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Galaxy S5 Active trades one cool feature for ruggedness

Published May 30th, 2014 6:50AM EDT
BGR

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After being featured in countless leaks, the more rugged Galaxy S5 version has been quietly unveiled. Surprisingly, the Galaxy S5 Active is an AT&T exclusive in the U.S., and the handset is already available for purchase online and from the carrier’s retail stores – it’s not clear when the device will be available in other markets, or from other U.S. mobile operators.

When it comes to specs and features, the Galaxy S5 Active is nearly identical to the regular Galaxy S5. The Active model has apparently been designed to “withstand the bumps and bruises of everyday life,” featuring a sturdier, shock resistant case, although this isn’t the metal Galaxy S5 Prime model you’re waiting for. The phone is also water-resistant and dust proof, just like the Galaxy S5.

However, the phone trades one of the highlights of the Galaxy S5, the fingerprint sensor, for ruggedness, and instead comes with three physical buttons on the front side. Additionally, the Active packs a “convenience key,” on the side, which will let users launch all their “apps related to outdoor activity.”

The 16GB Galaxy S5 Active costs $199 with new two-year contracts, or $0 down with no contracts followed by 18 monthly installments of $27.50 (AT&T Next 18) or 12 monthly payments of $35.75 (AT&T Next 12). The phone is available in three crazy colors, including Camo Green, Titanium Grey and Ruby Red.

A video showing the handset’s main features and the full press release follow below.

Samsung Galaxy S® 5 Active™ Available Exclusively at AT&T Stores and Online

DALLAS, May 30, 2014 — As summer begins to hit its stride, you need a phone that can handle the elements. Engineered to keep up with your active lifestyle, AT&T1 and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announce the Samsung Galaxy S® 5 Active™, the next step of the popular Galaxy S® 5 designed to withstand the bumps and bruises of everyday life. Beginning today, the Galaxy S 5 Active is available online and in AT&T stores for zero down or no annual contract. The device is also available for $27.50 per month with AT&T Next 18, $35.75 per month with AT&T Next 12 or $199 with a two-year agreement2. Additionally, customers can save $50 on a Samsung Gear Fit when they purchase the Galaxy S 5 Active.

With shock resistant, water resistant, and dust proof3 casing, the Galaxy S 5 Active has a variety of features that make it the ideal fit for active lifestyles:

Press the convenience key on the side of the Galaxy S 5 Active to launch all of your apps related to outdoor activity, in one place for easy access.
Track your heartbeat with the built-in heart rate monitor.
Keep count of your steps throughout the day, earn medals, and request on-demand nutrition tips with S-Health™ 4.
The Galaxy S 5 Active has a 2.5GHz quad-core processor and uses Android 4.4 Kit Kat, ensuring that you can move between applications quickly and smoothly, while on the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network5. Ultra Power Saving Mode allows you to still take that important call even though you’re running low on battery6. It shuts off the non-essential apps and turns the screen to black and white, so you get the maximum battery life.

The Galaxy S 5 Active also offers customers a wide range of entertainment features. The 5.1 inch Full HD Super AMOLED® display shows video in 1080p, so you can watch the video from your rafting trip. The 16 megapixel rear-facing camera with digital zoom makes it easy to capture the perfect picture on your next hike with stunning clarity.

For a closer look at the Galaxy S 5 Active, check out this Mobile Minute video.

“Samsung Galaxy S 5 Active is built to handle the wear and tear of an active lifestyle, while still maintaining the level of performance customers expect from a premium smartphone,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices, AT&T. “Now you can enjoy the outdoors with a durable, premium smartphone on the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network.”

The Samsung Galaxy S 5 Active earned five out of five stars on AT&T’s Eco-Rating system. The system, which addresses select environmental attributes of AT&T branded handset devices, was created to empower consumer choice around sustainability. For more information about this device’s rating, AT&T’s Eco-Rating System, and how you can join AT&T in making a difference, please visit http://att.com/ecospace.

Visit http://www.att.com/galaxys5active for more on the Galaxy S 5 Active.

1AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

2 AT&T NextSM req’s 20-month or 26-month 0% APR installment agreement, qualifying credit, & wireless svc. Tax due at sale. If you cancel wireless service, remaining device balance is due. Other charges & restrictions apply. All terms subject to change. Visit att.com/next for details.

3Water-resistant and dustproof based on IP67 rating. Submersible up to 1m (3 ft) of water for up to 30 mins with covers tightly closed. Rinse to remove residue. Meets US Mil-STD 810G for shock, temperature, humidity, rain and altitude. Device may not perform as shown in all extreme conditions.

4This device, S Health, and related software are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.

5Reliability based on 3rd party data regarding nationwide carriers’ 4G LTE. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G LTE not available everywhere.

6The estimated maximum standby time may vary depending on your current usage patterns, settings, and other factors and conditions.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.