Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Specs Prices & Performance Unveiled

Network Compatibility

The Samsung I9295 Galaxy S4 Active is designed to support a variety of network technologies, ensuring that users have extensive connectivity options. It is equipped with GSM, HSPA, and LTE capabilities, making it suitable for both traditional and high-speed mobile networks. The device supports a wide range of 2G bands — GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 — making it globally compatible with most mobile service providers for basic voice and text communication.

For faster data services, the S4 Active offers 3G support through HSDPA bands (850/900/1900/2100), allowing for seamless video streaming and internet browsing. Its 4G LTE support is available on bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 20, providing fast download and upload speeds — up to 100 Mbps for downloads and 50 Mbps for uploads — ensuring a smooth experience for online gaming and video conferencing.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released in June 2013, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active was introduced as a robust variant of the classic Galaxy S4 model. It was aimed at users looking for a durable smartphone without sacrificing performance. Despite its impressive features at the time, the model has since been discontinued, marking the end of its production and official availability in the market.

Design and Build

Sporting dimensions of 139.7 x 71.3 x 9.1 mm and weighing 153 grams, the Galaxy S4 Active was built to be sturdy yet comfortable to hold. It uses a micro-SIM format, consistent with many phones of its time, and features a design capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear. This device was particularly marketed for its water and dust resistance, which added to its appeal for active users.

Display Specifications

The device features a 5.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, delivering vibrant and crisp visuals with a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi. To protect against scratches and minor impacts, the screen is covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 2, reinforcing its durability and longevity. The display’s contrast ratio of 1046:1 nominal and 2.022 in sunlight conditions ensures good visibility in different lighting conditions.

Platform and Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm APQ8064T Snapdragon 600 chipset and a quad-core 1.9 GHz Krait 300 processor, the Galaxy S4 Active offers robust performance capable of handling multiple tasks efficiently. The Adreno 320 GPU complements this setup by providing smooth graphics performance, particularly in gaming and multimedia applications.

The smartphone originally launched with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and was later upgradable to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, providing a user-friendly interface with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI customization, enabling unique features and enhancements.

Storage and Memory

The device was packaged with 16GB of internal storage, of which 11.2GB was available to the user. It also included 2GB of RAM, which aided in smooth multitasking and efficient management of applications. For users requiring more storage, the phone supported microSDXC cards through a dedicated slot, offering flexible storage expansion options for media and applications.

Camera Features

The main camera on the Galaxy S4 Active includes an 8 MP sensor with autofocus capabilities, designed to capture clear and detailed images. It also features an LED flash to enhance picture quality in low-light conditions. The camera supports various shooting modes such as panorama and HDR, and is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30 fps for high-quality video documentation.

The front camera, at 2 MP, supports video recording at 1080p at 30 fps, suitable for video calls and selfies, providing adequate quality for both purposes.

Sound and Audio

Equipped with a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, the S4 Active caters to diverse audio preferences. It provides decent audio output quality, with tests showing loudness ratings of Voice 72dB, Noise 66dB, and Ring 78dB. The overall audio quality is marked by a noise level of -96.1dB and a crosstalk of -96.0dB, indicating clear and distinct audio playback with minimal distortion.

Connectivity Options

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active offers a wide range of connectivity features, including dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, which allows for rapid Internet connectivity and the option to act as a mobile hotspot. It includes Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and aptX for high-fidelity wireless audio streaming.

The device supports GPS with GLONASS for accurate navigation and location-based services. An NFC chip is included to facilitate various short-range communications like mobile payments and data exchanges. Other ports and features include an infrared port for remote control functionalities, microUSB 2.0 (MHL 2 TV-out) for connections to other devices, and OTG support for USB peripherals.

Sensors and Additional Features

To enhance user interaction and provide additional functionality, the S4 Active is equipped with multiple sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and gesture recognition capabilities. These sensors enable diverse applications, from screen rotation and navigation to fitness tracking and weather forecasting.

Battery Performance

The device is powered by a removable 2600 mAh Li-Ion battery, offering convenient maintenance and replacement options. It boasts a standby time of up to 312 hours and a talk time of up to 17 hours, providing sufficient usage time for daily activities and communication needs. Under testing conditions, the battery endurance rating is 57 hours, ensuring reliable performance through most of the day for average users.

Design and Style Options

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active was available in a variety of colors to suit personal preferences: Urban Grey, Dive Blue, and Orange Flare. This range of colors offered users the chance to express their individual style while enjoying the practical features of a resilient smartphone.

Price and Market Position

Initially priced around 310 EUR, the Galaxy S4 Active was positioned as a premium device in its category. Although relatively high, the price reflected its durable build, robust performance capabilities, and comprehensive feature set. Despite its discontinuation, the device remains a noteworthy example of Samsung's foray into creating rugged yet sophisticated smartphones.

Conclusion

The Samsung I9295 Galaxy S4 Active stands out as a device that successfully combined the durability required by active lifestyles with the technological sophistication expected from Samsung's Galaxy series. With features like water and dust resistance, a vibrant display, powerful processor, and extensive connectivity options, it catered to users looking for a reliable and competent smartphone. Despite its discontinuation, the S4 Active's legacy persists, serving as a benchmark for future rugged smartphones.