Samsung Galaxy Alpha launches ahead of iPhone 6

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha has launched, with a metal-framed chassis and edging reminiscent of the iPhone.

Samsung says its Galaxy Alpha is 'the evolution of Galaxy Design', losing the faux leather details of the Samsung Galaxy S5 and launching as the thinnest Galaxy ever at just 6.7mm.

JK Shin, CEO and head of IT and mobile communication at Samsung, said:"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."

As with the rumoured iPhone 6, the Galaxy Alpha features a 4.7in screen, with the glass panel covering the whole frontage. The home button, speaker and camera are all set into the design, giving it a much sleeker look in comparison to the Galaxy S5, for example.

One aspect that does look similar to the design of the iPhone is the outer edge. Where Samsung used to have a more curved finishon its flagship smartphones, the edging on the Galaxy Alpha is more square, just like its main competitor.

Packed inside, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha features anOcta Core (Quad 1.8GHz + Quad 1.3GHz) processor, presumably Samsung's SoC and 2GB RAM. Storage is available in 32GB only and there's no microSD card slot for expansion.

Around the back, there's a 12-megapixel camera, while the front for taking selfies and video calling is 2.1-megapixels. The operating system of choice is Android 4.4.4, which comes as a welcome surprise.

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha will be available in September and will be available in a range of colourways includingCharcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver and Scuba Blue.

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.