These are Samsung's Qi charging backs for the Galaxy Note 4

Qi doesn't come free on the Note 4 — get ready for a couple of compromises
Samsung put a big 'ol battery in the Note 4, and didn't even cover up the USB port with a flap like the Galaxy S5 — but that doesn't mean many of us aren't still wishing that the phone came with wireless charging capabilities out of the box. Just as it's done for the past few flagships, Samsung instead sells replacement back covers for the Note 4 that add Qi charging capabilities.
Both a standard back and S-View Flip Cover style are available — coming in at $30 and $60, respectively — that each add a little extra bulk but get your Note 4 charged up without any wires involved. There's a trade-off to be had here in either case, but for most folks it'll be worth it to forego plugging in every night — read along for a review of these two replacement charging backs.
The standard Qi charging back
Swapping out the stock back cover for this wireless charging one couldn't be simpler — just pull off your current plate and snap the new one on. The cover fit on my AT&T Note 4 just fine, and this cover has the added bonus of no longer having AT&T branding on the back, just a big chrome Samsung logo. The color, texture and styling are identical to what the Note 4 comes with normally.
The wireless charging works as intended without any issue, and while I noticed the back heated up a bit more than my other Qi-enabled devices I don't think it's a cause for concern. The Note 4 charges up just fine, and no longer needs a wire to do it.
Just like previous Samsung phones, the optional Qi charging back for the Note 4 adds considerable thickness and noticeable weight to the phone when installed. While the original back plate is paper thin and incredibly flexible when removed from the phone, the Qi back is over twice as thick, very rigid and has a little weight to it. The curve on the back is done well and makes the phone no tougher to hold, but you can immediately tell that something more is back there than usual.
Although Samsung's own online store says that the Qi charging back will let your Note 4 maintain its "slim profile," the new back is thick enough to make nearly all third-party cases not fit. Even relatively forgiving rubber cases that I tried were still stretched to their maximum and didn't cover the device properly — this back plate pretty much eliminates the chance that your Note 4 will ever have a case on it.
That's not a big deal for me, as I don't use a case on my Note 4 in the first place, but I know a ton of people do and that makes this quite a deal breaker. Of course Samsung offers its own more protective option (which I'll talk about here next), but that isn't the same as being able to toss any case you want on the phone. At $29.95 it's fairly priced considering how much it eases charging, but the potential drawbacks may not make it worth it at any price for some people.
The S-View Flip Cover Qi back
Now that we know you can't really use the standard Qi charging back with a case, Samsung's option for wireless charging and device protection at this point is the Qi-enabled S-View case. I've laid out most of my feelings on the original S-View Flip Cover for the Note 4, and unsurprisingly things are nearly identical here on the Qi-enabled version.
The S-View case adds extra bulk whether it has Qi charging in it or not, and I honestly couldn't tell the difference between the two when they're attached to the Note 4. You get the same supple leather feel, stitching and features of the S-View window around front, along with very a subtle Samsung logo on the back and Galaxy Note 4 logo on the front. The S-View style of case is pretty polarizing among folks — you either love it or hate it — but you get that design with both S-View case options.
For those who haven't yet picked up an S-View Flip Cover for their Note 4 but want one, you may want to consider getting the wireless charging variant. You expect the extra thickness when you're getting an S-View Flip Cover, so might as well spend the extra few dollars — currently a $17 difference at the time of writing — to just pick up the Qi-enabled version of this case for $59. Sure you don't get the option of red or gold colors, but if that's not a big deal you're best off getting the S-View with Qi. Get the full protection, extra features and the bonus of wireless charging whether you want it now or down the road.
Though these two options aren't without compromise, at least Samsung makes them available for purchase for those who want to add wireless charging and don't mind the trade-offs. Chances are I'll be keeping the standard Qi back on my own Note 4, and I think quite a few people out there will be doing the same.
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Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.
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I know its not free and doesn't come standard, but at least its a supported option Posted via the Android Central App
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It's not an option for those like me who need a case. And the S-View cover is not a case. Posted via the Android Central App
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Yes it is Posted via the Android Central App
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As a case, it offers poor protection from dropping, which makes it completely inadequate.
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I have the back and this case. They work great together. I couldn't be happier.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MAWQHZS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s0... -
OK, let me get this straight. That case you posted from Amazon IS able to fit the Note 4 with the wireless charging backplate? And it is able to charge wireless THRU that case? This is what I and I assume allot others want. A decent case to protect the corners from slips and drops, but still have the wireless charging capability. Kickstand is a plus.
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I use the spigen rubber case with the aluminum bumper and it stretches a little but covers everything fine. Just as an option, amazon sells them pretty cheap.
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I'll continue to plug mine in. Thanks. Posted via the Android Central App
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Or get an Extra Battery Kit from Samsung!
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Yup, IMO the extra battery kit is a much better value (than either of these wireless charging options). :)
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Hope Qi charging becomes a norm in 2015, everything else, audio/video and file transfers are for the most part wirelessly done, should be standard,, just my opinion Posted via my Droid RAZR Maxx HD using the Android Central App
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I just bought a QI sticker that I added in the standard back, you need to stick it over the battery (for 3$) and a QI charger (for 5$) on eBay. Works perfectly, doesn't make the device thicker and I still use my standard case. Only uninformed people will buy this thing...
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I wouldn't say "uninformed," I'd say it's for people who want to buy something that's actually made for the phone by the manufacturer and is an official accessory. There are plenty of people who would rather buy this knowing what they're getting than try something from a third party. That being said, I also have a couple third-party inserts on the way to check out as well. I know that Samsung's own Qi backs aren't the only option out there — but they are the only official option.
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That's true, it came out wrong I guess. I mean that imo, I believe that most people would go the cheaper route if they knew it was available. That, and that you are still able to use any 3rd party case.
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Try to figure out why I should keep using the universal Qi charging receiver that I use with my 3 phones. The only convenience is laying the phone down instead of plugging it in. Besides plugging it in gets more of a charge in less time. Wireless connection > plug to charging pad, to charging receiver in phone.
Direct connection > plug to phone (Fast Charge). Unless they start building these pads into tables, desk, and nightstands I don't see the point. (unless you are unfortunate enough to have a faulty charging port.) Rooted LG G2.
Rooted GS3, Stock Galaxy Note 4
If it ain't Tech, it ain't Right! -
"most people would go the cheaper route if they knew it was available" So, this case will be bought by mostly just the uninformed.
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I just purchased the Note 4 a couple days ago. I've looked into the wireless sticker and see that you're supposed to lay it on top of the battery. I have the spare battery kit coming so I wanted to be able to switch out batteries easily. If you were to align it properly, could you not somehow attach the wireless sticker to the original cover?
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I didn't think of that. It would be a pain to switch batteries since you have to align the coils of the sticker. I never even thought about it myself since my battery has never ran out.
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While I miss the act of wireless charging, and even have charging on my car dock, I think just booting the official spare battery pack is simpler. Zero to 100% charge in 30 seconds. Plus you can charge both and take the spare on heavy use occasions. Posted via the Android Central App
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DanB83
what Qi sticker are you using?
i have the Samsung wireless charger. i have the Samsung wireless charging back... cases are a pain to find. -
I just used some regular scotch tape and was able to tape my wireless charging receiver to my back cover. Posted via Android Central App
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The 'Uninformed' would also like functional NFC with the Qi charging. Does your ebay kit work with NFC? From my past experience with the S3 & S4, the receiver kit sits right ontop of the NFC chip on the battery rendering it useless.
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I did say that the 'unininformed' comment came out wrong =P
Yes my NFC still works. -
That's cool. I picked up a couple chargers and receiver kits from ebay a while back; positioning was picky and I spent more time re-positioning to have it start charging, then to just simply plug them in...
Not sure if the chargers were just poor quality or the receivers themselves. Honestly wouldn't mind paying the extra premium on these official backs if I didn't have to play musical chairs with the charger. -
Welcome to Android 101 Danny, you will be staying after class until the comments have stopped! /S lol
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Good luck getting it warrantied when your hacktastic Qi setup fries something. Nothing uninformed about sticking with official accessories, especially when something as simple as a 3rd party charger can potentially fry your phone. Posted via the Android Central App
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This is where I stand Posted via the Android Central App
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In my defense, I did say that the 'misinformed' part came out wrong and I meant no offense. English is not my first language by the way. I've been using third party chargers for several phones by now, so I'm not worried.
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Dude, you can't apologize and have people accept it, what the heck m8? /s "I'm da Blur boys!" - Me with 1200 ping. Yes. My Internet got worse.
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Especially on an internet blog, post, forum, article, and etc. For the most part, the internet is NON-forgiving..... I for one forgive the guy!!
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Sorry but buying 3rd party accessories are fine, have been using them with my last 4 phones and never had a problem. You are exactly the kind of sucker who likes paying more for branded items. Posted via the Android Central App
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You're an idiot, and that didn't come out wrong. How does this sound, I've driven a ton of times drunk and I have a 100% success rate so far so why stop? There's plenty of evidence of 3rd party accessories causing issues with these phones, if you want to accept the fact that you're warranty is void if one of them screws up that's on you. Posted via the Android Central App
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Did I ever say that there was 0% risk using 3rd party accessories? I've had good experience using them, and usually research what I buy as to minimize said risk. By the way, only idiots like yourself need to resort to name calling to get their point across.
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I got the cheap qi sticker for my Note 4 and fortunately is working fine, I saved money taking that risk.
but also got a cheap qi charger pad from amazon and really sux, is a trash and I never use it, I lost my money buying that crap, instead of that I'm using my old Nokia qi pad that works great... that was expensive, but is a 3rd party qi pad that I use everyday (and I been using it for the last 3 years with different phones) -
Good luck with your future blown battery. Hope nobody gets injured. Posted via the Android Central App
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A QI reciever is a coil of wire with two contacts that connect to the contacts on the back, if you don't understand how simple this setup is stick to over priced branded accessories like someone's grandparent. Posted via the Android Central App
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You are ignorant, please don't give people advice. Ever. Posted via the Android Central App
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I also bought a sticker. Two different ones in fact. And, as a result, the NFC antenna is very, very iffy. It works sometimes, but I have to slide the phone around a lot to get an NFC sticker to be recognized. Most of the time I give up. With this thicker back the NFC tag is recognized immediately every time. So, I wouldn't say I'm uninformed but I'd say I use more features of my phone those that are less tech savvy.
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Seidio's naked holster still works perfectly with the standard Qi back plate. I grabbed my Qi the moment it came out 2 months ago and couldn't be happier. Damn it, I am so uninformed for not going the absolute cheapest route for my very expensive phone... Posted via the Android Central App
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Good to know. I tried a couple standard cases and they didn't fit. Posted via the Android Central App
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Hard to believe that wireless charging is not standard. After having wireless charging for a couple of years I would find it hard to get by without it. I hate plugging in devices.
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Hey, it gets rid of the AT&T tramp stamp!
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So do the official battery covers you can buy off of eBay for $8.95. I have a white one on my Note 4 and the wife has a pink cover on her Note 4. It's a cheap way to fix the tramp stamp problem. I hate carrier branding on my devices. I'm going to try the add on charger Qi charging card they sell on eBay this week. They go fro $12.95 including shipping. They seem to have positive reviews so it's worth a shot. I'm not in the least worried that it will damage my device.
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I have been using the wireless charging since I got the GN4. Only issue I have is that at one location I have the smaller QI charging pad. It seems that when I leave it on all night that it will not charge to 100% and the led flashes to warn me. I have the full size at my other location that works 100% at all times. I love the idea since when I walk into my office I have one place to put the phone and it charges until I need to use it. Then back on the charging pad.
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I'm not buying "wireless charging" until I can walk into said room and my phone starts charging up by itself. I think being able to plug my phone into a charger and still be able to use it trumps having to sit my phone down on a pad to charge up. People act like plugging a phone into a charger is such hard work. Actually, I swap my battery out for a fully charged one way more than I use a charger anyway. Posted via My Beastly Galaxy Note 4...(T-Mobile)
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Using wireless charging does not mean people don't still use the port at the bottom. I got a QI back for my son's S5 because he broke the charging port on his phone. $30 for a back is cheaper than $500 for a new phone. I have the S-View QI case and still use the standard charging port since I don't have the new Camry with QI built into the car. I personally had the standard QI charger from Samsung and switched to the S-view one when I realized that no cases would fit the thing with that back. At least until i read here that the Seidio case fits the phone with the extra thickness of the QI charger. The other thing I appreciate about the replacement backs is that it removes that ugly carrier branding from the back.
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Then don't, no one is forcing you. It's not that people are lazy, it's that people want to try different things and for some it's easier to just lay a phone down then plugging it in. I use both and by far qi charging is convenient and easy. Posted via the Android Central App
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I understand most of what you're saying, but you lost me by saying "qi charging is BY FAR" more convenient than using a regular charger. Posted via My Beastly Galaxy Note 4...(T-Mobile)
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Some times it is more convenient, depends on which situations, at my office I'm using the qi pad because constantly I get up from my desk and just take the phone with me and return and put it back on the qi pad multiple times during day, I maintain my battery charged all the time without wires for days, without noticing like the old days before the smartphones when the battery was lasting almost a week. Posted via the Android Central App
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Same thing I was thinking. You still have to set it on top of another device for it to start charging. Imagine if you had to sit your laptop, phone, etc., on top of a "wireless" router in order to get wireless internet. If that was how wireless routers worked, I think most people would just choose to plug in the ethernet cable. Until "wireless" charging becomes truly "wireless", then I will just keep plugging it in.
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+100 Posted via My Beastly Galaxy Note 4...(T-Mobile)
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I still don't see a need for a drip charge like qi when you have quick charge that will charge it to full in like an hour. Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
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For real, the included charger is so good that I don't see much of a point here. Not to mention I can still use my phone easily when it's plugged in. Posted via the Android Central App
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Good point. I often use my phone while it is charging.
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The main reason for me is that, even when using them correctly, USB ports break really easy. If you are in a 2 year contract you don't want the charger port to be sketchy at 12 or 18 months. Posted via the Android Central App
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I can understand it, but I have never had a port fail. I know it is good to have alternatives so it is not a big deal. I would use qi if the port failed. Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
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Me neither. The only thing that is close is my nexus 7 2012.
I do work closely with android phone repair and the thing that goes most often is ports. Posted via the Android Central App -
Fair enough. I can see it as a weak point but I will burn the qi bridge when needed Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
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I've never had a USB port fail or "wear out". I'm one who plugs their phone in every night and usually twice a day in my car or at the office. I'm also good for retrieving my phone out from behind my nightstand by yanking it up by the cord every time my cat decides it doesn't belong there. For me,the only bad things about micro USB are the orientation of the plug and the gradual scratching that occurs around the port over time.
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Used a Samsung Moment and Galaxy Nexus for a little over 2 years each, plugging both in every night for an overnight charge, and quite a few more "plug ins/outs" for data transfers or even more charging. I still have both phones and both USB ports work just fine. Might be a tad loose compared to when they were first purchased, but they still work without me having to wiggle the male end around to hit the right contacts to actually get it to charge/transfer data.
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Actually, I think a lot of problems people have had in the past with their USB Ports comes from them resting their phones on the the port while it's plugged in and charging... over time that causes it to become looser and possibly break.
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@Nonexus
Good point. I was thinking more of the wear and tear on usb port?? I haven't experienced this as I don't keep my phones for a long period. -
I like it because it is super easy. I only charge my phone when I sleep. I use my phone as my alarm clock. When I go to bed I drop it on the charger and I'm done. It's very slick.
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I usually come to bed after the wife has already gone to sleep. So I don't wish to fumble in the dark to line up a 3 mm plug. 9 times out of 10 my phone will easily last all day, so I set it on the charger when I go to bed and don't care how long it takes to charge. It might not be a benefit to you, but some of us find it fits well with our desired usage pattern.
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I don't mind plugging in my phone. I like the s view case as well. Posted via the Android Central App
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Why not just buy a charging coil pad that uses the factory contacts then put the normal back plate back on? That seems like a better option to me. Leave it to Samsung to charge you extra for some feature they should have included in an $800 phone to begin with. My phone doesn't have qi charging and I'm happy without it, but at least Motorola doesn't gouge you just to have the option. Posted via the Android Central App on the 2nd Gen. Moto X
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Ya, instead they don't give you the option at all, lmao. Leave it to you to constantly bitch and moan about anything on AC involving samsung for no good reason other than to look for attention. douchebag. Posted via the Unrivaled Note 4
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This! Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
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Here here, all the moaning people don't seem to grasp how simple this is. Posted via the Android Central App
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Interesting to see positive thoughts on the S VIEW case, bought it and tossed it after a couple days. Sharp edges don't work with my handheld devices. Posted via the Android Central App
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Ill stick with plugging it in and keeping my Otterbox Defender on the phone. Posted via the Android Central App
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Another mod is to buy the Samsung Qi back cover, take out the wireless charging bits from it, and put it on the original standard back. There are YouTube how-to vids on this mod. That way you can get both wireless charging (and NFC still works) and still keep the original back cover so you can continue to use just about any case.
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Anyone looking for a perfect note 4 case, check out the "JOTO bumper case" on amazon. It adds practically no weight or bulk and definately protects the phone well enough from falls. It has a lip that protrudes further than the display and also one on the rear that protrudes further than the camera. Posted via the Unrivaled Note 4
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I don't think that's a concern for me I like my note 4 just the way it is it last me all day with heavy use and that's fine you are sleeping at night why not charge it up for the next day
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I tried the wireless tags.... while they work, they also are off center and make for odd placement on chargers, and usually will not work well with car chargers that force the phone to be centered on it.
I also tried the official wireless back and while it worked faster than the tags, and had no odd placement problems, it did add too much bulk for me. I ended up prying the official back apart and removing the official qi coil and circuitry and taping it to the standard back. With this setup I have almost no bulge (it is skinnier than the tags) and no placement issues as the coil is centered and larger than the tags. I can now use any case I want, use any charger I want, do not have to worry about placement, and it is an "official" coil so I am not worried about issues with the circuitry. -
The downside to those charging backs is that.... You still own a Note 4 lolol Posted via the Android Central App
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Note 4 Is one of the best handsets on the market... If you owned one you would know:)
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I'm having a hard time seeing your joke... How is owning one of the best phones of the year a negative...?
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Owning the best phone i have ever used is a terrible burden. Posted via the Android Central App
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Why couldn't they fit qi capabilities in a regular back like the g3? Seems like Samsung keeps making the slightest changes that make them look like a company that doesn't care anymore. Posted via the Android Central App
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Hey Andrew, I understand this is a Qi article, but it's probably important to note that AT&T has committed to PMA (not Qi) and if you buy a wireless charging back directly from AT&T it won't work with a Qi Charger.
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Sure, but that back says PMA on it, not Qi. hard to confuse the two. Also thankfully you can use this Qi back on the AT&T Note 4 just fine. And you shouldn't ever buy something from AT&T and trust that they know what they're talking about if they say otherwise ;)
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At least they didn't alter the internals of the phone to the point where it wouldn't work with a QI back like they did to the LG3.
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PMA is trash. Hope that wannabe Duracell standard dies soon.
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I bought one of the Qi adapters off ebay for my wife's Note 4 for like $8. Works perfect. It does add a slight bulge to the battery cover. She has her phone in an Otterbox though which conceals the bulge so you cannot even tell. I also bought her the Tylt Vu charger for 50% off black Friday. She likes the setup a lot. As minor as the slight bulge is I use my phones naked so I'd have to go with the official accessory as the bulge would drive me nuts.
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More than likely if you have a case it won't fit with these Zenwatch rhymes with Winwatch. Coincidence? I think not.
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Hey all. I just found out that Libiti is offering 95% off their Note 4 leather wallet case on Amazon until mid Feb I think, making it only 50 cents. To get the discount there is a promo code you need to add when you go to Checkout: LIBITI95. I got it, it's a neat case. Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Note-Case-Leather-protection-guarantee/dp/B00R2EFE...
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I was actually able to get my versus case on with the thicker back cover. The phone is much heavier also. Posted via the Android Central App
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I stupidly bought this charge back for my Note 4.. Used it once, it's been in the box ever since. I need a case, this renders the phone useless for my situation.
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There are a few suggestion here in the comments to solve that issue
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Just did it... Pulled the coil out of the oem qi back and stuck it in the oem original back. Had to trim a few nubs and ridges off, also has a small budget where the board goes, just took a dremmel to my case and thinned the inside at that spot.. Can't even tell it's there.
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How is it working? The good news is that if it fails hard you can get a new back for 10$ Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
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So far so good.. I just drop it on Mt shelf and it charges.. I'll test it tonight fully.
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Good, glad you found a workable solution Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
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I bought a bumper case on ebay that works great with the Qi charging back from Samsung. I believe I paid under $5 and it has the description "Hard Crystal Clear Hybrid Soft TPU Bumper Case Cover For Samsung Galaxy Note 4" Posted via the Android Central App
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Let's see... I can make my phone twice as thick and charge it in about 3 hours or more laying it down on one of these Qi things. Or I can take 1 second to plug it into the quick charger that came with it and be done in about 30 minutes. That's a tough decision. ;)
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My bedside shelf had been modified with a bunch of qi coils installed into the shelf.. So it's just kinda neat :)
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Wireless charging isn't important to me. I rather spend the money on an extra battery. Posted Via AT&T Note 3
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Shoddy Posted via the Android Central App
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Insightful comment Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
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I like that it thickens the phone. The phone lays flat now. It fills the hand better when held.
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Kills the ability for cases..
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I don't want to use a case. Samsung put a nice metal ring on it and a nice back with a slight grip feel. Why cover it up? I'll be careful. :-)
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I'd love to be case free.. Sadly my environment is way to destructive to be naked...
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Nifty... you can get the stitching back for the Note 4. We've all been missing that so much. :)
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Like that is a bad thing? Keep reaching Posted by my soon to be retired Note 3
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This is news? I've had the back in the picture, albeit black, for a while now.
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For a phone that retails for ~$700, there is no excuse for this to not be included from the start. Even the Nexus 4 had this, and sold for $350. Maybe it's the removable back cover that adds the extra cost/complexity to the device.
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Ok, so I bought 2 Note 4 charging battery covers now and can't get my phone to charge wirelessly on 2 of the Samsung $49.95 chargers. My wife's Note 5 connects immediately, but my Note 4 does nothing. I'm ordering a Qi 3 coil stand or do I need to change a setting on my Note 4 ? Posted via the Android Central App
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So my car has the qi charger but my note edge doesnt completely fit.... I don't have to new back yet cause I don't want to buy it and then it doesn't work... so my question is will it still charge even if it doesn't completely touch the charger?