Everything about Galaxy S8 Alcantara Cover

Samsung introduced the Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover for Galaxy S8 and S8+. These are the first Android phone cases made with the premium material of Alcantara.

Although Alcantara is not new, but an Android phone case made by Alcantara is new to most users.

This Galaxy S8 accessories guide explains what is Alcantara, the advantages (and disadvantages) of  Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover and whether such Alcantara covers are the right case for your Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What is Alcantara in Galaxy S8 Alcantara Cover for Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Alcantara actually refers to 3 related and different entities:

1. Alcantara is a proprietary synthetic composite material.
2. Alcantara is the trademark of this material.
3. Alcantara is the company manufacturing this material and owning the trademark. The full name of the company is Alcantara S.p.A.

For Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover, we are interested in the “material” of Alcantara.

Alcantara was developed by a Japanese scientist in early 1970s.  The recipe is still a secret and only Alcantara S.p.A. produces and distributes the material.

Alcantara emulates the organic material of suede, but offers greater stain and abrasion resistance than suede.

Instead of offering one “material”,  Alcantara can be easily customized in color, thickness,  technical properties (e.g., water repellence, fire retardancy and breathability), and surface finishing  (e.g., printing, embossing, embroidery and electro-welding).

In short, Alcantara feels like suede with even better abrasion resistance and durability, and more customization options.

In many high-end cars, Alcantara were used in spots which were susceptible to stains.  You can also find Alcantara in yachts, airplanes, furnitures, consumer electronics (e.g., Sennheiser’s Momentum On-Ear headphone and Surface Pro Signature Type Cover) and  accessories.

Advantages of Galaxy S8 Alcantara Cover for Galaxy S8 and S8+

Compared to other back covers for Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover has some clear advantages.

#1. Superior build quality

The quality of Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover is superior to any third-party back covers.

#2. Great to feel 

You will feel the difference when you hold the Alcantara material.

It is totally different from most plastic cases.

In addition, Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover offers great grip as well.

#3. Stain-resistant

Because it is made of Alcantara, Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover offers maximum stain-resistance.

#4. Light and durable

Again, this is simply because of the Alcantara material used.

#5. Good protection 

Alcantara provides good side protection. The raised lip can minimize the scratch on the screen when Galaxy S8 or S8+ was placed face down on a flat surface.

The back of Galaxy S8 or S8+ is protected from scratches, splashes and  bumps.

Alcantara can absorb some of the shock. So Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover can provides better shock protection than most plastic back covers.  But you should expect too much on shock absorption.

Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover was not designed as shock protection case for Galaxy S8 or S8+.

#6. Excellent styling
Of course, this is subjective.

But the texture in Galaxy S8 Alcantara Cover for Galaxy S8 and S8+ looks great most of the time.

#7. Perfect fit for the phone.

None of ports are blocked. Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover does not affect wireless charging.

 

Disadvantages of Galaxy S8 Alcantara Cover for Galaxy S8 and S8+

There is no perfect Galaxy S8 case (cover). Evey case or cover has its limitations.

Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover is not an exception.

The disadvantages of Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover include:

• It is expensive. The list price of $44.99 is a bit overpriced. But because it is made by Alcantara, you cannot compare it with plastic one. And there is no other manufactures of Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover.
• A few users may feel a bit sweaty in the hand when holding the case for long time. For most users, there is no such an issue. The reason is unclear.
• It is a back cover only.
• Limited drop protection. Although Alcantara has better protection than plastic, the case is not designed for drop protection.

Is the Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover for Galaxy S8 and S8+ for you?

When you buy a case or cover for Galaxy S8 or S8+, you need to consider several factors including:

• budget (price).
• bulkiness.
• protection.
• quality.
• durability.
• special features.

Compared to other single layer plastic back cover,  Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover is surely the best choice if your budget (around $40) can cover it.

Compared to quality (not the poor  quality ones) two-layer back cover, Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover offers less impact protection. But it is lighter and more durable.

Also, for some owners, Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover offer better look and feel.

If you are looking for Galaxy S8 drop protection case, you should check OtterBox one: 2-layer Commuter series one or rugged Defender series.

In addition, Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover and Clear view (S View) cover are also good options for Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Do you have any questions on Galaxy S8 Alcantara Cover?

If you have any questions on Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover for Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, please let us know them in the comment box below.

The community will help you find the answer or solution.

You may also check our Galaxy S8 guides:

• Galaxy S8 new features guide covers all new and unique features of Galaxy S8 and S8+.
• Galaxy S8 how-to guides give you detailed step-by-step guides on using most features of Galaxy S8 and S8+.
• Galaxy S8 user manuals lets you download official Samsung Galaxy S8 user manuals in your won language.
• Galaxy S8 camera guides covered everything related to Galaxy S8 camera is covered in Galaxy S8 camera guides section.
• Galaxy S8 accessories guides help you find the perfect accessories for Galaxy S8 and S8+.

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