As soon as Samsung answered consumer demand by introducing a metal-clad smartphone, it seems the company is already on a path toward abandoning the build material. That’s what is being suggested by the newly-leaked Samsung SM-A500, anyway.
The SM-A500 is said to be the next model in Samsung’s Galaxy Alpha line and could launch as the Samsung Galaxy A5. Those familiar with the original Galaxy Alpha, which debuted last month, will recall that the phone featured an aluminum frame as part of the “evolution of Galaxy design.” Word is the Galaxy A5, however, will forego such materials in favor of ones the carry the premium feel of metal without the added production cost. Our hopes in that regard aren’t especially high.
The Galaxy A5 is being positioned as a mid-tier smartphone that would fall in line a notch or two below the original Alpha, which leaves some room for optimism. Samsung could again go with metal for future A-series devices targeting the higher end of the market. As for the A5, the rumored specs include:
As for how that faux-metal finish actually looks? From the pictures it’s hard to spot a difference between the A5 and the original Galaxy Alpha. The design will likely carry over to two additional Alpha models that are supposedly slated to follow the SM-A500 out of the gate. No details on when a launch will occur are known at this time.