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Bring on the bling! Swarovski-encrusted Note 4, Gear S covers say a lot about gender and tech (pictures)

Crafted for women, Samsung's expensive effort to blunt the effect of its latest oversize phablet and smartwatch truly shines. Here's why rivals should pay attention.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Making a statement

With pricey, crystal-encrusted accessories, Samsung and Swarovski are absolutely making a statement -- but it isn't just about ostentation.

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2 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Sex appeal

The high-end ornamental cases and straps for the 5.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 4 phablet and cuff-size Gear S smartwatch are part of an ongoing effort to appeal to women who may not otherwise gravitate toward the physically large phones and wearables. (The Samsung Galaxy S5 and Gear Fit band are also part of the collection.)

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3 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Paying the price

Even apart from the cha-ching needed to purchase the glittering goods (no exact prices yet, I'm afraid), the Note 4 case especially comes at the cost of slimness and comfort.

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4 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

A cut above

The bright Swarovski crystals can be a little scratchy on the skin, and add substantial thickness, despite the partner's prestige.

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5 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Wearable couture

Even more than smartphones, the wearables industry is grappling with ways to appeal to both women and men's diverse aesthetic tastes on products that are even more personal -- and visible -- than the phones that spend a good amount of time in pockets and bags.

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6 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Calling all glitterati

Swarovski's Gear S bands match the black and white watch faces, turning the uberthick watch straps that can swallow a daintier wrist into chic cuffs that fit in better with an upscale dress code. Samsung's partnerships with other manufacturers will surely produce a variety of sporty, classic, and playful strap materials besides.

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7 of 7 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

No joke

There is no single way to appeal to women or men, children or teens. However, as wearables become more popular and prevalent, aesthetics will play an even larger role in individuals' buying decisions. The companies that can balance functionality and fashion sense will fare better than those that force their customers to conform to a set style, watch-face-size included.

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