The other day a protected version of the Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone - Samsung Galaxy S6 Active - was presented. By and large, it repeats the key features of the flagship solution from the popular Korean manufacturer, but stands out with a number of additional features that will create really useful use cases as an alternative to the iPhone 6 in addition to the iPad. Let's take a closer look at the device and note all its key strengths and weaknesses.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active - screen
Needless to say, the touch screen is the main characteristic of a modern mobile device today? I think that another such demagogy can be missed, because we have all known for a long time that the display today is not only a means for displaying user information, but also the only solution for its input. That is why it should be as high as possible, but without frills, of high quality and have a minimum response time to touch. What did they put in the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active?
(Samsung Galaxy S6 Active screen)
Did you know that the human eye does not distinguish individual pixels on the screen even at their density equal to 300 PPI. This golden rule was clearly outlined at the time by Steve Jobs when he presented the iPhone 4 with Retina display. Other manufacturers have been reaching for Apple for quite a long time, but at one point they found a technical opportunity to surpass this indicator, so mobile devices with monstrous PPI values \u200b\u200bappeared on the market. What for? Marketing, nothing more. Our today's hero - Samsung Galaxy S6 Active - is equipped with a 5.1-inch screen with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. The pixel density on it reaches 577 PPI, which does not provide any fundamental advantages, but rather heavily loads the components. The displays are manufactured using Super AMOLED technology and have excellent contrast.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active - stuffing
The screen resolution of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active is really impressive, so it needs an equally interesting filling in order to twist all its charms, let's say. Similar to its unprotected flagship counterparts, the heart of the smartphone is a high-speed and energy-efficient eight-core Exynos 7420 processor, made according to a 14-nanometer technical process. 4 cores in it operate at a frequency of 1.5 GHz, and four more at 2.1 GHz. It is complemented by the Mali T760 graphics chip, and in the sum they give the device really impressive performance, which hardly any other solutions can boast.
(Filling Samsung Galaxy S6 Active)
For adequate operation of applications in the background, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active has 3 GB of RAM, and for data storage - 32 GB of physical space. Despite the rumors floating around this device, it did not get a memory card slot, so it will not be possible to expand the space for user information at all times. The highlight of the device is the 3500 mAh battery, which, given the sparing operating mode of the processor, will enable it to work autonomously for a couple of days.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active - cameras
The cameras built into the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active are far ahead of most competitive solutions in all possible characteristics. The main one has a resolution of 16 megapixels and an aperture ratio of 1.9. The second is a wide-angle lens and a 5-megapixel sensor. As a rare bird will fly to the middle of the Dnieper, so a rare device will be able to photograph better than our today's hero.
(Samsung Galaxy S6 Active cameras)
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active - case
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Active is positioned as the rugged version of the Samsung Galaxy S6. Its components are packed in a case that is certified according to the IP68 standard, which makes it possible to talk about the good moisture resistance of the gadget - it will withstand a 1.5 meter immersion for half an hour without any problems.
(Samsung Galaxy S6 Active case)
The body of the device can be white, gray or black. He looks quite aggressive and will definitely appeal to lovers of an active lifestyle.
What's with the prices? Nothing is known about the appearance of the device in free sale, but with an operator's contract for two years it will cost only a couple of hundred dollars.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active is a very interesting Android smartphone and is definitely suitable for really active use in not the most, but still extreme conditions for consumer electronics. It should be noted that today there are a huge number of more "armor-piercing" phones on the market, but none of them can boast of such a set of modern flagship characteristics. In the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active, did the Koreans manage to find that fine line between protection and functionality? It may very well be.
Be sure to leave your opinions on the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active in the comments, we will be happy to discuss!
© 2016 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Samsung, Galaxy S, active, Super AMOLED, Exynos, Multi Window, SideSync, Quick Connect, Smart Switch, S Voice, Gear, Gear Circle are all trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Use only in accordance with law. Other company and product names mentioned may be trademarks of their respective owners. Screen images simulated. Actual appearances may vary.
* Fast Charging requires Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) or Quick Charge 2.0-compatible charger to work. Wireless charging pad must be purchased separately. Testing under laboratory conditions. Based on estimated usage. Results may vary. Battery power consumption depends on factors such as network configuration, signal strength, operating temperature, features selected, vibrate mode, backlight settings, browser use, frequency of calls and voice, data and other applications usage patterns.
† This device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810G) testing against a subset of 20 specific environmental conditions, including temperature, dust and sand, shock / vibration, and low pressure / high altitude. Device may not perform as shown in all extreme conditions. Water-resistant and dustproof based on IP68 rating, which tests submersion up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.
** Multi Window does not support all applications.
†† Please visit www.samsungsmartswitch.com for a list of compatible systems, platforms, devices and terms of use. Certain content (such as DRM-protected content) may not be compatible. Consult any applicable terms and conditions with your content providers to ensure that you have rights to transfer content from your previous device. Check with your carrier if Wi-Fi or data charges apply. App matching and recommendation system not available on all devices. © 2015 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Samsung, Galaxy S, Super AMOLED and Samsung Knox are all trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company names and / or product names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks. Screen images simulated. Appearance of device may vary.
Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notification.
* This device passed military specification (MIL-STA-810G) testing against a subset of 20 specific environmental conditions, including temperature, dust and sand, shock / vibration, and low pressure / high altitude. Device may not perform as shown in all extreme conditions. Water-resistant and dustproof based on IP68 rating, which tests submersion up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.
** Display resolution (Quad HD Super AMOLED) is in comparison with previous Galaxy devices launched in the USA.
*** Full Samsung Knox suite available for additional licensing fee.
† Wireless charging compatible back included with device. Wireless charging pad sold separately.
†† Fast Charging requires an AFC-compatible charger to work.
††† Based on laboratory testing. Results may vary. Battery power consumption depends on factors such as network configuration, carrier network, signal strength, operating temperature, features selected, vibrate mode, backlight settings, browser use, frequency of calls, and voice, data and other application-usage patterns.
§§ Multi Window does not support all applications.
Appointments are available between December 29, 2016 and February 28, 2017, and can be scheduled 7 days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM. For more information, click here to view the full Terms and Conditions and to find out if in-home service is available in your area.
Images are for illustration purposes only and the accessories are sold separately.
Features and Specifications are accurate as of commercial launch but may be subject to change without prior notification.
Network: The bandwidths supported by the device may vary depending on the region or service provider.
The network capacity and data transfer speed may be reduced while dual SIM cards are used at the same time.
Not being an ardent fan of Samsung, today, however, I am ready to confess to her, albeit short-term, but love. If I'm not mistaken, Samsung is the only rugged smartphone manufacturer whose technical specifications are often equal to flagship ones or are so. Correct me if I'm wrong, but all the other big names I know stuff their shockproof and waterproof gadgets with more than budget stuffing. I do not take into account the mass of Chinese super-duper unkillable phones. Kyocera and Casio come to mind with their Kyocera Brigadier and Casio G "zOne CA201L. Today, as you already understood, I have a Samsung Galaxy Active in my review, this time with the S6 index.
The Koreans decided to make the S6 Active available only in the North American market, offering it exclusively to AT&T subscribers. Galaxy S6 Active was presented immediately after the release of the company's flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S6.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Active Docomo SC-02G
It should be noted that Samsung has no plans for the release of this model in other markets so far. Well, or, let's say, I personally do not know anything about them. What caused this approach to the choice of the distribution area of \u200b\u200ba really interesting phone, I do not understand. Take the same Samsung Galaxy S5 Active, which, in addition to the United States, was also released in Japan by NTT Docomo. The model received the Docomo SC-02G index.
Today's review will be more exploratory than exploratory. I will not test the phone for shock resistance or floodability. Let someone else do it for me. For me, as a person who rarely holds Samsung smartphones in my hands, it was interesting to know what, in principle, a modern shock-resistant flagship is, of which there are not so many around. In some places I will one way or another compare it with Japanese smartphones, which in my life take first place in my life.
The SGS6 Active color scheme has three options: blue (Camo Blue), white (Camo White) and gray (Gray). I have just an option in a neutral gray case, which is actually closer to black, but not the essence.
Specifications
Those who follow Samsung's activities are probably aware that when creating an anti-vandal Galaxy S Active series, the Koreans take their flagship models as a basis. 99% of the S6 Active received the internal equipment of its older brother Galaxy S6, not forgetting about the corresponding indestructible component:
- Operating System: Android 5.0.2 Lollipop
- Standards support: 4G / 4G-LTE / 3G / EDGE / GPRS / GSM
- Processor: 4 * 2.1 Ghz / 4 * 1.5 Ghz, eight-core, Samsung Exynos 7420, 64-bit
- RAM: 3 Gb
- ROM: 32 Gb, UFS 2.0
- Display: 5.1 ", Quad HD, 2560x1440 pix, Super AMOLED, 577ppi, 16 million colors, Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Main camera: 16 Mpix, CMOS, 4K video recording, autofocus, up to 120 fps, LED flash
- Front camera: 5 Mpix, CMOS
- Support for memory cards: microSDXC up to 256 Gb
- GPS / GLONASS
- Wi-Fi a / b / g / n / ac, 5Ghz
- Bluetooth 4.1
- IR port
- Headphone jack 3.5 mm
- HDMI connector (via MHL adapter)
- Protection in accordance with US military standard MIL-STD-810G, IP68
- Battery: Li-Ion, 3500 mAh, non-removable
- Size: 146.9x73.6x8.8 mm
- Weight: 150 g
Today, we can say with confidence that Koreans dictate fashion to the whole world, without ceasing to compete with their competitors. But this is a completely different topic.
Equipment
Here's a good example of how Korean marketing differs from Japanese. Unlike stingy Japanese manufacturers, which in 100 cases out of 100 do not complete their phones with a charger, in the box with the Galaxy S6 Active, in addition to a brief instruction, promo materials and an AT&T SIM card, you can find a USB cable and a network adapter. Accessories from the "must have" category.
The Japanese are sure that you already use your smartphone. Therefore, your new phone can be charged from the previous device. Why multiply the same cables? There is undoubtedly a share of practicality in this. However, in general, this approach to sales is not clear to our layman.
First impressions. Design
The first feeling that I experienced when I took the phone in my hand was unusually large dimensions: 147x73 mm. Visually, the presence of a heap of plastic around the 5.1-inch display makes the phone massive. However, it is this plastic with its protruding bumpers at the corners that is designed to protect the phone from negative consequences during a fall. I will compare the Galaxy S6 Active with my main smartphone at the moment Sharp Aquos Zeta Docomo SH-01G. The relatively frameless design of Aquos Zeta, which even received a special brand name EDGEST, has long taught me that a phone with a large screen (5.5 ") can be relatively comfortable if used with one hand. Even after more than three days of testing, get used to it I didn’t manage to reach Samsung's dimensions. It was unusual to reach the top of the screen with your thumb. It is clear that you can use third-party applications that allow you to reduce the screen to the optimal size, but out of the box the S6 Active offered a minimum level of convenience in everyday use. there would be a screen with a diagonal of 4.5-4.7 inches.
It is comfortable to hold the phone in your hand. The plastic of the sides is not glossy, which allows your fingers to cling confidently to the case. I was pleasantly surprised by the thickness - only 8.8 millimeters. At the same time, a 3500 mAh non-removable battery is installed inside, which is 700 mAh more than that of the same S5 Active. The cruising time of the smartphone personally did not exceed two and a half days. I, of course, take into account the fact that the phone was new.
Externally, the Galaxy S6 Active reminded me of the same S5 Active. In the new version, somewhere, something was filed, somewhere, something was replaced or changed places. In general, they did not substantially comb their hair. I wouldn't call the S6 Active's design new. Rather, there is face and backlifting. However, you must admit that one does not dare to call such an exterior boring either.
The proprietary Super Amoled display is protected by the current version of Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The picture with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels pleases the eye with its clarity for the first minutes. Then in everyday life you simply do not pay attention to this marketing ploy. We have already gone through this with Fujitsu Arrows NX Docomo F-02G. The race for the number of pixels in the resolution of displays after fullHD, personally in my opinion, has already lost its relevance.
Fujitsu Arrows NX Docomo F-02G
Thanks to Super Amoled technology, the image looks very attractive. However, the discrepancy between the real picture and what the owner of modern Samsung sees on the phone screen (out of the box) can be a little upsetting later. This is especially noticeable when you look at the results of the camera. Nevertheless, Samsung traditionally offers a choice of several color display modes.
The SGS6 Active interface is not much different from the classic Galaxy S6. Only proprietary AT&T applications were added. The device can be completely Russified with the appropriate flashing. Fortunately, Samsung is a better known and, accordingly, more often hacked brand.
The Galaxy S6 Active also lets you update your system outside of your home network.
Traditionally, Samsung pays special attention to the topic of health and active pastime.
AT&T applications are collected in a separate folder so as not to mix with the general assortment of pre-installed programs.
The device is capable of working in Russian 4G networks. When you turn on the phone with a SIM card installed by any Russian operator, the mobile Internet and MMS settings are loaded automatically. There is no need to manually create access points (APNs), as is the case with Japanese smartphones.
By default, the phone is tied to the AT&T carrier network. You can unlock Samsung Galaxy S6 Active by requesting a code from the operator or using paid third-party services, of which there are plenty on the network. Having installed a third-party SIM card in the phone, the system will ask you to enter this code at the first start-up, after which the phone will catch the signal of the cellular network and only then will it be ready for full operation.
Let's go back to the display. Indoors or in the dark, the image on the screen is beyond praise. But in direct sunlight from the former brightness remains zilch. Well, at least I expected to see better results.
It is useless to describe the location of the main functional elements on the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active. In most cases, everything is standard here, like any other modern smartphone. On the back there is only a heart rate sensor. It will probably be of interest only at the initial stage of acquaintance, as well as for lovers of an active lifestyle or athletes.
I will add a few comments from myself. Oddly enough, the Galaxy S6 Active's case is entirely made of plastic. Its anti-vandal properties have already been tested many times, as evidenced by numerous tests on the same Youtube. In real life, functional protrusions on the side parts of the body (bumpers), for example, after impact tests, receive significant visual damage. Nevertheless, the device withstands all falls from height, diving and freezing with dignity. In other words, you can safely take it with you on hikes without fear of the consequences, because these are the goals that those who choose anti-vandal smartphones pursue.
The presence of grooved hardware buttons helps a lot in the rain or when using the phone underwater.
The tray for nanoSIM-pkata is equipped with a silicone seal.
Most of the back cover surface has a grooved texture. It looks cute and the fingers are nice.
The external speaker of the Galaxy S6 Active is more than loud. Watch the video with his tests at the beginning of the review.
Camera
I must admit that I always liked the quality of the camera in modern Samsung. The Galaxy S6 Active has the same optics and software as the Galaxy S6. Their tandem produces images and videos of quite decent quality. For comparison, I will give examples of photos from the camera of my Sharp Docomo SH-01G. As they say, feel the difference.
The maximum photo resolution is 5312x2988 pixels. The maximum video resolution is 3840x2160p. Videos are recorded in MP4 format with stereo sound at 258 kbps.
Sample photos from the camera SGS6 Active (left) and Sharp Aquos Zeta SH-01G (right)
A South Korean company Samsung it is a tradition to present a protected version of its new flagship every June. For the third year in a row. Samsung Galaxy S6 was no exception, having received an additional definition of Active a couple of weeks ago.
The American company AT & T is releasing protected versions. The metal is replaced by durable plastic, the phone gets shockproof and the ability to float. As a result, it gets thicker, wider and taller, but with a larger battery and loses the fingerprint sensor. All other characteristics remain the same. Let's take a closer look at it.
Key features:
- the new 3500mAh battery is about 40% larger than the old 2550mAh battery in the Samsung Galaxy S6, Qi wireless charger and fast charging capability.
- certified plastic MIL-STD 810G gives protection against salt (sea water), dust, humidity, rain, vibration, solar radiation, shock resistance and inertness to temperature changes;
- IP68 certification allows the smartphone to submerge in water up to several meters for 30 minutes, it also provides protection from dust;
- 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with QHD resolution (1440 × 2560 pixels) and a pixel density of 577ppi protected by Gorilla Glass 4;
- the eight-core Exynos 7420 contains a 64-bit architecture and a clock speed on four processors at 2.1 GHz (Cortex-A57) and four more at 1.5 GHz (Cortex-A53);
- graphics from Mali-T760 MP8;
- 3 GB of RAM;
- OS Android-5.0.2 Lollipop with proprietary TouchWiz firmware;
- main camera 16 megapixels, with the ability to record video in 4K, LED flash, optical image stabilization;
- 5 megapixel front camera, with the ability to record video in QHD, HDR;
- 32 GB of internal storage 2.0 UFS;
- active noise cancellation system using a special microphone;
- customizable shortcut buttons;
- communication LTE Cat.6, Wi-Fi / B / G / N, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, NFC, infrared, Bluetooth, 4.1, ANT +;
- heart rate sensor, barometer, SpO2;
- insignificant price markup compared to the original model.
Main disadvantages:
- only a version with 32 GB of internal memory is available;
- no microSD card slot;
- the battery is not user replaceable;
- no stereo speakers;
- no fingerprint sensor;
- released only through the AT & T network (at least right now);
- not so beautiful compared to the original.
As you can see above, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Action hasn't lost any of its technical characteristics, but it has increased its armor and has become much more tolerant of physical influences. Unfortunately, the phone cannot be bought in any store yet, the option with a large amount of memory is not available, the fingerprint detector has been removed, but the strong navigation buttons have become better.
Packaging and design
Like its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Action comes in a white and orange box with AT&T branding. Inside you will find a handset, charger, MicroUSB cable and a quick start guide. Samsung and AT&T decided not to include headphones this year.
If you add a portion of plastic to the Samsung Galaxy S6, you get the Samsung Galaxy S6 Action. It did not become more beautiful from this, but also the refinement of taste did not lose. The company is not going to win beauty contests with it, but created this version for active travel lovers, athletes and people working in harsh conditions. Therefore, the build quality is excellent.
The flagship also received new camouflage colors "for winter", "for the city" and "black camouflage". An interesting color combination for the polycarbonate case. No additional covers or protective cases required. They are de facto built into the body.
The dimensions of the smartphone are as follows: 146.8 x 73.4 x 8.6 mm. The thickness of the original model is 6.8 mm. It weighs 150 grams. The thickness of the original is 138 grams. It is almost impossible to drop one by chance. The smartphone has a clear grip on the palm, even with a glove on. The physical buttons are tight and not accidentally pressed. You need to make an effort to each.
Control
Above the display we find a speaker, a pair of sensors, and a selfie camera. Three navigation buttons are located below the display.
The volume and power / lock keys are on the left. The nano SIM card slot is on the right.
At the top of the smartphone, we see a 3.5mm audio jack, a secondary microphone and an infrared port that allows you to remotely control various household appliances with your smartphone.
At the bottom, you will find a MicroUSB port and a hole for the primary microphone.
The back houses the main video camera with LED flash, heart rate monitor as well as speaker. There are also the Samsung and AT & T logos. The back cover cannot be removed.
Final Words
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Action offers high quality performance and good durability in one device. A voluminous 3500 mAh battery allows it to work up to two days without recharging, which is very good in hard-to-reach places, where the benefits of civilization are far from.
The company has equipped it with the latest cameras and a powerful processor. Capturing stunning UHD videos and photos and working with all applications without a shadow of lag is simple and easy. And the photo is easy, just double-click quickly on the screen. But for a long time, the phone's memory will not be enough to record clips in 4K. In fact, only 23 GB out of 32 are allocated for video storage. Hopefully, the company will add options with 64 or 128 GB.
The built-in wireless charger also adds to the appeal of the phone. More importantly, this time, you don't have to worry about the rubber flap covering the MicroUSB connector after you've charged the device. The slot is already protected from water and dust. The device is priced at $ 700, which is comparable to the 64GB variant of the Samsung Galaxy S6.
- the third model of the flagship line, which, unlike the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge, received not an all-metal premium case, but a powerful protected frame, as well as IP68 protection certification.
The device will withstand immersion input to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and has the MIL-STD-810 standard (protection against temperature extremes, shock when dropped from a height of up to 1 meter), which means that with this smartphone you can go to a real "Harsh" hike and not be afraid that the phone will break, drown or get clogged with sand.
Design and dimensions
From the very first glance at Galaxy S6 Active, you understand that you are dealing not with a simple, but a protected device. One gets the feeling that this is an ordinary phone, but dressed in some kind of super case.
The smartphone is available in three colors: dark gray, black and white. In the lower part there are mechanical keys, and on the side face there is another additional button, with which you can launch special functions that may come in handy on the same trip.
Naturally, the physical dimensions of the novelty are slightly larger and amount to 146.8 x 73.4 x 8.6 mm, and the weight is 150 grams. Although, the phone turned out to be not very large and not at all heavy, given its protective properties.
Display
Despite targeting more active users who are unlikely to peer at the excessively high resolution of the display, Samsung has decided to follow the trend of its 2015 flagships to the end. Therefore, the Galaxy S6 Active has the same 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a top-end Quad HD resolution (2560 by 1440), so the picture will look flawless from any angle.
Iron characteristics
The internal filling of the smartphone also corresponds to the latest trends of the Korean company, while you get not only one of the most secure smartphones on the market, but also the most productive!
The core of the hardware is the Exynos 7 Octa 7420 chipset - an 8-core 64-bit processor with a constant operating frequency of 2.1 GHz and a Mali-T760 MP8 video chip, all complemented by 3 GB of RAM.
This is enough to ensure maximum performance in any application. The only version with 32 GB of internal memory will be sold without the possibility of its expansion. It is worth noting a capacious 3500 mAh battery, which can provide tremendous autonomy, so you can safely go on a trip and are not afraid that the smartphone will be discharged by the evening.
Video: unboxing and comparison with the Galaxy S6
Camera
Naturally, being high in the mountains or wading through the jungle, stumbling upon a mountain waterfall, you will probably want to photograph the beauty you see, or take a selfie and the Galaxy S6 Active will let you do it.
The main 16-megapixel camera with an aperture of F1.9 and clear algorithms perfectly copes with both photos and videos under any conditions. The front 5-megapixel sensor will also provide great portrait photos, and thanks to the dedicated mode, you can capture even more in the frame.
Video: case comparison
Conclusion
As you can see, we have before us a truly full-fledged flagship smartphone with the best, at the time of this writing, technical parameters, which, at the same time, is protected from any outside influence.
Such a smartphone is focused primarily on users who actively spend their time and cannot imagine a weekend without hiking in the mountains or riding bicycles along the nearest forest trails.
Video: Galaxy C6 Active crash tests
Your mark:
