Update 27-9-2014: Samsung Galaxy Alphas has been launched in India with 4G LTE and same hardware for 39,990 INR
After numerous rumors and leaks, the South Korean tech giant Samsung has finally unleashed the much awaited Galaxy Alpha smartphone. The highlight of this device is the unique metal frame surrounding it adding luxury and style, claims the company statement. The device has a Galaxy S5 like finger scanner and inbuilt heart rate monitor. Let’s take a look at the other aspects of the Samsung Galaxy Alpha in this quick review.
Camera and Internal Storage
Samsung has included impressive imaging capabilities in the Galaxy Alpha with the incorporation of a 12 MP primary snapper that is teamed up with auto focus, LED flash and 4K video recording functionality. In addition to these aspects at the rear, the handset boasts of a 2.1 MP front-facing selfie camera that can enable users in making video calls and in clicking gorgeous looking self portrait shots. Though these imaging aspects are not top-shelf as in the flagship Galaxy S5, they are pretty impressive for a mid-range smartphone.
The internal storage capacity is enormous at 32 GB, but it cannot be expanded further as there is no micro SD card slot in the device. However, this ample storage space should suffice in storing all the necessary content without any trouble (except for the 4k videos that you can record)
Processor and Battery
The processor used in Samsung’s metal clad smartphone is an octa-core Exynos chipset housing a quad-core 1.8 GHz processor and a quad-core 1.3 GHz unit. This chipset is aided by 2 GB of RAM that should be capable of handling the multi-tasking capabilities effortlessly. As the octa-core processors are the rage currently, there are numerous such offerings in the market and the Galaxy Alpha adds on to the existing competition.
Battery capacity is 1,860 mAh that sounds average, but Samsung has incorporated the battery saving mode to this device that could enable the device to stay active for longer durations. Also Samsung is using its first 20nm process chipset and this will significantly reduce platform power, so we don’t expect the battery life to be terrible.
Display and Features
The Samsung Galaxy Alpha is fitted with a 4.7 inch Super AMOLED display that packs a HD screen resolution of 1280×720 pixels. This display is similar to the one used in the Samsung Galaxy S3 and it is capable of delivering a decent performance with good color reproduction.
Based on Android 4.4.4 KitKat, the Galaxy Alpha has connectivity features such as 4G LTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and NFC. Also, there is a finger scanner for secured screen locking and mobile payments and an in-built heart rate sensor. The device is available in a slew of color variants such as Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver and Scuba Blue.
Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Alpha could be a tough challenger to the LG G2, Oppo Find 7, Gionee Elife S5.5 and Xiaomi Mi4.
Key Specs
| Model | Samsung Galaxy Alpha |
| Display | 4.7 inch, HD |
| Processor | Octa Core Exynos |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB, Non-Expandable |
| OS | Android 4.4.4 KitKat |
| Camera | 12 MP/ 2.1 MP |
| Battery | 1,860 mAh |
| Price | 39,990 INR |
What we Like
- Metallic Build and Sleek Design
- Finger scanner and heart rate monitor
- 4G LTE
What we Dislike
- Slightly enhanced battery capacity would have been better
- No MicroSD card slot
Conclusion
The Galaxy Alpha is packed with a reasonable spec sheet and features as compared to its competitors. However, the lack of high-end specifications such as FHD display makes the device lag behind when it comes to the competition forefront. The use of the long waited metallic build on the handset is a welcome addition as Samsung is known for using polycarbonate casing on its range of smartphones including high-end models. Now, we need to know the impact the handset can create in the market that is crowded with capable devices at a high end price as there are many solid offerings at competitive pricing.
