Samsung Galaxy Alpha Release Date, Specs & Price: Better Than S5?

Samsung has been developing some of the most technically advanced smartphones in the world. If there's one caveat for Samsung handsets, it's definitely the not-so-high marks that these have been getting in terms of aesthetic appeal.

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha seeks to turn things around for the Korean manufacturer. Not only is the Galaxy Alpha visually and genuinely attractive, far from other Samsung devices, it is even hyped as better than the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Daniel Howley, in his review of the smartphone in Yahoo! News, said that: "The (Galaxy) Alpha seeks to put to rest all of those criticisms about the Korean tech giant's inability to create a handset that's aesthetically appealing as well as technically advanced."

Howley describes Galaxy Alpha as a sleeker and slimmer version of the Galaxy S5.

The 4.7-inch, 720-pixel display Galaxy Alpha has done away with the plastic body and ordinary design of the Galaxy S5, a feature which has been getting a beating from the iPhones and even HTC's One M8.

The Yahoo! News review mentioned that Galaxy Alpha practically boasts of the same features as the 5-inch Galaxy S5 but fitted "in a smaller, more fashionable body."

The Galaxy Alpha has officially hit the market on mid-September, pre-empting the official launch of the larger iPhones from Apple.

Techradar describes the Galaxy Alpha as an "enticingly sleek handset with its eye on the iPhone 6," obviously referring to Samsung's attempt to match Apple's values attractive design for its larger iPhones.

Apart from a classy design and lightweight body, the Samsung Galaxy Alpha also scores high for its blistering performance, well-sized and bright display, and good camera.

The Galaxy Alpha also signals a positive shift in the manufacturing direction of Samsung for its next generation of smartphones.

"Galaxy Alpha is arguably the most balanced and comfortable-to-use premium phone Samsung has made since the Samsung Galaxy S2. It is priced like a flagship phone, but it's technically out-specced (only) by the Samsung Galaxy S5," describes TechRadar.

TechRadar also rates the Galaxy Alpha as 4.5 stars for design and performance, four stars for features and usability, and 3.5 stars for value.

Howley said that the Samsung Galaxy Alpha is exclusively available through AT&T for US$199 with a two-year contract.

TechRadar, however, reports that SIM-free units are priced starting at 549.99 British pound (approximately $892.85)

With its stiff price, TechRadar's official review of the Samsung Galaxy Alpha reads: "Samsung has created its most desirable and balanced phone yet, though there is a price to pay."