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.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
CategorySamsung Galaxy AlphaSamsung Galaxy S5
NetworkLTE Cat.6 (300/50Mbps)LTE Cat.4 (150/50Mbps)
Display4.7-inch HD Super AMOLED (1280 x 720)5.1-inch Super AMOLED (1920x1080)
ProcessorOcta 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)
OSAndroid 4.4.4 (KitKat)Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)
Camera12MP (rear) + 2.1MP (front)16MP (rear) + 2.0MP (front)
VideoUHD@30fps, HDR, video stabilizationUHD 4K (3840 x 2160) @30fps
ConnectivityWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2x2), Bluetooth®: 4.0 BLE / ANT+, NFCWiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2x2), Bluetooth®: 4.0 BLE / ANT+, NFC, IR Remote
USBUSB 2.0USB 3.0
SensorAccelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor ,Gesture Sensor, Fingerprint Sensor, HR SensorAccelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor ,Gesture Sensor, Fingerprint Sensor, HR Sensor
Water resistanceN/ARated IP67
RAM2GB2GB
Internal Memory32GB16/32GB
microSD card slotNoYes
Dimension132.4 x 65.5 x 6.7 mm, 115g142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, 145g
Battery1,860 mAh2,800mAh
Launch colorsCharcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold, Sleek Silver, and Scuba BlueCharcoal Black, Copper Gold, Electric Blue, Shimmery White

More: Galaxy Alpha specs, Samsung Galaxy S5 specs

Alex Dobie
Executive Editor

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.