The all new Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Smartphone

 

Exactly what is your own meaning of an “active” phone? Do you find it a beautiful phone that will finally get sporty? Or is it a smart phone so tough that beauty is barely a consideration?

Here is the question you’ll have to address if you’re considering the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active smart phone this summer. On the one hand, Samsung’s first introduction into the growing industry of ruggedized, water-resistant devices is easily the most elegant on the market, the type of phone you won’t mind pulling out at a Friday evening gathering. Overall, it’s in fact a much more attractive phone compared to the normal S4, even though it’s unavailable on AT&T which is not compatible with Samsung’s S4 smart covers.

On the other hand? Toughness isn’t this phone’s strong suit. It’s more day-at-the-swimming-pool device than hiking vacation appliance, a device that touts its ability in the water yet doesn’t include an approved warranty for water damage.

Adapt your opinions accordingly. This mobile phone isn’t really the amazing go-everywhere appliance it’s billed to be; instead, it’s a sleek-looking smartphone that’s vastly more durable compared to the most of the devices in the marketplace.

Comparing Galaxy S4 with S4 Active

The concept of the ruggedized, super-tough mobile phone is one that more and more companies and customers are beginning to embrace. From the iPhone to Sony’s Xperia Z to the HTC One to Samsung’s original S line, today’s smartphones lack true durability. They’re not designed for a travel, and they’re definitely not designed for a dive in the water. That assisted spawn Casio’s ultra-tough G’zOne line.

Thing is, the average ruggedized phone features an external look which only a construction employee could like. So here arrives Samsung into the move, in due course to make an impression on your 2013 summer season, keeping all that Samsung software program benefits and a waterproof, dust-proof chassis.

In case many sport smartphones appeared like this, then we’d all own a sport smartphone. The S4 Active is really as stylish as they come. The device I examined came in a orange, and it felt somewhat heavy and sturdier compared to a normal S4. Four screws are bolted to the four backside corners of the device; oddly, they are purely cosmetic, giving the phone a lot more tough look although not making it any more strong.

The other notable differences between the S 4 and the S4 Active lay beneath the touchscreen. Rather than touch-sensitive controls, the S4 Active gets 3 actual control keys (menu, home and back). And below those, instead of an open micro-USB charging port, you get one with a rubber gasket cover sealing the port off from water. When (or in case of) you plan to carry the S4 Active for a swimming, you’ll need to make sure this port is sealed super-tight.

Internally, this is mainly the similar phone as the regular S4. The camera gets a downgrade, from 13 megapixels to eight(Samsung s4 camera features), however it still takes fantastic photos. Shooting with the S4 Active under water (a primary selling point) is fantastic. It’s hard to understand specifically how “real” the underwater photos are, however they certainly look great.

The further “active” factors of the mobile phone, at least to me, dealt with how it handled a real workout. Could I take the Active for a run and not concern about it even the slightest bit? Could it manage the countless bumps and falls that come with a road hike or even a fall from a pull-up bar in the fitness center?

Here, the Active executed adequately. The unit didn’t pick up any kind of dings or dents despite my falling it a few times. (Credit the slightly rubbery corners, We assume, or perhaps I just didn’t drop it from as high as I must have.) This isn’t a super-tough mobile phone by any means, but it really takes more like a pounding compared to a Nokia Lumia 920 or even my reliable Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

Unfortunately, the phone doesn’t have a rubbery, grippy touch, so if you’re looking to get a photo from an odd position from a hike, you won’t really hold it perfectly with 1 hand to take the shot.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Review

The Active is strong under water provided that you understand what you’re acquiring. Stop thinking about any dreams of diving with the sharks and chronicling it on your Active. The mobile phone has an IP67 rating, so it’s cleared for use a meter deep and barely for 30 minutes.

Photo taken by Samsung active underwater

That’s community swimming pool territory, not daring vacation to the Great Lakes, and it’s a risk regardless of what. The S4 Active warrant doesn’t cover liquid damage, so as with many phones, if it doesn’t operate upon getting wet, you’re simply out of good fortune. Consider it at your own risk rather despite the huge expenditure.

Finally, I certainly appreciated the extra toughness from the S4 Active, even if I’d barely consider taking it on my future swimming vacation. The little things certainly help; I didn’t put in another thought talking in the rain with the S4 Active, dropping it in a puddle (once intentionally, just for kicks) or even getting some of those difficult phone-braced-against-shoulder conversations while doing dishes by the sink.

As smartphones go, that’s amazing durability along with a good little comfort factor.

Is it an “active” smartphone? Relies on the way you define “activity.”
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