S
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Alpha

September 12, 2014 7/10 Rating
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy Alpha was a mid-range Android smartphone released in 2014, notable for being Samsung's first Android phone to feature a metallic frame. It offered a blend of premium design with a compact form factor for its time.
Display4.7-inch Super AMOLED, 720p resolution
ChipsetExynos 5 Octa 5430
Main Camera12 MP with 4K video recording
Battery1860 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $2,999 in International

💰 Pricing

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Premium metal frame design
  • Extremely thin and light form factor
  • Vibrant Super AMOLED display
  • Good performance for its release era
  • Removable battery
  • Integrated fingerprint and heart rate sensors

Cons

  • 720p display resolution, not Full HD
  • No expandable storage via microSD card
  • Relatively small 1860 mAh battery capacity
  • Plastic back cover, despite metal frame
  • Outdated Android operating system (up to Lollipop)
  • Lacks Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for the camera
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha offered a refreshing premium design and solid performance for its era, though its 720p display and lack of expandable storage were notable drawbacks.

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha, released in 2014, is now a vintage smartphone. While it pioneered Samsung's metallic design language, its specifications are significantly outdated by modern standards. It runs on an old Android version (up to Lollipop), meaning many current apps may not function, and security updates are non-existent. The 1860 mAh battery will offer very limited endurance, and the 720p display, while Super AMOLED, is low resolution compared to today's phones. It lacks modern features like USB-C, fast charging, and advanced camera capabilities. This phone is primarily suitable for collectors, enthusiasts of classic tech, or as a very basic secondary device for calls and texts, not for daily modern smartphone use.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy Alpha smartphone
  • Charger
  • MicroUSB Cable
  • Earphones
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty Card

At launch, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha typically came with a standard one-year manufacturer's limited warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

Is the Samsung Galaxy Alpha still a good phone in 2024?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha is significantly outdated in 2024. Its operating system is old, and its hardware cannot support modern applications or provide adequate security.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Alpha have a metal body?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha was notable for being Samsung's first Android smartphone to feature a premium metallic frame, though its back cover was still plastic.

When was the Samsung Galaxy Alpha released?

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha was officially released on September 12, 2014.

Can the Samsung Galaxy Alpha run the latest Android apps?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat, upgradable to 5.0.2 Lollipop. Many modern applications require newer Android versions and will not function on this device.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Alpha have expandable storage?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha does not have a microSD card slot, meaning its internal 32GB storage cannot be expanded.

What was unique about the Samsung Galaxy Alpha?

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha was unique for its time as it was Samsung's first Android smartphone to incorporate a metallic frame, offering a more premium feel compared to its all-plastic predecessors.