Samsung Galaxy Alpha versus Galaxy S5: What's the difference?
With this morning's announcement of the Samsung Galaxy Alpha, we're sure some of you will be wondering how Samsung's latest high-end phone — a downsized, metal-framed handset at that — compares to its current flagship, the Galaxy S5. Despite both running similar software — Android 4.4 KitKat topped with Samsung sprinkles — the GS5 and the Galaxy Alpha are as different on the inside as they are on the outside. Check past the break for a full spec breakdown, plus scaled comparison pics.
Category | Samsung Galaxy Alpha | Samsung Galaxy S5 |
---|---|---|
Network | LTE Cat.6 (300/50Mbps) | LTE Cat.4 (150/50Mbps) |
Display | 4.7-inch HD Super AMOLED (1280 x 720) | 5.1-inch Super AMOLED (1920x1080) |
Processor | Octa Core (Quad 1.8GHz + Quad 1.3GHz) | 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core(octa-core Exynos @ 1.9GHz + 1.3GHz used in some markets) |
OS | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
Camera | 12MP (rear) + 2.1MP (front) | 16MP (rear) + 2.0MP (front) |
Video | UHD@30fps, HDR, video stabilization | UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) @30fps |
Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2x2), Bluetooth®: 4.0 BLE / ANT+, NFC | WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2x2), Bluetooth®: 4.0 BLE / ANT+, NFC, IR Remote |
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Sensor | Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor ,Gesture Sensor, Fingerprint Sensor, HR Sensor | Accelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor ,Gesture Sensor, Fingerprint Sensor, HR Sensor |
Water resistance | N/A | Rated IP67 |
RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
Internal Memory | 32GB | 16/32GB |
microSD card slot | No | Yes |
Dimension | 132.4 x 65.5 x 6.7 mm, 115g | 142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, 145g |
Battery | 1,860 mAh | 2,800mAh |
Launch colors | Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver, and Scuba Blue | Charcoal Black, Copper Gold, Electric Blue, Shimmery White |
More: Galaxy Alpha specs, Samsung Galaxy S5 specs
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Alex was with Android Central for over a decade, producing written and video content for the site, and served as global Executive Editor from 2016 to 2022.