Display and Processor
One of the major differences between the Galaxy Alpha and Galaxy S5 is the display. The Galaxy Alpha comes fitted with a 4.7 inch Super AMOLED panel that features a HD screen resolution of 1280 x 720 pixel translating to a pixel density of 312 pixels per inch. On the other hand, the Galaxy S5 is given a larger 5.1 inch Super AMOLED display that packs a FHD screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels that translates to 431 ppi pixel density. Consequently, the Galaxy S5 with a bigger and better display is sharper and clearer than the Galaxy Alpha as it comes packed with more pixels. However, the latter is not too bad as it is also clear enough. Both the smartphones comes with Super AMOLED panel and they will consume the battery life significantly despite rendering a decent color production. Talking of raw hardware, both the handsets come in two variants – one with Exynos SoC and the other with a Snapdragon processor. Samsung has launched the Galaxy Alpha with an Exynos Octa 5430 processor in India, whereas the Galaxy S5 comes stuffed with an octa-core Exynos Octa 5422 SoC. The latest chipset used in the Galaxy Alpha is based on 20 nm platform and it is more power efficient than the flagship model. Otherwise, both the smartphones use identical Mali-T628 MP6 graphics units and 2 GB of RAM to handle the graphic handling and multi-tasking departments effectively.
Camera and Internal Storage
When it comes to imaging hardware, the Galaxy S5 scores more with the presence of a 16 MP rear snapper that is better as compared to the 12 MP primary camera on the Galaxy Alpha. Both the smartphones have camera centric features such as auto focus, LED flash, Beauty Face, Dual Camera, HDR, Panorama and Selective Focus and have the ability to shoot UHD 4K videos. Obviously, the larger camera sensor in the Galaxy S5 would be better, but in the selfie camera front we cannot find too much difference as the Galaxy Alpha has a 2.1 MP front camera and the Galaxy S5 has a 2 MP unit. While the Galaxy S5 arrives in 16 GB and 32 GB of native storage options, the Galaxy Alpha comes with only 32 GB of default storage space. However, the flagship model has enough storage options to meet the storage requirements of the users as the device includes a micro SD card slot supporting up to 128 GB of additional storage, whereas the latest entrant does not have an expansion card slot onboard.
Battery and Features
Other major difference between the two lies in terms of battery life as the Galaxy Alpha sports 1,860 mAh battery that is too less as compared to the juicy 2,800 mAh battery onboard the Galaxy S5. With a more power efficient chipset used in Galaxy Alpha, the difference in backups won’t be as pronounced at indicated by the spec sheet. The Galaxy Alpha will ship with the latest iteration of the platform, Android 4.4.4 KitKat, whereas the Galaxy S5 runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat with fewer resources. Additionally, both the smartphones are packed with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity features. But the Galaxy Alpha comes with support for 4G LTE connectivity, whereas the Galaxy S5 has IR Blaster. The fingerprint scanner and heart rate sensor that were introduced by the Galaxy S5 also find their place in the Galaxy Alpha. However, the flagship model scores more with a water and dust resistant build with the IP67 certificate that is not included by the Galaxy Alpha. But, the latter is one of the lightest and slimmest smartphones with a strong and premium feel as it features a metallic frame.
Key Specs
Price and Conclusion
Samsung has priced the Galaxy Alpha in the premium range for its superior build. Both the devices are suitable for those consumers who choose to buy high-end smartphones without any concern regarding their pricing. However, the Galaxy S5 has the advantages of carrying a water resistant build, better display, expandable card slot, improved camera and juicier battery. The Galaxy Alpha, on the other is meant for those buyers who seek smartphones with a premium build and thin profile. It is clear that the Galaxy Alpha is not a replacement for the Galaxy S5 as it lies in between latter and S5 Mini in terms of specifications.
