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Samsung Announces Galaxy Alpha Featuring Metal Frame and Rounded Corners

mrspoonsi (2955715) writes with word that Samsung is hopping on the metal case and rounded corners design bandwagon. From the article: Samsung says a metal frame and curved corners give the Galaxy Alpha a "sophisticated" look. The South Korean company describes the Galaxy Alpha as representing a "new design approach". The firm has previously been criticised for the plastic feel of its handsets at a time when other firms have opted to use materials marketed as having a "premium" feel. Samsung Electronics saw a 20% year-on-year drop in its last quarter's profit. The phone features 2G of RAM, a 4.7" AMOLED display, and either an 8-core Exynos 5 or 4-core Snapdragon 801.

9 of 220 comments (clear)

  1. I don't get it by Rik+Sweeney · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What's the obsession with metal frames? Message boards are filled with hipsters ranting about how cheap a plastic frame looks.

    Whenever I get a new phone, the first thing I do is wrap it in a plastic protector to protect the body.

    1. Re:I don't get it by Russ1642 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I never understood this. Teams of engineers cram the electronics into the smallest, lightest case they can, and then the end users goes and shoves it in a 1/4" thick rubber sleeve.

    2. Re:I don't get it by Sockatume · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I would think that going without a case on a £600 phone is a better signal of "I've got money to burn".

      --
      No kidding!!! What do you say at this point?
  2. Re:Wow by PopeRatzo · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I'm thinking a phone made out of apricot preserves shaped like a ceiling fan.

    There are so many possibilities!

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  3. I quit buying Samsung by stoolpigeon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I bought a Galaxy S and then the Galaxy S3 - and after seeing how poor the support was on the Samsung side in terms of updating and Android I have decided not to purchase any more of their phones. I had no problems with the hardware. The software decisions that Samsung makes and the fact that they seem no longer interested once the product is out the door was why I left.

    In the middle of all that I bought one of their ultrabooks and ran into the same issue.

    I don't have any plans to buy anything they've made unless I learn they've somehow turned this behavior around.

    --
    It's hard to believe that's how Micronians are made. Why don't we see it right now by having you both kiss one another?
    1. Re:I quit buying Samsung by balaband · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yeah....but name manufacturer that is better then them?

      They all suck.

      With galaxy line (because of the number of units they sell) - you at least know you are covered with cyanogen (or some other) mod.

  4. "Sophisticated" look by nine-times · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Samsung says a metal frame and curved corners give the Galaxy Alpha a "sophisticated" look. The South Korean company describes the Galaxy Alpha as representing a "new design approach".

    I like how the "new design approach" and "sophisticated look" boil down to "making it look more like an iPhone 4."

    1. Re:"Sophisticated" look by LordLucless · · Score: 2, Insightful

      It's a mobile. It's basically a rectangular screeen. There's not really much space for design innovation.

      Besides, since when have mobiles not had rounded corners?

      --
      Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean there isn't an invisible demon about to eat your face
  5. Large homes by tepples · · Score: 1, Insightful

    A home that appears "needlessly large" to some may in fact be "needfully large" to the occupants. For example, they may have more kids or regular house guests than you're aware of, or they may have rooms dedicated to a home office or studio.