Samsung has officially launched the S5 Active exclusively on AT&T's network with a completely new rugged look designed for durability in extreme environmental situations.
Samsung, the biggest smartphone maker, has unveiled a new version of its flagship Galaxy S5 smartphone in the US. The new S5 Active comes with a rugged design, making it shock resistant, water resistant and dust proof. The handset has finally arrived after a series of speculations, but is only available on AT&T's network.
The Active variant of the Galaxy S5 is placed inside a shock resistant rugged casing for added protection from damages. Keeping in mind the durability of the device, Samsung has ditched the popular fingerprint scanner in the Active. The fingerprint scanner was a critical part of the Galaxy S5 when it was launched in February to compete with the likes of Apple's iPhone 5S. But other features on the S5 Active are kept intact.
"Samsung Galaxy S5 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," Jeff Bradley, AT&T's senior vice president, said in a press statement, Friday. "Now you can enjoy the outdoors with a durable, premium smartphone on the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network."
The S5 Active features the same 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, a 2.5GHz quad-core processor, a 16MP rear camera with fast focus and 4K recording. The new smartphone is designed for trekkers and hikers. The heart rate monitor is still a part of the S5 Active and a new "convenience key" on the side panel just above the volume rocker keys has been added to the device for easy access to a new Activity Zone, which displays data related to the workout or outdoor activities.
The S5 Active features onboard storage of 16GB expandable up to 128GB. It is backed by a 2GB RAM and an Android 4.4 KitKat.
Other unique features like Ultra Power Saving Mode and different camera modes have been added to the S5 Active for enhanced user experience.
The rugged design of the S5 Active is complimented by a Cameo Green color option, which makes it look like a military device with a unique color option unseen in the device until now. The smartphone also comes in two other colors, titanium grey and ruby red.
Since the handset is available on AT&T's network, customers can purchase the S5 Active for $199.99 with a two year contract and also avail a discount of $50 if clubbed with a Samsung Gear Fit. Without a contract, the rugged S5 Active is priced at $714.99 and the device can also be bought with AT&T Next for $35.75 per month for 20 months and $27.50 a month for 26 months.
