Galaxy S6 Active Release & Specs Reportedly Confirmed

Samsung’s brand new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge were announced earlier this month at the annual Mobile World Congress event in Spain, and the company debuted two brand new completely redesigned smartphones for 2015. The new Galaxy S6 has a lot to offer, tons of new features, but is missing many key aspects that previous versions had, and that includes water resistance like the Galaxy S5.

This year Samsung took a completely different approach to the Galaxy S smartphone lineup. Rather than release the same Galaxy smartphone we’ve seen for years, they mixed it up by adding glass to the front and the back, and the rest of the phone is made of a durable metal frame. One of few Samsung devices not made entirely of plastic.

Read: 25 Galaxy S6 Features You’ll Love

However, it looks like Samsung didn’t completely abandon the design that many Galaxy smartphone owners love. The past few years they’ve release an “Active” or “Sport” version of the Galaxy S smartphone, one that’s more durable than the others, and we’re now hearing the same thing is coming this year. A Samsung Galaxy S6 Active.

While the new Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are impressive looking phones, the new design made them lose multiple key features that Samsung owners have enjoyed for years. Things like a removable back with an interchangeable battery, and the option to add more storage via a micro-SD slot. Not to mention last year the Galaxy S5 was waterproof and rather rugged, and this year it has none of those features.

In a sense Samsung went backwards with features like durability and water resistance, and focused on a premium design instead. In fact, the new Galaxy S6 actually has a smaller battery than last year, the same size screen, and no micro-SD slot for expandable storage. However, new rumors have arrived reportedly confirming a Galaxy S6 Active is coming soon, and will bring back many of those features and aspects for potential buyers.

According to SamMobile, Samsung is working on a new Galaxy S6 Active that will debut on AT&T here in the United States, just like previous years. Their sources confirm the Galaxy S6 Active (SM-G890A) will have the same 5.1 inch Quad-HD 2560 x 1440 (2K) display as the Galaxy S6, and the same impressive specs under the hood. Those being the 8-core Exynos 7420 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of on-board storage and a 16-megapixel rear and 5 megapixel front setup.

The other details state it will be a little bit taller, a few mm wider, and slightly thicker. All of this will make it have a rugged and durable design, and a full IP67 dust and water resistant rating. Their source also confirms rather than the small 2,550 mAh battery from the Galaxy S6, the S6 Active will sport a massive 3,500 mAh battery instead, which will make it a little thicker.

The model number that leaked lines up with this smartphone coming to AT&T in the United States, and most likely other carriers will offer it as well, not to mention other regions around the globe.

All said, these are only rumors for now, but given Samsung’s past history of releasing similar Active devices (and on AT&T) we’re expecting more leaks and an official announcement soon. Once we learn more we’ll be sure and update with all the details.