Samsung has shed its traditional plastic shell for a metal frame on the Galaxy Alpha, its latest smartphone announced Wednesday.
The Galaxy Alpha is a shinier, ultrathin version of
Samsung?s flagship Galaxy S5 and will go on sale early next month, just
in time to duel with the iPhone 6.
Many of the features on the Galaxy Alpha are similar
to what is expected for Apple?s next smartphone. Notably, the Galaxy
Alpha features a 4.7-inch screen, the same size rumored for the iPhone
6, and a metal frame, which has always been a defining characteristic of
Apple?s phones. The Galaxy Alpha is also just 0.26 inches thick,
thinner than the current iPhone 5s.
Samsung is likely hoping the Galaxy Alpha can help
its sales once Apple announces its next device. The South Korean giant
has had a tough time keeping up with Apple in 2014, with sales of the
nearly year-old iPhone 5s continuing to eclipse those of the newer
Galaxy S5.
Apple, meanwhile, is expected to announce the iPhone 6 on Sept. 9.
