After many months of speculation, Samsung finally took the wraps off of the Galaxy Alpha today. This one is all about the design as JK Shin said “The Galaxy Alpha was built and designed based on the specific desires of the consumer market.”
That desire is metal. However, don't expect an all metal device here. It includes a metal frame, but the backplate is still that lovely perforated design. It definitely resembles the iPhone 5S, but it's a lot thinner. At 6.7mm, it's nearly 1mm thinner than Cupertino's current flagship.
As far as specs go, it's a little toned down from the Galaxy S 5. It features a 4.7-inch (1280 x 720) display, an octa-core Exynos 5430 processor (Quad 1.8GHz + Quad 1.3GHz) 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, 12 MP rear camera, 2.1 MP front-facing camera, 1,860 mAh battery, and Android 4.4.4 KitKat.
It will also include most of the same software features found on the Galaxy S 5 such as Ultra-Power Saving Mode, S Health, Finger Print Scanner, Private Mode and connectivity with the latest Samsung Gear Fit, Gear Live and Gear 2 wearables. They will also offer the phone in your choice of Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver, and Scuba Blue depending on the market.
The battery is rather small, but considering how compact this phone is, it isn't surprising. The display is probably the most disappointing thing about the phone, but at 720p, it's not going to be an issue for most people. Based on the size of the battery, it's a good thing, trust me. One other negative has to be the absence of a microSD slot. 32 GB of built-in storage is a good start though, and a 64 GB version is rumored. It also can't be a surprise to you that this bad boy isn't water resistant.
The Galaxy Alpha will be hitting Russia on September 12 with a price of 24,990 rubles ($690). It will eventually hit another 150 markets, but nothing specific was announced. We are expecting a U.S. release on at least AT&T and T-Mobile
Full Press Release……
Samsung Introduces Galaxy Alpha, the evolution of Galaxy Design
Samsung redefines its smartphone design with a stunning new look featuring sophisticated design techniques and compact construction
Seoul, Korea – Aug 13, 2014 9AM GMT – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled its new design approach with the Galaxy Alpha. The latest addition to Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone line, the Galaxy Alpha features a sophisticated design in a carefully constructed compact body with a metal frame and a solid finish, while still maintaining the flagship Galaxy experience. Elegant and practical, the Galaxy Alpha is the optimal convergence of style and cutting-edge technology.
“The Galaxy Alpha was built and designed based on the specific desires of the consumer market,” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communication at Samsung Electronics. “With an entirely new appearance, the Galaxy Alpha focuses on both beauty and functionality combining a stunning metal frame and slim, light weight design with the same powerful hardware and features users expect from a flagship Galaxy mobile device.”
Setting a New Standard for Samsung Galaxy Design
Concentrating on elegant aesthetics and compact construction, Samsung has taken a fresh approach to design with the Galaxy Alpha. Created to help consumers express their unique style without sacrificing functionality, the refined Galaxy Alpha features a sophisticated design with a metal frame, elegantly curved corners and a tactile soft back cover. In addition, it is visually balanced, with the perfect contrast of both a calming, soft matte finish and an eye-catching reflection from the metal frame. At less than 7 mm thick, the Galaxy Alpha is also one of the slimmest Galaxy devices ever, and its uniquely compact construction and light weight provides consumers with maximum in-hand grip and control.
Powerful Samsung Galaxy Experience
Despite its slim and light design, the Galaxy Alpha provides users with the same powerful hardware and features users expect from a flagship Galaxy mobile device. The device is equipped with a brilliant 4.7-inch HD Super AMOLED display as well as an advanced camera and real time HDR for an unrivaled viewing and photo experience. The Galaxy Alpha also includes innovative and popular features such as Ultra-Power Saving Mode, S Health, Finger Print Scanner, Private Mode and connectivity with the latest Samsung Gear Fit, Gear Live and Gear 2 wearables.
The Galaxy Alpha will be available at the beginning of September. At launch, it will be available in Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver, and Scuba Blue, with available colors to be determined by market.
Full details and product images are available at www.samsungmobilepress.com.
Samsung Galaxy Alpha Product Specifications
|
Network |
LTE Cat.6 (300/50Mbps) |
|---|---|
|
Display |
4.7” HD Super AMOLED (1280 x 720) |
|
AP |
Octa Core (Quad 1.8GHz + Quad 1.3GHz) |
|
OS |
Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) |
|
Camera |
12MP (rear) + 2.1MP (front) |
|
Camera |
Beauty Face, Dual Camera, HDR (High Dynamic Range), |
|
Video |
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) @30fps |
|
Audio |
Audio Codec : MP3, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, |
|
Additional |
Ultra Power Saving Mode |
|
Download Booster |
|
|
Quick Connect |
|
|
Private Mode |
|
|
Google Mobile Service |
Chrome, Drive, Photos, Gmail, Google, Google+, Google |
|
Connectivity |
WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2×2) |
|
Sensor |
Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, |
|
Memory |
RAM : 2GB |
|
Dimension |
132.4 x 65.5 x 6.7 mm, 115g |
|
Battery |
1,860 mAh |
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.
