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jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,081
19,081
US
Yeah I'm loving mine. It's genuinely the most comfortable phone i've used.

I'm thinking of selling my S5 and buying the white Alpha, and an iPhone 6.

Be sure to post back and let's know how the Aplha is! I am getting the iPhone 6 too. But I want to see the 4.7 and 5.5 side by side before buying.
 

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
I don't know why they would go with 720p instead of 1080p...makes no sense to me......

At initial glance it didn't for me either. It was only after reading about the Alpha's benchmark results that it started to click with me.

Yes, it's a step-down from the 1080 displays we've been accustomed to seeing since last year but as I and many others have discussed in numerous threads, is there really a huge benefit in stepping up beyond 720? (note: I'm refraining from using the 'p' as has nothing to do with the actually resolution and is only pertinent to TV media playback ;)) These phones still have a PPI > 300. I think what we're seeing is the fact that these higher resolutions (1080 or 2K) are tremendous resource hogs--for CPU, GPU, RAM, and batteries. Apple, Motorola, and now possibly the Alpha are illustrating this by being able to produce excellent performance with 'inferior spec'd hardware'. What to they all have in common? Lower res displays. Consequently, they are able to make do with less.

The general public knows little about display resolution beyond what the marketing tells them--most probably couldn't consistently point out which of two phones side-by-side was 720 or 1080. But they immediately recognize size/thinness and smooth performance.

Just my theory.
 
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jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,081
19,081
US
At initial glance it didn't for me either. It was only after reading about the Alpha's benchmark results that it started to click with me.

Yes, it's a step-down from the 1080 displays we've been accustomed to seeing since last year but as I and many others have discussed in numerous threads, is there really a huge benefit in stepping up beyond 720? (note: I'm refraining from using the 'p' as has nothing to do with the actually resolution and is only pertinent to TV media playback ;)) These phones still have a PPI > 300. I think what we're seeing is the fact that these higher resolutions (1080 or 2K) are tremendous resource hogs--for CPU, GPU, RAM, and batteries. Apple, Motorola, and now possibly the Alpha are illustrating this by being able to product excellent performance with 'inferior spec'd hardware'. What to they all have in common? Lower res displays. Consequently, they are able to make do with less.

The general public know's little about display resolution beyond what the marketing tells them--most probably couldn't consistently point out which of two phones side-by-side was 720 or 1080. But they immediately recognize size/thinness and smooth performance.

Just my theory.



I would tend to agree. The benchmarks would tend to say the Alpha is going to be a great performer. I guess your right about not being able to tell the difference between 720 and 1080. But Samsung still has work to do on TW. So while the Alpha is a step in the right direction Samsung still has work to do on the software side.
 

AppleRobert

macrumors 603
Nov 12, 2012
5,729
1,133
720p is fine and so is the processor on the Moto X. I could have saved some coin going to that one first instead of some of the memory hogs I went with instead.

We will see how the Alpha plays out.
 

SpoonCody

macrumors 6502
May 28, 2014
286
0
There's no question the intent from Samsung is to steal away iPhone-fans. To this purpose, I understand why it takes design cues from the recent iPhone.

But I can't believe people are actually complaining about the specs being a "step backwards." Samsung has a wide range of phones. Are they only supposed to go one direction spec-wise for every single subsequent phone they create? That's absurd.

And Samsung is finally taking a step in the direction fans have been clamoring for -- use of metal, smaller screen, and 720 resolution for battery life. Aren't there iPhone fans that feel simply upping pixel count and resolution further and further serves no real discernible difference? What happened to "specs don't matter" as long as it performs well? Early benchmarks and that one review posted above seem to give the device favorable performance/results.

Those that want a higher spec phone with waterproofing can look to the S5. Those that want smaller that don't care as much about specs can look to the Mini's. And those that want a slightly more premium feel/look can look to the Alpha. Those that want a phablet can look to the Note series. Etc.

I have zero interest in Samsung phones, but I don't see why people are getting so worked up over the Alpha. Yes, obviously Samsung wants to steal away iPhone fans -- this has been their portfolio and game plan for a long time. I see nothing different here. In fact, I see them finally responding to some of the criticisms that are often brought down upon them, only to face yet more double-standard fanboyism. Then again, that's the portfolio of those particular posters, anyway, so maybe none of us should be surprised.
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
Well technically I haven't bought a phone in weeks... About three of them :p

Do you know the number of seconds in those three weeks? :p

----------

There's no question the intent from Samsung is to steal away iPhone-fans. To this purpose, I understand why it takes design cues from the recent iPhone.

But I can't believe people are actually complaining about the specs being a "step backwards." Samsung has a wide range of phones. Are they only supposed to go one direction spec-wise for every single subsequent phone they create? That's absurd.

And Samsung is finally taking a step in the direction fans have been clamoring for -- use of metal, smaller screen, and 720 resolution for battery life. Aren't there iPhone fans that feel simply upping pixel count and resolution further and further serves no real discernible difference? What happened to "specs don't matter" as long as it performs well? Early benchmarks and that one review posted above seem to give the device favorable performance/results.

This is precisely the point. Apple is bashed mercilessly here for being behind, despite the fact that the iPhone consistently outperforms other flagships. Motorola took note and followed suit tuning the X and G for performance rather than specs. The results are excellent.

And now Samsung - the anti-Apple (that's really always wanted to BE Apple) is releasing a smartphone along the same vein. You have to understand, if it were any other OEM, it wouldn't be as big a deal.

But SAMSUNG. The OEM that makes fun of Apple users for using inferior products with lower res displays and lower MP cameras. The OEM that has constantly pushed bigger and bigger displays.

You have to admit...its somewhat comical. As an Apple fan, I think its a great move by Samsung. But I also think its a huge contradiction that signals Samsung has at least started to concede that Apple is on to something they haven't been able to capture.
 

SpoonCody

macrumors 6502
May 28, 2014
286
0
Do you know the number of seconds in those three weeks? :p

----------



This is precisely the point. Apple is bashed mercilessly here for being behind, despite the fact that the iPhone consistently outperforms other flagships. Motorola took note and followed suit tuning the X and G for performance rather than specs. The results are excellent.

And now Samsung - the anti-Apple (that's really always wanted to BE Apple) is releasing a smartphone along the same vein. You have to understand, if it were any other OEM, it wouldn't be as big a deal.

But SAMSUNG. The OEM that makes fun of Apple users for using inferior products with lower res displays and lower MP cameras. The OEM that has constantly pushed bigger and bigger displays.

You have to admit...its somewhat comical. As an Apple fan, I think its a great move by Samsung. But I also think its a huge contradiction that signals Samsung has at least started to concede that Apple is on to something they haven't been able to capture.

The difference, I'd argue, is that Apple doesn't have as diverse an offering as other OEMs. If someone wants to pass on the Alpha and wants a phablet, or if 1080 matters, or if they want to use a stylus, etc., they can move onto other Samsung devices and/or other Android OEMs. That's not the case with Apple and in their own right, they're doing more than fine for themselves. But it's not unreasonable for dedicated Apple fans to want more from Apple, and then be disappointed when Apple doesn't deliver what they're looking for. They don't have much of a choice. Perhaps that's why you get people "bashing" them for the specs. Then you factor in things like pricing, and I think one gets the picture. Think about it, only now are we talking about a device larger than 4".

Are you sure the Alpha is a "huge contradiction" from Samsung? Aren't you an ardent believer that Samsung does nothing but copy Apple? Then how is the Alpha a "huge contradiction" to your point?

Samsung pushing bigger displays? They can push big and/or small. They've hit a wide variety of screen size ranges. I ask again, are they only supposed to forever make larger and larger devices? That's a little absurd.

Samsung conceding? I think Samsung has been trying to steal Apple fans away for years. I see nothing different with the Alpha. I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill because of your professed hatred toward Samsung.

Carry on, as you say.
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
The difference, I'd argue, is that Apple doesn't have as diverse an offering as other OEMs. If someone wants to pass on the Alpha and wants a phablet, or if 1080 matters, or if they want to use a stylus, etc., they can move onto other Samsung devices and/or other Android OEMs. That's not the case with Apple and in their own right, they're doing more than fine for themselves. But it's not unreasonable for dedicated Apple fans to want more from Apple, and then be disappointed when Apple doesn't deliver what they're looking for. They don't have much of a choice. Perhaps that's why you get people "bashing" them for the specs. Then you factor in things like pricing, and I think one gets the picture. Think about it, only now are we talking about a device larger than 4".

I get what you're saying. And I have been saying they need more options and it looks like we're getting them in a few weeks. Which is definitely a good thing.

But people "bash" the iPhone itself because it's "behind". When Apple and now Motorola and perhaps Samsung are showing bigger numbers on a spec sheet doesn't necessarily make for a better device. The iPhone is still the single best selling smartphone on the planet. And the GS5 failed to outsell the 5S even when it was first released.

Are you sure the Alpha is a "huge contradiction" from Samsung? Aren't you an ardent believer that Samsung does nothing but copy Apple? Then how is the Alpha a "huge contradiction" to your point?

So Samsung has spent the last 3-4 years moving one direction with their flagship devices and now they go a completely different direction - that seems odd to me. The bolded is your assumption (and entirely untrue).....you know what assumptions do....

All of Samsung's advertisements have pointed to making fun of Apple users for various things - standing in line, lower res displays, smaller screens etc. I just find a flagship quality device that essentially does all of the things mentioned when compared to their other flagships relatively contradictory. As you said, there are options and it remains to be seen what the GS6 looks like. But if its more Alpha-like than GS5.....

Samsung conceding? I think Samsung has been trying to steal Apple fans away for years. I see nothing different with the Alpha. I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill because of your professed hatred toward Samsung.

Carry on, as you say.

Samsung has been trying to steal Apple fans by belittling them and bashing the devices they use. Only to turn around and emulate those devices in many ways. I think Samsung realizes they're in trouble. Like I said before the GS5 was a disappointment as far as sales go and they were the only major OEM to sell LESS smartphones last quarter than a year ago.

Couple that with Apple's entry into the larger display and phablet markets, and you bet Samsung is nervous. I, for one, hope they get their butts kicked. I'd rather see players like Moto and HTC and LG on top with room to innovate as opposed to barely hanging on while Samsung squeezes the life out of the Android market.
 

SpoonCody

macrumors 6502
May 28, 2014
286
0
I get what you're saying. And I have been saying they need more options and it looks like we're getting them in a few weeks. Which is definitely a good thing.

But people "bash" the iPhone itself because it's "behind". When Apple and now Motorola and perhaps Samsung are showing bigger numbers on a spec sheet doesn't necessarily make for a better device. The iPhone is still the single best selling smartphone on the planet. And the GS5 failed to outsell the 5S even when it was first released.



So Samsung has spent the last 3-4 years moving one direction with their flagship devices and now they go a completely different direction - that seems odd to me. The bolded is your assumption (and entirely untrue).....you know what assumptions do....

All of Samsung's advertisements have pointed to making fun of Apple users for various things - standing in line, lower res displays, smaller screens etc. I just find a flagship quality device that essentially does all of the things mentioned when compared to their other flagships relatively contradictory. As you said, there are options and it remains to be seen what the GS6 looks like. But if its more Alpha-like than GS5.....



Samsung has been trying to steal Apple fans by belittling them and bashing the devices they use. Only to turn around and emulate those devices in many ways. I think Samsung realizes they're in trouble. Like I said before the GS5 was a disappointment as far as sales go and they were the only major OEM to sell LESS smartphones last quarter than a year ago.

Couple that with Apple's entry into the larger display and phablet markets, and you bet Samsung is nervous. I, for one, hope they get their butts kicked. I'd rather see players like Moto and HTC and LG on top with room to innovate as opposed to barely hanging on while Samsung squeezes the life out of the Android market.


I think that's pretty petty and immature to hope Samsung "gets their butt kicked". Samsung provides Apple with important components, and as an Apple fan, that matters to me.
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
I think that's pretty petty and immature to hope Samsung "gets their butt kicked". Samsung provides Apple with important components, and as an Apple fan, that matters to me.

Think of it what you will. I think their marketing campaigns are idiotic and there are better Android OEMs out there that can't be successful because Samsung squeezed the life out of them by pouring billions into marketing.

Be clear, I'm talking their smartphones here which are separate from the components they make for various other OEMs. Though Apple has moved away from Samsung in a number of areas.
 

Shanghaichica

macrumors G5
Apr 8, 2013
14,725
13,245
UK
Is it actually available to buy anywhere yet?

So apparently it goes up for pre order in the UK on the 28th of August and will go on sale on the 10th of September at the Samsung store in Stratford Westfield
.
Samsung Galaxy Alpha available for UK pre-order starting August 28 http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-alpha-available-uk-pre-order-starting-august-28
 

Sensamic

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Mar 26, 2010
3,072
689
Just watched some YouTube video reviews and the device looks very nice.

Screen looks even better than the one on the SGS5 :confused:

It's definitely the best looking device Samsung has ever made IMO.

Shame about the battery.
 

SpoonCody

macrumors 6502
May 28, 2014
286
0
Think of it what you will. I think their marketing campaigns are idiotic and there are better Android OEMs out there that can't be successful because Samsung squeezed the life out of them by pouring billions into marketing.

Yes, let's put the blame solely on Samsung for other Android OEM's failures. Because HTC and Motorola and Sony, et all, didn't make any mistakes. Nope. Samsung's success is the only factor in their failures. :rolleyes: Lovely example of your anti-Samsung bias blinding you.

And woe on Samsung for doing what they're supposed to do: beat the competition. Outrageous!

Hey, I don't want to see HTC or other competition go down either, but I'm not going to blame Samsung for HTC or Motorola's poor decisions or inability to deliver an all-around solid product (Ultrapixel camera for two years, anyone?). And from personal use, I know the Moto X camera sucks big time. Their AT&T exclusivity, their overpriced unlocked Moto X, and slowness to fully realize Moto Maker didn't help either. But yknow, that's all Samsung's fault.

And the Samsung marketing campaigns are idiotic, yet it's precisely the marketing that you credit for making Samsung's success (and HTC/Motorola/etc's failures)? Guess they're not that idiotic. And um, have you seen HTC's horrible Robert Downey Jr. campaigns, which they spent millions on?

Weren't you rambling on once about having only "intelligent conversations"?


Be clear, I'm talking their smartphones here which are separate from the components they make for various other OEMs. Though Apple has moved away from Samsung in a number of areas.

That iPhone 6 of yours may have Samsung RAM: https://www.macrumors.com/2014/08/22/samsung-ram-supplier-iphone-6/

Whatever will you do.

EDIT: A while back, wasn't there a huge complaint about LG vs Samsung displays for the retina Macbook Pros? Wherein the LG ones left horrible screen burn in while the Samsung displays were fine? Don't recall exactly, but you know, Samsung's only good at marketing or something.
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
Yes, let's put the blame solely on Samsung for other Android OEM's failures. Because HTC and Motorola and Sony, et all, didn't make any mistakes. Nope. Samsung's success is the only factor in their failures. :rolleyes: Lovely example of your anti-Samsung bias blinding you.

Hey, I'm glad you remembered how much I love it when you completely twist everything I say and put words in my mouth!

Uhh, no - HTC cratered, went through a dark period and has now emerged with some great offerings as have others. Samsung has risen to the spot its in with some good smartphone offerings and a crap ton of marketing dollars - something it's competitors didn't have.

I happen to think HTC, Motorola and LG are more innovative when it comes to smartphones so excuse me for preferring to see them be successful over Samsung. I'm a fan of the Android OS and like to see things progress....I don't think Samsung has done much for that.

And woe on Samsung for doing what they're supposed to do: beat the competition. Outrageous!

Oh I'm not blaming Samsung for rising to the top - again, that would be your own assumption and twist on my statement. I just don't like the fact that Samsung is on top as I don't think they offer as much as other Android OEMs.

I also don't think they beat competitors solely by having better devices, but that's my opinion and somewhat subjective.

Hey, I don't want to see HTC or other competition go down either, but I'm not going to blame Samsung for HTC or Motorola's poor decisions or inability to deliver an all-around solid product (Ultrapixel camera for two years, anyone?). And from personal use, I know the Moto X camera sucks big time. Their AT&T exclusivity, their overpriced unlocked Moto X, and slowness to fully realize Moto Maker didn't help either. But yknow, that's all Samsung's fault.

I'm not BLAMING failures of other OEMs on Samsung. I'm merely stating that Samsung's dominance has made it hard for genuinely good products to get noticed. Part of that is these companies failed and so don't have the marketing dollars to spend.

Again, things like the Moto maker, Moto's notifications, HTC's Boomsound and build quality, LG's back button and displays....all things that are innovative or top of the line, yet completely forgotten in the general public. All I'm saying is, it's a shame.

And the Samsung marketing campaigns are idiotic, yet it's precisely the marketing that you credit for making Samsung's success (and HTC/Motorola/etc's failures)? Guess they're not that idiotic. And um, have you seen HTC's horrible Robert Downey Jr. campaigns, which they spent millions on?

Uhh, ya. I think bashing the customers you are trying to get to switch is idiotic. I also think their adds that focus on meaningless specs are idiotic. But not everyone thinks the way I do. In fact, the average consumer is relatively clueless (Apple plays to this too with all their marketing fluff - they just don't have to belittle people or bash competitors along the way).

So you see, its possible for something to be both idiotic and popular. I feel the same way about certain politicians that sit in a large ivory colored residence in our nation's capital.

Weren't you rambling on once about having only "intelligent conversations"?

Yes, which seems quite impossible with you contorting and injecting your own meaning into every word I type....



That iPhone 6 of yours may have Samsung RAM: https://www.macrumors.com/2014/08/22/samsung-ram-supplier-iphone-6/

Whatever will you do.

I couldn't care less. If it works, I don't care what manufacturer's name is on the parts.

Oh, but that isn't the response you assumed. :rolleyes:

Take you're fanboy baiting responses and leave me alone please. I'm sick of having to explain myself because you seem to enjoy taking my comments and completely distorting them.

----------

EDIT: A while back, wasn't there a huge complaint about LG vs Samsung displays for the retina Macbook Pros? Wherein the LG ones left horrible screen burn in while the Samsung displays were fine? Don't recall exactly, but you know, Samsung's only good at marketing or something.

I believe there is a problem specifically with 2011 Macbook Pros, yes.

Again, I said after "BE CLEAR" that I am separating Samsung components and Samsung smartphones. They are quite different divisions of Samsung Electronics.

I have no opinion on the components and couldn't care less what manufacturer's name is on the parts in my phone as long as it works. Apple seems to be moving away from Samsung in general, though as you so graciously linked for us they will be adding Samsung RAM.

To that I say, *yawn*.
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
Samsung will follow metal Galaxy Alpha w/ more high-end A series smartphones
http://9to5google.com/2014/08/25/re...y-alpha-w-more-high-end-a-series-smartphones/


So Apple is finally going to offer big screen devices and Samsung is finally going to offer metal devices. Everybody in their camps win.

Curious what this means....

Currently, the latest Galaxy S# and Note series smartphones are priced comparable to other high-end Android devices and iPhones (that is roughly $650 off-contract).

Will the new A-series simply be made of more premium materials but carry trade-offs in other areas so as to keep the price point competitive? Or will these come in above even the iPhone? Or will the new A-series come in at comparable flagship prices while the Galaxy series will be priced cheaper?

EDIT: Ahh, it helps to read the link. So they'll be releasing a family of devices across various price points with some metal in their construction....

With a device that carries a resolution of 960×540, I wonder if they'll discontinue the attack ads on Apple products that have "inferior" resolution displays.
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,081
19,081
US

Sensamic

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Mar 26, 2010
3,072
689
Just saw the pre-order price of an online shop where I've bought before and prices are usually cheaper:

649€.

No way I would pay that for this phone. The SGS5, G3 and M8 can be found right now for 400€ second hand.
 
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