It appears that the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, a ruggedized version of the flagship Galaxy S4, has been received well enough that Samsung is now planning Active versions of both the Galaxy Note 3 and the future Galaxy S5.
Specification-wise, the Galaxy S4 Active (pictured above) is very similar to the Galaxy S4. Key differences include an 8MP camera rather than a 13MP one, an LCD display rather than an AMOLED one along with the addition of IP67 certification, making it dustproof and able to withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. As one would expect from a rugged device, the Galaxy S4 Active is also somewhat thicker and heavier than the Galaxy S4.
The Galaxy Note 3 Active and Galaxy S5 Active would presumably follow in the same vein, offering a more rugged alternative with the possible trade-off of a few specification downgrades. Samsung competitor Sony Mobile has taken a different approach. Rather than offering standard and rugged versions of its smartphones, it simply offers devices that are both waterproof and dustproof. Recent examples include the Xperia Z, Xperia Z Ultra, and Xperia Z1.
It also remains to be seen if Samsung will also release Zoom versions of either device.
There is no word yet on availability and pricing although the Galaxy Note 3 Active is likely to come out ahead of the Galaxy S5 models.
Sources : ETNews // AndroidBeat