Hands-On: Samsung Galaxy Alpha
Sep 5, 2014, 10:00 AM by Eric M. Zeman
The Samsung Galaxy Alpha is a refined device from the Korean giant that hopefully signals a new direction in the company's design language. Here are our initial impressions of what may be Samsung's finest phone.
Samsung debuted the Galaxy Alpha before the IFA trade show in Berlin, and had it on hand at the booth this week. After spending some time with the Note 4, Note Edge, and Galaxy Alpha, I'd probably pick the Alpha were I to spend my own money. Here's why.
Samsung has long been bashed for using what many describe as cheap plastics in its phones. I've complained about this myself, and I stand by those criticisms. Devices such as the Galaxy S series (S though S5) could have been much more appealing had Samsung put a little more effort into crafting certain aspects of the phone. With the Alpha, Samsung finally shows us that it can do better.
The Alpha trades in at least some of the plastics for an attractive metal frame that circles the outer edges. It is polished to a nice sheen, and the edges are chamfered to give it a premium look. I am not going to say that Samsung copied any specific device or manufacturer's design, but there's something familiar about this particular choice. There are slight curves in the frame close to the bottom and the top, which gave Samsung just a wee bit more space internally for components such as the antennas.
The front looks like most other Samsung devices. The bezel around the screen is kept to a minimum, though, which helps keep the phone compact. It has only a 4.7-inch display, so the overall footprint of the device is quite appealing. It is small enough for easy one-handed use, and I found it comfortable to hold, despite the side edges being at right angles to the front and back surfaces. The front has a physical Home button and capacitive Back and Multitasking buttons, which is typical of Samsung's Galaxy-branded smartphones. The back panel has a pattern similar to that of the GS5, but the back panel plastics feels better to me. The materials are simply improved. It really looks great.
I liked the display, despite the 720p HD resolution. Samsung's Super AMOLED screens have always impressed, and the Alpha's is no different. It is crisp, bright, and colorful. I had no trouble viewing it in bright light.
The volume toggle is on the left side of the phone, positioned close to the top. The up and down halves of the toggle each has its own little nub, making them easy to tell apart. The toggle provided great travel and feedback. The screen lock button is on the right side. It is a bit small, and travel and feedback was a bit stiff. The USB port is on the bottom and the headphone jack is on the top. The bottom has drilled holes forming the speaker grill.
The user interface is the same TouchWiz that we all know and love from the GS5, GNote 4, and other modern Samsung smartphones. It performed really well in the few tests that I ran on site. I didn't see any problems at all.
US carriers have stepped up and said they'll sell the Note 4 and Note Edge, but we haven't heard word yet about the Galaxy Alpha. Keep your fingers crossed that they decide to carry it, because it could be the perfect phone for those who prefer compact devices.
About the author, Eric M. Zeman:Eric has been covering the mobile telecommunications industry for 17 years at various print and online publications. He studied at Rutgers Newark and University of Kentucky, and has a degree in writing. He likes playing guitar, attending concerts, listening to music, and driving sports cars.
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Comments
Translation to English
Translation: Samsung phones have felt like garbage because they're made of junky, happy meal toy materials.
"I am not going to say that Samsung copied any specific device or manufacturer's design, but there's something familiar about this particular choice. "
Translation: They ripped off the iPhone and made the minimum choices their legal decide...
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Translation: Samsung phones are more durable that iPhones; and I'm jealous. So, I bash them.
>>Translation: They ripped off the iPhone ...
(continues)
I don't get it and I never will
They don't spec out this phone because they are still making a hefty profit by recy...
(continues)
Alpha, A1000,
Alpha Pro or A1000- thicker Device 9 or 10 mm thick to enable larger Battery, SD Card.
4.7" Screen with Powerful SOC Exynos Octacore, 3 GIG RAM, Camera from Note 4.
Compact Flagship- don't worry about a few millimeters thicker and an ounce or 2 heavier.
Still Pocket Sized, and Professionals, Artists , and Athletes can bench press 6 ounces, I checked.
So Alpha Pro or A1000 a Flagship Compact.
Then Galaxy S6 Metal with all the latest features of the Galaxy Series in these new , more Durable Metal Frames. Plastic Back is OK - better reception, disregard reviewers.
Note 4- You have this now.
So- we want Three Flagships at the Top the Compact Alpha P...
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