Just as rumors suggested, Samsung made the Galaxy Alpha official today, in a momentous step towards infusing some style into the design of its devices.

Most of the specifications of the Galaxy Alpha have leaked over the past couple of weeks, so there are no surprises here. You get a 4.7-inch HD display, an octa-core Exynos processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage (non-expandable), a 12MP rear camera, LTE Category 6, and an 1860 mAh battery.

Dimensions : 132.4 x 65.5 x 6.7 mm, 115g

: 132.4 x 65.5 x 6.7 mm, 115g Display : 4.7” HD Super AMOLED (1280 x 720)

: 4.7” HD Super AMOLED (1280 x 720) Processor : Exynos 5430 Octa Core (Quad 1.8GHz + Quad 1.3GHz)

: Exynos 5430 Octa Core (Quad 1.8GHz + Quad 1.3GHz) RAM : 2GB

: 2GB Storage : 32GB, non-expandable

: 32GB, non-expandable Camera : 12MP (rear) + 2.1MP (front)

: 12MP (rear) + 2.1MP (front) Battery : 1860 mAh

: 1860 mAh Connectivity : WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MIMO(2×2), Bluetooth 4.0 BLE / ANT+, USB: USB 2.0, NFC

: WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MIMO(2×2), Bluetooth 4.0 BLE / ANT+, USB: USB 2.0, NFC LTE : LTE Cat.6 (300/50Mbps), nano-SIM card

: LTE Cat.6 (300/50Mbps), nano-SIM card Fingerprint sensor : yes

: yes Hear rate sensor : yes

: yes Waterproofing : no

: no Android 4.4.4

The real story, however, is the design of the phone, which incorporates a metal frame going around the edges of the Alpha. The back is still made of plastic, and features a variation of the dimpled texture we’re all familiar with from the Galaxy S5. The Galaxy Alpha will be available in five color options at launch: Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver, and Scuba Blue. Availability of the color options will vary by market.

The back is removable, as is the 1860 mAh battery, but there is no microSD expansion slot.

Weighing 115 grams, the Galaxy Alpha is an impressive 6.7 millimeters thin, though the camera module on the back is protruding, somehow similar to the Galaxy S2. In fact, the entire device, with its squarish lines, is reminiscent of the Galaxy S2, the smartphone that first put Samsung on the map.

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha will launch in early September, and it will eventually go on sale in 150 markets. That refutes past rumors claiming the Alpha would be a limited edition device.

Samsung’s recommended retail price for the Galaxy Alpha is 599 euros, putting the device at the top of the scale, alongside the Galaxy S5 and the upcoming Note 4. On contracts with US carriers, we can expect a price tag of $100-$200.

What do you think?

Samsung Introduces Galaxy Alpha, the evolution of Galaxy Design

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Samsung redefines its smartphone design with a stunning new look featuring sophisticated design techniques and compact construction

Seoul, Korea – Aug 13, 2014 9AM GMT – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled its new design approach with the Galaxy Alpha. The latest addition to Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone line, the Galaxy Alpha features a sophisticated design in a carefully constructed compact body with a metal frame and a solid finish, while still maintaining the flagship Galaxy experience. Elegant and practical, the Galaxy Alpha is the optimal convergence of style and cutting-edge technology.

“The Galaxy Alpha was built and designed based on the specific desires of the consumer market,” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communication at Samsung Electronics. “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.”

Setting a New Standard for Samsung Galaxy Design

Concentrating on elegant aesthetics and compact construction, Samsung has taken a fresh approach to design with the Galaxy Alpha. Created to help consumers express their unique style without sacrificing functionality, the refined Galaxy Alpha features a sophisticated design with a metal frame, elegantly curved corners and a tactile soft back cover. In addition, it is visually balanced, with the perfect contrast of both a calming, soft matte finish and an eye-catching reflection from the metal frame. At less than 7 mm thick, the Galaxy Alpha is also one of the slimmest Galaxy devices ever, and its uniquely compact construction and light weight provides consumers with maximum in-hand grip and control.

Powerful Samsung Galaxy Experience

Despite its slim and light design, the Galaxy Alpha provides users with the same powerful hardware and features users expect from a flagship Galaxy mobile device. The device is equipped with a brilliant 4.7-inch HD Super AMOLED display as well as an advanced camera and real time HDR for an unrivaled viewing and photo experience. The Galaxy Alpha also includes innovative and popular features such as Ultra-Power Saving Mode, S Health, Finger Print Scanner, Private Mode and connectivity with the latest Samsung Gear Fit, Gear Live and Gear 2 wearables.

The Galaxy Alpha will be available at the beginning of September. At launch, it will be available in Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver, and Scuba Blue, with available colors to be determined by market.

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