Leaked pictures of a purported Galaxy Note 4 prove that Samsung does have the ability to build good-looking smartphones. Its new flagship phablet looks set to debut a much-improved design with a sleek metal chassis and a leather-like back panel that replaces the cheap and tacky plastic.

The images, obtained by GSMArena, indicate the Galaxy Note 4 will be almost identical to its predecessor around the front, but it’s a different story everywhere else. The back has a more convincing leather-like look, while its plastic chassis has been replaced with what appears to be an aluminum design that sports shiny chamfered edges much like the iPhone’s.

We’re actually expecting to see a similar design from Samsung before its Galaxy Note 4 unveiling, with the Galaxy Alpha expected to make its debut before the end of this month. It will become Samsung’s first smartphone made from metal, though its internals aren’t likely to be anywhere near as exciting as the Note 4’s.

In addition to a speedy Snapdragon 805 processor, the Note 4 is expected to come with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, a 16-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization, and an ultraviolet sensor that will help users stay safe in the sun. Its display will reportedly to stay the same size at 5.7 inches, but it’s likely to be a Quad HD panel with a much sharper 2560×1440 resolution.

Alongside this leak, PhoneArena has published a picture of the Galaxy Note 4’s retail packaging.

We can’t confirm these pictures are genuine at this stage, of course, but we’re certainly keeping out fingers crossed. They look pretty convincing, that’s for sure, and Samsung smartphones to have a tendency to show their faces before they’re officially unveiled.

Samsung has all but confirmed it will announce the Galaxy Note 4 at an event in Berlin on September 3.

• SourceGSMArena