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Up close with the sporty Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (pictures)

This dustproof, waterproof Galaxy S4 phone has a flashier design and some cool new moves.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung's sporty Galaxy S4 Active

Hardware keys, rubber bumpers, and loud colors are only part of what gives Samsung's Galaxy S4 Active its outdoorsy quality.
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2 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Grab some waves

This fun-loving version of the Galaxy S4 is also waterproof a meter below the surface for up to 30 minutes.
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3 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Done and dusted

Besides that, its IP67 rating means it's dustproof, too.
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4 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Seal the deal

This rubbery gasket beneath the back cover rebuffs particles and droplets.
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5 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Close that yap

Before giving it an underwater dunk or going on a dusty hike, you have to make sure this Micro-USB charging port is plugged.
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6 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Snap it into place

You'll also want to double-check that the back cover is completely clicked into place, pressing the AT&T logo on the back to finish the seal.
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7 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Headset jack

Don't worry about the headset jack; it's already quietly waterproofed.
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8 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Splish, splash

With the phone completely sealed, you can turn on Aqua mode, which uses a fixed focus to take underwater snaps and video using the volume rocker.
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9 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Line 'em up

The S4 Active clearly has a wilder personality than the original Galaxy S4, but the two phones have the same basic shape and internal specs, down to the IR blaster at the top of the phone.
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10 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Push some buttons

Physical navigation buttons are easy to press with wet or dry hands. It's a very nice change from flat, touch-sensitive icons and the S4's skinny Home key.
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11 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Thicker controls

The Active's volume rocker and power/lock buttons are also meatier and easier to push.
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12 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Bumper and camera

I love the look of the rubbery bumpers on the back, but since they don't completely wrap around the Active's corners, they have limited functionality in protecting the phone from drops and scrapes. Samsung squared off the camera mount design to reinforce the sporty look.
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13 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Take a deep breath

This Active isn't the only water baby there is, not by a long shot. But if you do it right, you can get some neat shots you wouldn't ordinarily be able to nab without extra accessories.

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