Samsung unveil Galaxy Alpha just weeks before Apple lift curtain on iPhone 6

Samsung have unveiled a new smartphone just weeks before rival Apple lifts the curtain on their iPhone 6.

The Korean phone manufacturer has announced the new Galaxy Alpha, confirming the device will go on sale at the beginning of September.

Leaked images of the phone appeared online earlier this month, with some comment on social media suggesting it looked similar to an iPhone.

This is down to the new metal frame, which is flatter and as a result looks similar to that on Apple's smartphone.

The new device will have a 4.7-inch screen, which is slightly smaller than the screen on the Galaxy S5 which was released in April.

The Alpha is also more than a millimetre thinner than the S5, making it one of the slimmest devices the company has ever made.

However, Samsung confirmed that all existing technology like the finger print scanner would also be present in the new phone, despite also weighing around 30 grams less that the S5.

The camera also contains a new feature called Beauty Face, which could further fuel the selfie craze.

Will Findlater, editor-in-chief of gadget magazine Stuff believes the design of the Alpha is squarely aimed at tackling Apple.

He said: "There are some physical similarities with the iPhone 5s, but also several Samsung Galaxy hallmarks - this isn't a phone that's going to get confused with an Apple device. But it is gunning for the next iPhone," he said.

"All the leaks to date have suggested the iPhone 6 will have a 4.7in screen - the same size as the Alpha's. Both devices have slim aluminium bodies, and both seems to focus less on bleeding-edge specifications than user experience - a change in tack for Samsung."

Oliver Hill, senior staff writer at Android Magazine said that the power of the Alpha is what will make it stand apart.

"The look is indeed very iPhone like, but we've been saying that for a good few years already."

"It's testament to Apple's strong design qualities that many companies want to follow suit; including Samsung.

"But the pure power of the Galaxy Alpha is what really stands it out from the iPhone. On paper it's noticeably faster, more powerful and thinner than Apple's current offerings."

The announcement of a new phone comes two weeks after Samsung reported a 25% in second quarter operating profits this year, and warned that the second half of the year "remains a challenge" thanks to increasing competition in the mobile phone market.

Microsoft has already unveiled a new budget mobile phone that will cost just £15.

Meanwhile Samsung's main rivals Apple are expected to introduce the iPhone 6 in early September, with rumours suggesting it could come in two sizes for the first time.