This portion of the article was originally published on 30th July 2014
Earlier leaks have already shown what the first all-metal device from Samsung could look like (see the image above).
Now, we have a rumoured announcement date for the device too.
Entitled the Galaxy Alpha, the all-metal smartphone could be officially unveiled by the Korean manufacturer as early as 4 August.
However, the rumoured specs of the Samsung Galaxy Alpha do not sound as premium as its design, leading many to assume that it is merely a lesser variant of the Galaxy S5.
The all-metal device will sport a 4.8 inch 720p display, 32 GB non-removable internal storage and a fingerprint scanner. Other details, including its price, are expected to be announced when it is unveiled.
According to the new report, Samsung aims to launch the Galaxy Alpha in August in order for its to receive early exposure and publicity.
It is hoped that the device can keep eyes fixed on the Korean tech giant up until the launch of what the company considers to be a more prominent device in its repertoire; the Galaxy Note 4 phablet, which is expected in September.
We’ll keep you updated of any further updates concerning the Galaxy Alpha.
Meanwhile, why not tell us what you think of the idea of an all-metal device from Samsung? Is it too little, too late from the Korean manufacturer?
Update: More images of the Samsung Galaxy Alpha have appeared online, this time on Chinese social network Weibo.
The images (shown below) show an all-white variant of the device and, consequently, have thrown up comparisons to the iPhone 5S.
As you can see in the second image, it’s the edges of the device that resemble Apple’s handset. The way they cut away from the front and back and slope on the top and bottom is similar to the iPhone 5S.
Additionally, if it wasn’t for that rectangular home button, then the front would look more like an iPhone too.
The leaked images are unverified and Samsung has yet to confirm the existence of the newest addition to its Galaxy range.
Aside from the details mentioned above, what we know about the Galaxy Alpha is that it will sport a 12MP camera and run Android 4.4 KitKat. The Weibo page that contains the images also claims that the Galaxy Alpha will come in two sizes – a 4.7 inch version and a decidedly larger, phablet-sized 6.7 inch variant.
UK retailer MobileFun is already offering the device at $939 without a SIM – putting it in line with the Galaxy S5.
Meanwhile, SamMobile is now reporting that it’s original rumoured release date of 4 August has been scrapped in favour of a 13 August launch.
It is also unconfirmed whether the device will launch in white and black versions as pictured in the leaks. No gold variant has been spotted online thus far.
We’ll keep the updates coming as soon as we find out more.
Update: Thus far, most of the information that had trickled out about the specs on Samsung’s new part-metal, premium device were based on speculation.
Now, it seems that a new leak gives just about the most concrete evidence of what’s in the device aside from confirmation from Samsung itself.
A leaked image, which apparently shows an official Samsung slide from a presentation by the company, show detailed specs of the Galaxy Alpha.
Looking at the pic it certainly looks like an official company promo slide, like many of the ones it uses at its events.
According to the image, the Galaxy Alpha will sport a 4.7 inch display with a1080 x 720 pixel resolution, 32 GB storage with microSD CARD support, USB 3, Bluetooth 4, 2GB RAM. Additionally, it also comes with a heart rate monitor, fingerprint scanner, a 12MP camera and a 2.1MP front-facing snapper, plus a 1,860 mAh battery.
According to SamMobile, the pic’s source also included a report that claimed that the Galaxy Alpha will run on Samsung’s own octa-core Exynos processor and also offer a 64GB model.
Although there is no mention of a larger 6.7 inch variant, as reported in the past, the specs match what has been leaked previously.
Not exactly premium specs by anyone’s standards but most of the hype surrounding this phone concerns its premium exterior.
Samsung remains silent on the matter.
UPDATE: Oh no they don’t! We’ve received an official release from Samsung, who has confirmed just about everything previously covered in the leaks.
The colours for the device have been outlined too – whilst we previously stated that we hadn’t seen a gold version yet, it will in fact be available in ‘Frosted Gold’, as well as Sleek Silver, Dazzling White, Charcoal Black and Scuba Blue.
The Alpha’s 12MP rear camera will also be capable of 4K video capture.
