Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active

June 21, 2013 7/10 Rating
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is a rugged variant of the flagship Galaxy S4, released in June 2013. It features IP67 water and dust resistance, making it more durable for outdoor use, while retaining many of the original S4's core specifications.
Display5.0-inch Full HD TFT LCD with Gorilla Glass 2
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 600 (Quad-core 1.9 GHz)
Main Camera8 MP with LED Flash and Aqua Mode
BatteryRemovable 2600 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $80 in International

💰 Pricing

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Durable and water/dust resistant (IP67)
  • Good performance for its time with Snapdragon 600
  • Full HD display
  • Expandable storage
  • Removable battery
  • Physical navigation buttons (preferred by some for rugged use)

Cons

  • Camera is 8MP, a downgrade from the standard S4's 13MP
  • TFT LCD display instead of Super AMOLED found in the S4
  • Slightly thicker and heavier than the standard S4
  • Older Android version (though upgradable to Lollipop)
  • Battery life was considered not amazing even at launch
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active offered a compelling package of flagship-level performance with added ruggedness, though it made some compromises in camera and display technology compared to its non-Active counterpart.

Given that the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active was released in 2013, it is now an outdated smartphone. While its rugged design and IP67 rating were innovative for its time, modern smartphones offer significantly superior performance, camera quality, and software support. If you are considering this phone, it should only be for nostalgic reasons, as a collector's item, or for very basic, non-demanding tasks where extreme durability is the sole priority and cost is minimal. For daily use, even budget smartphones today will far surpass its capabilities and provide a much better user experience with current apps and security updates. Look for newer, more capable devices if you need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Handset
  • USB Data Cable
  • Battery
  • Travel Charger
  • Quick Start Guide

Standard manufacturer's warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a limited period, usually one year from the date of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the main difference between the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active and the standard Galaxy S4?

The main difference is the Galaxy S4 Active's rugged design, featuring IP67 water and dust resistance, a TFT LCD display instead of Super AMOLED, and an 8MP main camera compared to the S4's 13MP.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active waterproof?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is IP67 certified, meaning it is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

What operating system does the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active run?

It originally launched with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and was upgradable to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop.

Can the storage on the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active be expanded?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active includes a microSD card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 64GB.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active have a removable battery?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active features a removable 2600 mAh Li-Ion battery.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active still a good phone to buy today?

No, due to its age (released in 2013), the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is significantly outdated in terms of performance, camera, software support, and security updates, making it unsuitable for modern daily use.