Sleek Perfection Unveiling the Samsung Galaxy Alpha S801

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha (S801) features a sophisticated and sleek design that made it stand out in the smartphone market in 2014. Its body dimensions are 132.4 x 65.5 x 6.7 mm, making it one of the thinnest smartphones of its time. Weighing just 115 grams, it is remarkably light, contributing to its premium feel in hand. The use of metal framing around the edges marked a departure from Samsung’s then-usual plastic builds, giving it a more durable and luxurious appearance. Available in a variety of colors such as Charcoal Black, Sleek Silver, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, and Scuba Blue, the Galaxy Alpha catered to a wide range of aesthetic preferences.

Display

The device is equipped with a 4.7-inch Super AMOLED display that offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, which is a signature feature of Samsung's display technology. The screen resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels with a density of approximately 312 pixels per inch ensures sharp and crisp visuals for most content. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, the display is resistant to scratches and minor drops, which adds a layer of durability to the phone.

Camera Capabilities

The Galaxy Alpha's camera setup includes a 12 MP main camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a 31mm standard lens. It features phase detection autofocus (PDAF), an LED flash, and supports HDR and panorama modes. This setup is capable of capturing 4K video at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, and 720p at 120fps, offering a versatile photography experience. On the front, the device houses a 2.1 MP selfie camera, which is more suited for casual self-portraits and video calls than high-quality photography.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy Alpha runs on the Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 chipset, featuring a quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. With 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, it delivers a smooth and responsive user experience, although the lack of a microSD card slot limits the expansion of storage space. Initially launched with Android 4.4.4 KitKat, the operating system can be upgraded to Android 5.0 Lollipop, allowing access to more recent software features post-launch.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy Alpha supports a variety of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, which make it compatible with a broad range of networks across different regions. It provides impressive network speeds, with HSPA at 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 at 150/50 Mbps. For connectivity, the device includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards with dual-band capability, along with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot functions. Bluetooth 4.0 support, GPS with GLONASS and BDS, and NFC capability are also included, while the absence of a radio feature is notable. USB capabilities are offered through a microUSB 2.0 port.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1860 mAh battery. Despite its relatively modest capacity compared to newer devices, the battery can provide up to 312 hours of standby time on 3G networks, up to 13 hours of talk time on 3G, and up to 59 hours of music playback. Its removable nature offers the convenience of swapping batteries on the go, a feature that is increasingly rare in modern smartphones.

Sensors and Other Features

The Galaxy Alpha is equipped with a range of sensors, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and a heart rate monitor. These sensors provide enhanced functionality and versatility, contributing to both security features and fitness tracking capabilities. The presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with a wide array of audio peripherals.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Alpha (S801) represents a significant step in Samsung's evolution of smartphone design and technology. Its introduction of premium materials and impressive technical specifications marked a move toward more ambitious and aesthetically sophisticated devices. While it may now seem outdated in the fast-paced world of smartphone innovation, the Galaxy Alpha paved the way for successive models, cementing its place in Samsung's rich history of mobile technology advancement.