If style and power meets rugged and durable is what you're looking for in a smartphone, then you'd be hard pressed to find something that fits the bill better than Samsung's just-announced Galaxy S 4 Active. It takes almost everything that makes the GS4 great and wraps it in a water- and dust-resistant shell, bringing high-end specs to those who need a ruggedized device that can handle nearly anything that comes its way.

This morning, AT&T made itself the first US carrier that will be offering the device, which will be available on June 21st for $200 with a two-year agreement.

  • 5" 1080p TFT display (441 PPI)
  • 1.9GHz quad-core Qualcomm processor
  • 2GB DDR3 RAM
  • 16GB internal storage, microSD card slot
  • 8 MP Rear shooter, 2MP front camera
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • 4G LTE Support
  • 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
  • IR Blaster
  • MHL 2.0
  • 2,600mAh battery
  • Android 4.2.2 with TouchWiz UI

As you can see, the primary spec change from the GS4 is the camera – it's been dropped down to an 8MP rear shooter in the Active. Otherwise, you're looking at a beefy GS4 that can take a beating; it is IP67 certified, which means it can be submerged in up to one meter of water for half an hour, and is also resistant to solid particles (like sand). Pair that with its scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass display, and you've got a phone that should be able to handle even the toughest lifestyle.

The device will hit AT&T with two different color options: Urban Gray and Dive Blue. For those who want to make sure a handset is waiting for them on the 21st, AT&T will begin offering pre-orders on June 14th.

With summer in full swing, you need a phone that can go just about anywhere and endure the demands of an active lifestyle. To help you keep up with whatever comes your way, AT&T* and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announce the Samsung Galaxy S® 4 Active™, an evolution of the popular Galaxy S® 4 designed to withstand the hazards of everyday life.

Beginning June 21, you can pick up the Galaxy S 4 Active from any AT&T store or online for $199.99 with a two-year agreement. For consumers who prefer to place their orders now, AT&T will begin taking pre-orders on June 14 at www.att.com/galaxys4active. The Galaxy S 4 Active will be available in two colors: Urban Gray and Dive Blue.

The Galaxy S 4 Active runs on AT&T 4G LTE, which currently covers more than 200 million people; with plans to expand to cover 300 million people by the end of 2014. AT&T's 4G LTE network was called “blazing fast” in a report** by independent testing organization RootMetrics. The report found AT&T’s 4G LTE network delivered the fastest pure LTE speeds in markets where AT&T provided 4G LTE.

“Continuing AT&T’s legacy as the first carrier to launch the Samsung Galaxy series, we’re excited to offer the next evolution of the popular Galaxy S 4. The Galaxy S 4 Active is a high-performance smartphone with a stylish, protective design to keep up with the demands of everyday life. It’s truly summer-proof,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices and Developer Services, AT&T. “With its quad-core processor and access to the nation’s largest 4G network and fastest 4G LTE network you can stay connected nearly anywhere life takes you.”

Built For Life

The Galaxy S 4 Active was designed around life. It is IP67 certified to be water-resistant and dust-resistant, making it perfect to take on any summer vacation whether it’s camping or the beach. It also has an Aqua Mode feature that lets you capture photos and videos underwater. Its 5-inch FHD TFT display is made from Gorilla® Glass, which is specially built to be tougher and more scratch-resistant. It runs Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and comes packed with a quad-core processor for faster, smoother gaming and apps.

But there’s more to the Galaxy S 4 Active than its sturdy, more resilient exterior. It also includes high-performance features that let you get more done on-the-go. The 8-megapixel camera includes multiple custom shooting modes, including Aqua Mode and Eraser Shot. It also features enhanced low light performance to help you get the shot you want even when lighting isn’t ideal.

Entertainment

The Galaxy S 4 Active has an Integrated Infrared (IR) controller which acts as a TV remote control, so you can use your smartphone to control your home theater system. When you’re on-the-go, Samsung Hub gives you access to more music, movies, books and games from multiple content sources all in one place– perfect for passing the time on summer road trips, or even while waiting in line while running errands.

Galaxy S 4 Active includes all the features that made the Samsung Galaxy S® 4 popular including:

  • Air View™: Hover your finger over photos, files, links and text for an instant preview.
  • Air Gesture™: Skip to the next song or photo, check your notifications or, if you’re driving, automatically answer a call on speakerphone just by waving your hand over your phone.
  • Eraser Shot: Remove unwanted background distractions in your photos and videos with just one touch.
  • Drama Shot: Capture a time-lapse event all in one frame.
  • Samsung Smart Pause: While watching a video, if you look away from the screen, the video will automatically pause and wait for you to return.
  • Story Album™: Create a printed book of your photos and have it delivered right to your door.

Productivity

The Galaxy S 4 Active is a master multi-tasker. Features like Multi Window let you use two apps side-by-side like a PC so you can reference your notes while writing an email or follow the game live while checking out your friends’ reactions on social media simultaneously.

This smartphone is SAFE™ (Samsung For Enterprise) to help keep your work data secure and separate from your personal content. Whether you are in the office or on vacation, the Galaxy S 4 Active balances stylish, professional design with enhanced durability.

Additionally, the Galaxy S 4 Active features an optional Easy Mode that simplifies the home screen with larger icons and your favorite apps.