For the third straight year, Samsung is partnering with AT&T in the US for a variant of its flagship that cuts way down on the sexiness, in exchange for some rugged protection that Bear Grylls would approve of. Meet the Galaxy S6 Active.
The Galaxy S6 Active has most of the same specs as the flagship Galaxy S6, so owners of this tough-as-nails phone shouldn't be getting a watered-down experience. That includes a 5.1-inch Quad HD display, 16 MP rear camera (which can be launched with a double-tap of the home button) and 5 MP front camera.
Also like its glass-clad sibling, the GS6 Active has 32 GB storage (though unlike the GS6, there don't appear to be any higher-capacity tiers) and the same 64-bit octa-core Exynos processor. The Active also supports wireless charging and fast charging.
Things start to veer off, though, when you look at the Galaxy S6 Active's bulky, plastic build. It's water- and dust-resistant, rated IP68, which means it can soak in 3 m (9.8 ft) of water continuously. Those who wished Samsung didn't cut the Galaxy S5's water resistance from the GS6 have an even more airtight option with the Active.
In other areas, it has a larger battery than the GS6 and GS6 edge (3,500 mAh) and is missing its flagship counterpart's fingerprint sensor (it has three physical buttons below its screen, instead of the GS6's two capacitive and one physical/fingerprint sensor).
If you're an outdoors enthusiast (or work in an environment where your phone needs serious protection from the elements), then you can snag the Galaxy S6 Active from AT&T starting on June 12. It will be sold through the carrier's Next plan (monthly installments), adding up to US$695, no matter which length of term you choose. It will ship in white, blue and gray color options.
Product page: AT&T
