Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy S6 active advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Active is notable for its rugged design, which was specifically engineered to withstand harsh environments. Unlike the standard Galaxy S6, the S6 Active comes with a built-in protective casing that provides extra durability. The dimensions measure at 146.8 x 73.4 x 8.6 mm and it weighs around 170 grams, making it substantial yet manageable in terms of weight.

It is equipped with an IP68 rating, meaning it is dustproof and water-resistant over 1.5 meters and 30 minutes. This certification makes the Galaxy S6 Active ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable device that can withstand diverse weather conditions. The phone also offers MIL-STD-810G compliance, which means it is resistant to salt, dust, humidity, rain, vibration, solar radiation, transport, and thermal shock resistance.

Display Characteristics

The Galaxy S6 Active features a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, which delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The resolution is 1440 x 2560 pixels, leading to a pixel density of approximately 576 pixels per inch. This high-density screen ensures that images and text are incredibly sharp, providing a great viewing experience for multimedia consumption.

The screen comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection, which adds an additional layer of durability, minimizing scratches and impact from falls. The quality and durability of the display make it a great choice for those who frequently find themselves in rough environments or tend to drop their phones.

Performance and Software

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Active is powered by the Exynos 7420 Octa chipset. With its Octa-core CPU and Mali-T760MP8 GPU, the device delivers excellent performance for daily tasks and even more demanding applications. Specifically, the device features 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 configurations, allowing for efficient multitasking and smooth user experience.

Running on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop out of the box, with an upgradeable path to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, the device incorporates Samsung's TouchWiz UI. This user interface customization by Samsung adds several features and design changes, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a more tailored Android experience.

Camera Systems

The main camera of the Galaxy S6 Active is a respectable 16 MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, offering clear and sharp images. It features autofocus, LED flash, auto-HDR, and panorama capabilities. This camera is also capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second, as well as 1080p at both 30 and 60 frames per second. For those interested in slow-motion video, the device can capture 720p at 120 fps.

The front-facing camera is a 5 MP shooter with an f/1.9 aperture. It provides decent performance for selfies and video calls, with the capability of recording 1080p videos at 30 fps. The dual-camera system on this phone is robust enough for general photography needs and excels in producing vibrant and accurate colors.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy S6 Active boasts a non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery, which offers substantial battery life. Reports indicate an endurance rating of 109 hours, making it an excellent choice for those who need a device that lasts an entire day on a single charge. The phone supports 15W wired charging and offers wireless charging capabilities depending on the market.

The longevity of the battery is further enhanced by the device's power management features, allowing users to go up to 24 hours of talk time on a 3G network or listen to music for up to 57 hours. This is ideal for users who rely on their phones for long periods without frequent access to a power source.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity on the Galaxy S6 Active is comprehensive. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of mobile networks globally. For local connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band, ensuring a fast and stable internet connection.

Bluetooth 4.1 is supported, alongside NFC and an infrared port, which extends the device's connectivity options. The absence of a radio and the use of microUSB 2.0 might be downsides for some users, but the overall connectivity features are quite robust.

Memory and Storage

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Active comes in two storage variants: 32GB and 64GB, with 3GB of RAM. This combination allows for efficient multitasking and storage for a reasonable amount of apps, games, and media. However, it's important to note that there is no card slot for expandable storage, which can be a limitation for users who require more than the preset storage options.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device includes a comprehensive set of sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and a heart rate monitor. These sensors provide various functionalities, from tracking movement and orientation to assisting with location services and health monitoring through fitness applications.

Being rugged by design, the S6 Active was built with durability in mind, ready to accompany users through rigorous outdoor activities. It comes in colors such as White and Gray, catering to a more professional yet rugged appearance.