The Solid History of Metal in Samsung Devices

Samsung launched its newest Galaxy smartphone, ‘Galaxy Alpha‘, featuring a real metal frame and elegantly curved corners. Reflecting a sophisticated new design approach, Galaxy Alpha provides users with better in-hand control and grip with ultra-slim, compact, and lightweight construction.

Metal on Samsung’s mobile devices

Starting 2006, metallic materials became available on an array of Samsung phones. For SCH-500 (Satellite DMB phone), Samsung plated magnesium with chromium on its face. The result? Users felt as if they were looking into a mirror.

SGH-D830 (Ultra Edition 9.9) was another magnesium-plated model. As the slimmest folder flip phone made thinner than 1cm for the first time in the world, it delivered four color options including red, silver, blue, and black with sleek patterns which completed an aesthetic beauty as well.

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Improving corrosion-resistance and decorative characteristic of the mobile phone, metallic materials were applied to SGH-U600 (Ultra Edition Ⅱ 10.9′) launched in 2007 and other various models including SCH-V740, SCH-V890, SCH-V940, and SCH-V920.

Samsung also introduced a full metal mobile phone called SOUL (SCH-W590) in 2008. SOUL, which stands for ‘the Spirit Of ULtra’, was a premium phone, which “the design and technology were in perfect harmony”. This phone also meant to be the successor of the Ultra Edition.

In 2009, Samsung collaborated with the world famous fashion brand, Giorgio Armani, and created the Giorgio Armani-Samsung phone (SCH-W820). Samsung applied a metal frame, highlighting the luxurious image.

The first Samsung smartphones that applied metal for the body were the Wave series, which were released in 2010. The Wave series made a point with its full metal design concept. Hence, the smartphones were favorably received for its sophisticated design.

Among the recently introduced phones, the Wise series, which were released in 2012 and 2013 respectively, have inherited the phones with metal bodies.

Samsung has been introducing Wearable devices with metal frame as well. Galaxy Gear (2013) and Samsung Gear 2 (2014) are major examples.

From aircraft’s hide to rubber to other advanced plastics

Samsung already knew that mobile phones would become products that allow users to show their unique characters. Hence, to meet various needs of individual users, Samsung offered phones with a number of different materials.

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The Ultra Edition series, which was announced in 2006, are typical examples. Samsung applied magnesium material for the Ultra Edition 9.9, fiberglass-infused plastic that is normally used for airplane exteriors for Ultra Edition 6.9 (SGH-X820), and rubber material for the Ultra Edition 12.9 (SGH-D900).

The Pebble Blue Galaxy S3 presented patterns with details down to a tenth of a strand of hair while its Marble White model demonstrated a ceramic feeling. With its leather-feeling and delicate stitching finish, the Galaxy Note 3 is another example of Samsung offering diversity in its materials. Galaxy S5 has highlighted its visual beauty through its unique punching pattern.

Applying Metal to TVs and Refrigerators and PCs and Cameras and…

Back to ‘metal’, phones aren’t the only products Samsung has applied metal on. From large consumers’ electronics to small electronics like PCs and cameras, Samsung’s had quite some fun with these shiny, solid materials.

In terms of TVs, televisions with ultra slim metal material frame have been on the market since 2010. Not only did the durability of metals help keep these large frames thin, but they also gave the gorgeous screens an even more premium look. Recently, LED monitors have also been released with metal frames.

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Next: refrigerators. Since the release of Zipel T9000 in 2012, Samsung’s first metal-designed refrigerator for homes, about 80 percent of Samsung’s refrigerators were designed with metal by 2014 and the number is on the rise. The product range has expanded to Kimchi refrigerators (yes, Koreans have a separate refrigerator for Kimchi), washing machines, air conditioners, ovens, and electronic ranges.

Samsung even introduced metal to its laptops computers. Starting from the Series 9 in 2011, which featured lightweight duralumin, a compound metal found in fighter jets to the smooth single-shell aluminum bodies found in ATIV Book series, metallic materials have been a great option for Samsung’s designers. Even cameras – all the NX camera series are wrapped in metal. 

What else would you like to see made with metal? Let us know in the comments below!

*All functionality features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.