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Samsung’s latest Galaxy S6 Active smartphone, which adds water-resistance, shock protection and dust and dirt infiltration safeguards to the company’s flagship Galaxy S6 phone models, will be available through AT&T starting June 12.
The S6 Active is enclosed in an IP68-certified casing that is water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes, shock-resistant and dust-proof, creating a phone that active consumers can use safely, even when exposed to harsh conditions. The Galaxy S6 Active has 32GB of storage and will be available through ATT.com and in AT&T stores in camo white, camo blue or gray.
AT&T customers can buy the smartphone for $0 down under an AT&T Next 24 plan for payments of $23.17 a month for 30 months (total $695.10), or under a Next 18 plan for payments of $28.96 a month for 24 months (total $695.04). Also available is a Next 12 plan with payments of $34.75 a month for 20 payments (total $695).
The S6 Active is the third model in the Galaxy S6 line. The standard Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphones went on sale in 20 countries, including in the United States, on April 10 to take on Apple’s ultra-successful iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus handsets, which debuted in September 2014. The S6 Edge features an innovative display, which wraps around both sides of the handset.
Like the original S6 models, the new S6 Active has a chassis made of aircraft-grade aluminum, as well as a 5.1-inch, quad HD Super AMOLED display. The phones are covered on both sides by Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The Galaxy S6 series also includes Samsung’s latest 14nm technology, 64- bit Exynos 7 processors, which have eight cores and use less power while providing higher performance than previous chips made with 20nm manufacturing processes. Android 5.0 runs on both devices.
Like the previous Galaxy S5, the S6 models offer a 16-megapixel rear camera, but the latest versions add Smart Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 1.9 f lens and automatic real-time High Dynamic Range (HDR) processing for improved picture quality in low light and other conditions. The 5MP front camera has a 1.9 f lens, HDR, white balance detection for improved images and other improvements that let users get better “selfies” when using the camera. Fast-tracking auto-focus is also featured.
The Galaxy S6 phones also have wireless charging capabilities and a built-in fast charging mode that allows users to charge the battery to 50 percent in just 20 minutes using a corded charger. The wireless charging system works with WPC or PMA wireless charging systems and can provide a 50 percent device charge in about 30 minutes.
The S6 phones also support 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks and will support future LTE networks as they are adopted by mobile carriers, according to Samsung.
“As we’ve shown over the past three years as the exclusive provider of Samsung’s Galaxy S Active family, we feel that our customers shouldn’t have to trade durability for best-in-class specs,” Jeff Bradley, AT&T Mobility’s senior vice president of device marketing and developer services, said in a statement. “The Galaxy S6 active is the best Galaxy S6 in the market. It combines all the premium features of the Galaxy S6, but also is durable enough to handle wear and tear.”
AT&T is the exclusive carrier for the S6 Active, according to the company.
AT&T customers are also eligible for two limited-time special offers when buying a new S6 Active smartphone, including a free Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 with a two-year agreement and a Samsung Wireless Charging Pad for 50 percent off when buying a smartphone with a Next plan or a two-year agreement. The special promotions end July 23 or when supplies run out.