Samsung Flags Are Set Up At The Main Entrance To The Berlin Fair Ground
Samsung flags are set up at the main entrance to the Berlin fair ground before the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin in this August 28, 2012 file photo. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is emerging as a major player in its local debt market, buying more South Korean-issued bonds as it juggles a $60 billion cash pile. Samsung's push into private bank debt and government bonds underscores the challenges faced by the electronics giant in managing its massive cash holdings, with local banks reluctant to overload on short-term deposits from Samsung. REUTERS

Samsung Galaxy Alpha, the metal-clad, premium-looking smartphone considered as Samsung's answer to Apple iPhone 6 is still unofficial. Interestingly, the Galaxy Alpha is now listed as "In Stock" by the online retailer "Expansys" in the U.S.

Apparently, the unofficial version of the device will be shipped by Expansys across the Atlantic region. The 4.7-inch Samsung device can be purchased for $699.99 without a contract. Moreover, the same device in black, gold and blue hues can now be pre-ordered from the aforementioned retailer, says GSM Arena.

Meanwhile, there is no official information available on the mobile carriers that could potentially support the Galaxy Alpha. However, the same publication opines that T-Mobile and AT&T could be the ones to back the device. With Galaxy Note 4 raking up excellent reviews from across the globe, Samsung has not officially announced the Galaxy Alpha's release date pertaining to the U.S. thus far. However, interested buyers can check out Expansys to avail the handset with model number SM-G850.

As far as the specification goes, the 4.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Alpha flaunts a Super AMOLED display and 720 x 1,280 pixels resolution along with 312 ppi of pixel density. With Alpha, Samsung has moved away from the plastic-laden look to a metal-clad look. Specifically, the metallic band surrounding the sides of the device makes it look polished and sleek. Nevertheless, the rear panel of the Galaxy Alpha houses the same faux-leather fabric synonymous with devices like the Galaxy S5 and the Galaxy S4. The only noticeable difference in the Galaxy Alpha from that of the Galaxy S5's back is the cross-stitch design, instead of the perforated/dimpled pattern, according to Phone Arena.

Furthermore, the device is powered by the superior octa-core (Samsung Exynos 5) processor, clocked at a combination of four 1.8 GHz Cortex-A15 cores and four more 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 cores. Also, the smartphone is backed by a good 2 GB of RAM and runs on Android v4.4.4 (KitKat) OS along with Samsung's TouchWiz UI on top of it.

Other salient features include 32 GB of internal storage capacity with no option for expansion (similar to the iPhone 6), a fingerprint sensor, a 12 MP primary camera, a 2.1 MP secondary shooter, 4K video recording, 1860 mAh battery unit, 4G LTE and NFC. Readers should note that the Galaxy Alpha does not come with water- or dust-resistant body.

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