Smartphone Samsung Galaxy Alpha the first in the family got a metal frame of the case, that only added to his bonus. This image model also features a compact size and low weight. How do you say “iron” appearance on the functionality of the filling, find out Vesti.Haytek.
Unlike other smartphone manufacturers who design their vehicles have long used metal and glass in the premium models of Samsung, including even the flagship 2014 year Galaxy S5, still successfully dispense textured plastic. It has repeatedly served as the subject of snide jokes not only from competitors, but also the users. Inclusion in the family of Galaxy Alpha models with the exterior in a metal frame, to some extent, a response to such criticism. Stylish device in a sleek body is designed primarily for those who value a premium appearance smartphone. Let’s see what can be said about the technical capabilities of new items.
Specifications Samsung Galaxy Alpha
- Model: SM-G850F
- Operating System: Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), interface TouchWiz
- Display: 4.7-inch capacitive Super AMOLED, a resolution of 1280×720 pixels, the density of dots per inch 312 ppi
- CPU: 8-core Samsung Exynos 5 Octa 5430 (4 core ARM Cortex-A15, 1,8 GHz and 4 core Cortex-A7, 1,3 GHz), big.LITTLE GTS
- Graphics: ARM Mali-T628 MP6 (600 MHz)
- Memory: 2 GB RAM, 32 GB of internal
- Camera: Basic – 12 MP, BSI-sensor, aperture f / 2.2, EGF 31 mm, auto focus, video recording 2160p @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps; front – 2.1 MP
- Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac (2,4 and 5 GHz), VHT80, MIMO (2×2), Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, OTG USB, NFC
- Communication: GSM / GPRS / EDGE, WCDMA, LTE-A (Cat 6)
- Navigation: GLONASS / GPS / Beidou
- Type SIM-card: nanoSIM (4FF)
- Sensors: proximity, light, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetic field sensor, sensors, heart rate, movement of the hand, a fingerprint (certification PayPal)
- Battery: removable Li-Ion 1860 mAh (3.85 V, 7.17 Wh)
- Dimensions: 132,4×65,5×6,7 mm
- Weight: 114 grams
- Colours: silver, black, white, gold
Appearance, ergonomics
The new smartphone, replenishing the family Galaxy, often referred to as a leader in the design. No wonder that before the official announcement, it was known under the code name Galaxy F (Fashion – fashion, style). Curly metal frame that runs along the perimeter of the body, changed the appearance of the device, with its raised ridges and chopped exterior faces provided an additional bonus. However, we note that the external changes in design compared to the current year’s flagship – Galaxy S5 – still not as significant. In addition, dust and moisture “Dudes” for some reason is not provided. But the novelty is not only the thinnest of fellows in the “galaxy”, but with the same screen size was smaller in size and weight of a regular “style icons” iPhone 6 – 132,4×65,5×6,7 mm vs. 138,1x67x6,9 mm and 114 g vs. 129 g, respectively.
At the top of the front of the Galaxy Alpha, right above the logo of Samsung, put the bars “conversational” dynamics, light sensors and proximity, as well as the front camera lens. Underneath the display are two touch-sensitive buttons marked “Back” and “Recent Applications” mechanical key “Home” between them. The fingerprint reader is built exactly to the button which has retained its elongated shape.
At the right edge of the device are fairly thin metal power button / lock, and on the left – the same metal volume rocker. At the lower end of the body assembled connector microUSB, hole “conversational” and the microphone grille “multimedia” speaker. Microphone noise reduction, and a 3.5mm audio jack are on the top end.
The thin back cover completely non-marking, and thanks to a special recess pretty easy to remove. This panel is made of soft-touch soft-touch plastic and recalls the Galaxy S5, although the texture at Galaxy Alpha finer. In this case, a pattern of “crosses”, as opposed to the flagship, and saved on the front panel.
Over the embossed Samsung, that the rear cover has holes for the main camera lens, flash, and the heart rate sensor. In addition, hiding underneath a removable battery with built-in antenna and NFC slot nanoSIM. Such a form factor for the Subscriber Identity Module – an understandable gesture towards possible “defectors” to the iPhone. Note that nanoSIM-card can not be removed from the socket without removing the battery at the same time.
Thanks to the compact dimensions of the unit conveniently fits in almost any hand – both male and female. And, of course, easily fits in most pockets and handbags. Overall, a pretty practical unisex. The build quality of the smartphone from Samsung, as always, excellent. Well, the fact that the rear panel it is removable, you can guess, is that there is no slot for the SIM-card on the side edges of the device.
screen, camera, sound
The new smartphone received a 4.7 inch capacitive Super AMOLED-display with the layout of subpixels PenTile. Note that both of these technologies allow you to save battery power. With such a diagonal screen and HD-resolution (1280×720 pixels), the density of pixels per inch is 312 dpi. Screen differs improved viewing angles, high brightness and color accuracy, which in turn depends on the selected mode, including “Basic”, “Photo AMOLED” and “Film AMOLED”. When the option “Adaptive Display” is performed automatically optimize the color range, saturation and sharpness of the image for several applications, including the “Gallery”, “Camera”, “Internet” and “Video”.
multitouch technology can handle up to ten simultaneous keystrokes, which is confirmed by the results of the program MultiTouch Test . Due to the light sensor, the brightness level of the display, which has a good stock, you can set not only manually, but also using the automatic adjustment. The inclusion of the option that increases the sensitivity of the touch screen layer, allows you to work with your smartphone gloves. In bright sunlight, the display though fading, but still readable. Overall, HD-screen, perhaps, one of the strengths of the Galaxy Alpha.
The main camera Galaxy Alpha received a 12-megapixel BSI-sensor and a 31 mm lens with an aperture of f / 2.2. Autofocus and LED flash are also available. Maximum image resolution is 4608h2592 points (12 MP) at a ratio of 16: 9 and 3456h2592 points (8.9 MP) when the aspect ratio of 4: 3. Examples of photos can be viewed here. By the way, when shooting in low light – obviously not skate Galaxy Alpha.
The front camera news content with 2.1-megapixel sensor, through which obtained quite a good self, which are also easy to adjust the mode (“Retouch”) . Accordingly, the maximum resolution for “sebyashek” here 1920×1080 pixels (2.1 MP, 16: 9), and the classical aspect ratio (1.6 MP, 4: 3) – 1440h1080 points.
Control menu in the application “Camera”, as always with Samsung, a simple and clear. So, in addition to the universal (“Auto”), here you can also assign more and specialized regimes, for example, HDR, “Retouch”, “Sneem., And so on.” (A series of images that are improved with the help of available effects), “Panorama”, “Virtual Tour”, “Two-way shot.” In addition, from the shop Samsung Galaxy Apps prompted to download additional modes. But the option is the so-called “selective focus” allows you to select objects on a remote (not less than 150 cm) blurred background.
One of the” chips “in the main camera is a shooting 4K-, or UHD-video (3840h2160 points, 16: 9) at 30 fps. Called “smooth motion” hidden mode, which offers quality Full HD at a frame rate of 60 fps. With the front camera best video obtained only in Full HD (1920×1080 pixels, 16: 9), and a frame rate of 30 fps. All content is stored in a file container MP4 (AVC – video, AAC – audio).
Acoustic ability in the most ordinary smartphone. So it is better to listen to music through headphones, the more that the kit includes a decent stereo with helium ear pads, and, importantly, a flat allegedly non-confusing, wire. FM-tuner in the device is missing.
Filling, performance
Under the hood lies the Galaxy Alpha chip Samsung Exynos 5 Octa 5430 which is made in view of design rule 20nm. The architecture of this chip – big.LITTLE GTS (Global Task Scheduling) includes eight cores, four of which – ARM Cortex-A15 work with a frequency of 1.8 GHz, and four ARM Cortex-A7 – 1.3 GHz .
Recall that this architecture that provides the so-called heterogeneous multiprotsessing HMP (Heterogenous Multi-Processing), allows you to use all the cores of the crystal at the same time. Graphic load Exynos 5 Octa 5430 assumes accelerator ARM Mali-T628 MP6 (600 MHz) with six execution units. In the basic configuration also includes 2 GB of RAM. Note that in the flagship smartphone Galaxy S5 is used like an 8-core chip (Octa 5 Exynos 5422), but still made on 28 nm technology, the maximum clock frequency cores ARM Cortex-A15 is 1.9 GHz.
In the synthetic tests AnTuTu Benchmark X 5.0 (September release ) novelty from Samsung appreciated too optimistic and as a result have called a “monster” because typing 48915 “virtual parrots”, this unit did not leave any chance to his rivals. Behind here from Galaxy Alpha and such well-known “metalhead” as HTC One (M8).
But now, on the benchmarks Vellamo 3.0 new smartphone could not remain the undisputed leader. Thus, in assessing the “horsepower” to the CPU test (Metal) he missed the front of the Chinese “killer flagships” OnePlus One, and for multi-core test was only third, after the same OnePlus One and HTC One (M8).
Did remained undervalued newest processor on the visual test Epic Citadel. If the variable settings, High Performance and High Quality (performance at the expense of quality and vice versa), the average frame rate is different in the values only after the comma – 55,9 and 55,3 fps, then when you change the settings on Ultra High Quality, this parameter decreased quite significantly (up to 39,1 fps).
Average, but would be expected, Galaxy Alpha demonstrated and universal gaming benchmark 3DMark.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment is waiting for users who want to extend the built-in Smartphone 32 GB of memory. Unfortunately, such a possibility in the Galaxy Alpha is simply not available. Why Samsung discarded card slot microSD, is anyone’s guess. Some consolation is the ability to connect external flash drives using OTG USB-cable (not included).
Communications Galaxy Alpha are consistent with the flagship level. In particular, the smartphone works with technologies such as NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, ANT +, Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac. The latter is supported by two of the frequency band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), and the mode of the 2×2 MIMO, when data is transmitted and received in two streams. The undoubted advantage of Galaxy Alpha is an opportunity to high-speed data networks, LTE-Advanced (up to 300 Mbit / s).
The results of the program AndroiTS GPS Test were quite good, even indoors. At the same time, a navigation and positioning their services to offer the American, Russian and Chinese satellites (GPS, GLONASS, Beidou).
Galaxy Alpha received a removable lithium-ion battery with 1860 mAh (3.85 B; 7.17 Wh). Recall that the flagship Galaxy S5 is set significantly higher capacity battery – 2800 mAh. Nevertheless, the screen technology c HD-resolution and a new energy-efficient platform (design rules of 20 nm) allow smartphone achieve good performance in stand-alone operation. For example, a mix of movies at full brightness in HD-quality spinning continuously for just over 7 hours. However, on the “heavy” loads, in particular, the games, the situation is not so rosy.
So, the tests battery AnTuTu Tester 2.1 smartphone just earned 4844 points, behind, for example, from the flagship 2013 Galaxy S4 c 5-inch (Full HD) and the battery on 2600 mAh.
Settings Galaxy Alpha provide two power-saving mode, the first of which includes a limit on the background data (download content from the Internet, playback and sharing of multimedia files) and / or performance (processor speed, frame rate, brightness, backlight, GPS), and the refusal of a color picture of the interface. Extreme power saving mode uses the home screen theme in simplified grayscale and limits the number of available applications.
The advantages of small battery is attributed his rapid charging via the company’s adapter when the battery is about half an hour filled by almost half, and the level of 100 % is achieved in less than two hours.
Software
Galaxy Alpha running the latest version of Android 4.4. 4 (KitKat) with a proprietary shell TouchWiz, which remained virtually unchanged compared to the flagship Galaxy S5.
The two most interesting features of the new smartphone due to its hardware” chips “, in particular, is unlock the device using a fingerprint scanner and heart rate measurement using a sensor.
In general, the proposed four scenarios for the use of fingerprints fingers: to lock the tablet input on websites, check your Samsung account and payment through PayPal. Note that the built-in software allows you to scan and store images of three different fingers.
The pre-application that allows you to monitor your own health, called S Health. It claims to be the position of a personal trainer or indispensable assistant for those who lead an active lifestyle and want to be in shape. In particular, with the help of S Health is easy to control not only the amount received and the calories burned, but also heart rhythm.
Buy, conclusions
Finally, the new smartphone from Samsung users waited, if not all-metal body, then at least a steel rim. At the same time, lightweight and compact device has received not only new design, but also a pleasant ergonomics. Well, among other things, a very smart Galaxy Alpha also boasts high-quality HD-screen and a removable battery. The only pity is that this smartphone is no memory expansion. Yes, and in contrast to the flagship Galaxy S5, it must be protected from water and dust.
Smartphone Galaxy Alpha went on sale for a suggested price of 24 990 rubles. This, of course, difficult to attribute to the number of advantages of the new system, even taking into account its premium “iron” design. However, it should be noted that the Galaxy Alpha was created primarily to spite iPhone 6, the price tag is on the Russian shelves until rolls away for 30 thousand rubles.
The results of the review of the smartphone Samsung Galaxy Alpha
Pros:
- Premium design
- Compact size and light weight
- High performance
- HD-quality screen
- Removable battery
Cons:
- A high starting price
- A small battery capacity
- Inability to expand the internal memory
- Lack of protection against dust and water
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