has more juice!