Samsung today released a number of images of the metal chassis of the Galaxy Alpha being manufactured. Metal really does form the chassis of the phone, and is not just a trim piece around the edge of the device. The frame appears to be cut and shaped from a solid block of aluminum, using computer controlled milling equipment (known as CNC machines). This is a major change for Samsung, and must have required a substantial investment in manufacturing equipment. It's not clear whether Samsung is manufacturing this in-house, or contracting it out, but either way it's a substantial change in how Samsung builds its phones.The recently released Galaxy Note 4 video seems to indicate the new Note uses similar construction, although we won't know for sure until September 4th.It will be interesting to see if this design quiets the Samsung haters on the internet, or if the plastic back will still have them complaining. At Samsung Update, we'll gladly take the plastic back to get an interchangeable battery, something that the monobloc construction of the HTC One and iPhone prohibits.Head over the Samsung's website for more details, and let us know what you think about Samsung's new design direction, as shown in both the Alpha and Note 4. Does the aluminum frame change your feelings about Samsung devices at all?
What's my model number?
There are several ways to locate your model number:
- Option 1
- On your device, go to Settings, then "About device" and scroll down to "Model number"
- Option 2
- Often times you can view the model number inside the device, by removing the battery
- Option 3
- Using Samsung's model/serial number location tool