S
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S5 Active

May 2014 8/10 Rating
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active is a ruggedized version of the flagship Galaxy S5, designed for enhanced durability with MIL-STD-810G certification and IP67 dust and water resistance. It features a 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, a powerful Snapdragon 801 processor, and a 16MP camera, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding environments.
Display5.1" Full HD Super AMOLED with Gorilla Glass 3
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 801
Main Camera16 MP with 4K video recording
Battery2800 mAh removable Li-Ion
Starting from $3,748 in International

💰 Pricing

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional ruggedness with MIL-STD-810G and IP67 ratings
  • Physical buttons for navigation and a customizable Active key
  • Bright and colorful Full HD Super AMOLED display
  • Solid battery life and user-replaceable battery
  • Good camera performance for its time
  • Expandable storage via microSD card

Cons

  • Heavier and bulkier than the standard Galaxy S5
  • Lacks a fingerprint scanner (present on the regular S5)
  • Design might be considered less sleek than other flagships
  • Slippery grip despite rugged design
  • Audio can sound strained at max volume
  • Older Android version (though upgradable to Marshmallow)
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active earned a strong rating for successfully combining flagship-level performance with military-grade durability, making it an ideal choice for active users despite being slightly bulkier and lacking a fingerprint scanner.

If you're considering the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active today, understand that you're looking at a vintage smartphone. Its primary appeal lies in its robust, military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810G certified) and IP67 water/dust resistance, making it suitable for specific niche uses or as a backup device where ruggedness is paramount. While its 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display and 16MP camera were top-tier in 2014, they are significantly outmatched by modern phones. Performance from the Snapdragon 801 processor and 2GB RAM will be slow for current apps and multitasking. It runs an older version of Android (upgradable to Marshmallow), meaning limited app compatibility and security updates. Purchase only if you specifically need a highly durable, inexpensive device for basic tasks, or as a collector's item, and be aware that battery life and overall performance will reflect its age. Look for units in 'used' or 'refurbished' condition from reputable sellers, and verify battery health.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy S5 Active smartphone
  • 2800 mAh removable battery
  • Wall charger (2 Amp)
  • Micro USB 3.0 cable
  • Stereo headphones with remote and microphone
  • Quick start guide and other documentation

Specific warranty information for this older device would depend on the seller if purchased used or refurbished.

❓ Questions & Answers

What makes the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active different from the regular Galaxy S5?

The Galaxy S5 Active is a more rugged version, featuring MIL-STD-810G military-standard durability against drops, shocks, and extreme conditions, in addition to the IP67 dust and water resistance found in both models. It also has physical navigation buttons and a customizable 'Active' key, but lacks the fingerprint scanner of the standard S5.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active waterproof?

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active is IP67 certified, meaning it is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. It is water-resistant, not fully waterproof, and care should still be taken.

What operating system does the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active run?

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active originally launched with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and is upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active have expandable storage?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active comes with 16GB of internal storage and features a microSDXC card slot that supports expansion up to 128GB.

Is the battery user-replaceable on the Galaxy S5 Active?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active features a removable 2800 mAh Li-Ion battery, allowing users to easily swap it out if needed.

What are the main advantages of choosing the Galaxy S5 Active?

The main advantages include its exceptional durability and ruggedness, physical buttons for easier use in challenging conditions, a vibrant Super AMOLED display, and a user-replaceable battery, making it ideal for outdoor or demanding environments.