The official S-View Flip Cover is a popular choice for the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. It protects your screen when you're not using it and gives you access to some of your phone's features through a window interface. The S-View window is not a gimmick. We'll show the features in our review.
The Samsung S-View Flip Cover comes in three colors for the Galaxy S7 edge: Black, Silver, and Gold. We have the silver one to match our phone. We're not very happy with the materials used on the case because it doesn't feel premium. We prefer the leather-like material Samsung used on the LED View Cover. This one feels a little like paper to touch, but on the other hand, the cover is sturdy, and the window itself feels like glass.
Installing the case is very easy. Simply line up the top of your phone with the top clips of the case and then push down on all four corners.
On the front cover, there's a 3-inch square window that lets you take advantage of some features while not having to open the phone. You can see the time, notifications, and you can also swipe down for the quick settings. You can also swipe on the phone or camera shortcuts to dial contacts from your favorite contacts list, or use the phone's camera without opening the cover. Just keep in mind that the photos you take with the window will have a square aspect ratio. You also won't be able to use the front-facing camera when the cover is closed.
Notifications act the same through the S-View, except you now have a smaller display. When you tap on a notification, it'll tell you to open the cover to view more details. Music playback control also works through the S-View. For example, the Spotify app lets you pause or skip a song without opening the cover.
When you receive a phone call, you can swipe right to accept or swipe left to reject the call. You can also swipe up to reject a call with a message.
You can change the wallpaper that shows up in the S-View by going to Settings > Accessories > S View windows wallpaper. It doesn't affect the wallpaper option on your normal lock screen.
Above the 3-inch window, there's a cutout for the earpiece, so you'll still be able to hear your callers. The case doesn't cover the sim slot on top or the audio jack, micro-USB port, microphone, and speakers at the bottom. The power button on the right side is accessible through a spacious cutout, but the front cover can sometimes get in the way. Moving your thumb toward the back helps.
There are no holes on the left side for the volume buttons, but there are labels to show you where to press.
The back has the cutout for the camera and the flash, and we don't see anything here that gets in the way of taking photos or videos. You can even still use the camera when the front cover is fully flipped over, but we don't recommend it especially when using flash.
Another smart feature is that the phone automatically sleeps or wakes when the cover is opened or closed. This can save battery life and reduce the need to reach for the power button.
And if you were wondering about wireless charging, the S-View Flip Cover is compatible. There were no issues when placing our Samsung Galaxy S7 edge with the case on the Fast Charge Wireless Charging Stand.
Overall, this is a nice case if you want to protect both the front and back of your Galaxy S7 edge. We like that the S-View window is actually functional, and not just a gimmick. We just wish there was an option for leather with this case.
The S-view Flip Cover is originally $49.99, but you can find it on Amazon for about $30 to $40. Are you getting it? Let us know in the comments!
