Samsung Galaxy S4 Gets Waterproof Twin

Samsung debuts beach-ready version of Galaxy S4 that can take pictures underwater.

Samsung hopes that people will be interested in a somewhat tougher version of its flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone. On Wednesday, it introduced the Galaxy S4 Active, a waterproof variant that promises to take a dunk and keep on working.

The most significant difference between the Galaxy S4 and the GS4 Active is the outer shell and hardware itself. The GS4 Active has a new exterior that provides protection from dust, water and other liquids. The GS4 Active has an IP67 rating, which allows it to sit in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes without any risk of damage.

The Active can also withstand coffee spills, rain and sand. The screen can function both when wet and with gloves on. In other words, the GS4 Active would make a good companion on a construction site, on the slopes or at the beach.

Samsung didn't make any specific statements about the GS4 Active's ability to take more physical abuse. The regular Galaxy S4 is a delicate phone that, when dropped, may break. With the changed exterior, the GS4 Active appears to better protected against drops, but Samsung didn't say just how much punishment the GS4 Active can withstand.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Spec & Photos