The Samsung Galaxy Alpha solves Nate’s two complaints about the the Galaxy s5 “it’s huge” and “it’s cheap looking”. Indeed, in the world of iPhones, Samsung’s Galaxy line, while superior in most ways, is lacking in looks. It’s plastic and it feels flimsy. Nate’s complaint about the size also rings true. While the larger form factor makes for gorgeous movie viewing, it’s hard for my petite hands (and his teen hands) to manipulate, and forget about using it one handed without having to switch to “one handed mode”. The Galaxy Alpha also looks like it carries a hefty price tag (which it does) with a real metal frame – not the metallic plastic of the s5 – and a thinner more compact body. It really is a beautiful device.
The phone looks and behaves so much like a smaller s5, that it’s hard not to make comparisons. It has the same Snapdragon processor as the s5, and it also has a fingerprint scanner and heart rate monitor – some of my favorite features of the s5. What’s really disappointing though, is where it is lacking. Though it comes with a decent 64gb of internal storage, there is no SD card slot. Pictures, music and video will fill that up fast. It also has a lower resolution screen than the s5, while Nate neither noticed or cared, I am surprised that with so much attention paid to looks that Samsung wouldn’t have included the same amazing display that’s in the s5. It also lacks an IR emitter, this became a problem for me while I tested it out because I use my phone as a remote for my Samsung TV on a daily basis. The lack of this feature was unimportant to Nate, though.
I’d add that it’s not waterproof, but my s5’s waterproof charging cover broke about three months after I purchased it, so it’s not waterproof either.
I noticed all of these “shortcomings” because my primary phone is an s5. Going on specs alone, the Alpha is still a zippy phone. Nate loves it. It looks really cool, it’s sized better for his hands/texting. He was given the choice of taking my s5, or continuing to use the Alpha he chose the Alpha. His only complaint is that the power button seems to be in a bit of an awkward spot.
The Samsung Galaxy Alpha is available at AT&T and other carriers. (Special thanks to AT&T Seattle for providing us with the Samsung Galaxy Alpha!)
The Galaxy Alpha is a perfect choice for anyone who is missing the style factor of an iPhone or who is looking for a smaller form factor while maintaining a high-end mobile experience. We found it to be fast, a good size, and very attractive.
