Hi-tech.mail.ru

The Galaxy Alpha just launched today, and while Samsung shared many details about the device, there’s nothing like real hands-on impressions to get to know a smartphone.

Fortunately, Russian website Hi-tech.mail.ru managed to obtain a Galaxy Alpha in advance and put out a good hands-on review just minutes after the device’s official unveiling.

You can check out the review (in Russian) here. We’ve highlighted some of the most interesting aspects below.

The dimpled texture on the back of the device is shallower than the Galaxy S5’s, and as a result, less visible.

Unlike the Galaxy S5, the Galaxy Alpha features a subtle grid pattern on the front, which matches the color on the back.

The thin profile and rubberized texture gives the phone a very good grip.

Despite the larger screen, the Galaxy Alpha is not much larger than the iPhone 5S.

Unlike the Galaxy S5, the Galaxy Alpha is not water resistant.

The space available on the device is about 25GB out of the advertise 32GB. No microSD card slot.

Despite the small size of the battery, the Alpha managed 11 hours in a HD video playback test, comparable with the Galaxy S5 Mini (2100 mAh). The review concludes that the Alpha won’t be able to get you through a full day without recharging.

The display is bright, with great viewing angles, and good visibility in sunlight.

Camera is “decent.”

The Galaxy Alpha is Samsung’s first device with a nano-SIM card.

The review’s conclusion – good phone, but you can do better for the price.

Are you impressed with the Galaxy Alpha?