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Hands on with Samsung's splash-happy Galaxy S4 Active (pictures)

We've heard plenty about the sturdier new Galaxy S4 Active that you can take into the pool for some underwater snaps. Now we get to take a look.

Jessica Dolcourt

June 20, 2013 1:26 p.m. PT

Jessica Dolcourt

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1 of 10 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Samsung's splash-happy Galaxy S4 Active

Samsung had already announced the dustproof and waterproof Samsung Galaxy S4 Active prior to the phone's first official viewing, but it's only now that we can finally bring you an eyes-on.

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2 of 10 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Like the original, but a little different

What's different about the Active versus the original ? Good question. Apart from the tougher build, not much. The handset is heavier and slightly thicker, and its 8-megapixel camera can take a shot or two beneath the waves without getting waterlogged.

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3 of 10 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Buttons you can press

Instead of capacitive buttons, the S4 Active has grippier keys you can press to navigate around.

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4 of 10 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Otherwise an S4 clone

Beyond that, the shape, colors, and finish look almost identical to the original S4...

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5 of 10 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Screwed down

...that is, they look alike from the front. Flip it over and you see hardware accents designed to make the phone sturdier.

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6 of 10 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A closer look

Let's get a closer look at that texture on this bolted-down S4 Active.

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7 of 10 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Side view

It may weigh more, but the Galaxy S4 Active won't take up any more room in your pocket.

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8 of 10 Brian Bennett/CNET

A camera mode made for surf

The Aqua mode on the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active shuts down the touch screen and enables the volume keys for use as the shutter/record button.

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9 of 10 Brian Bennett/CNET

Easy to grip edges

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active's back side features top and bottom edges with a cross-hatched pattern. They're designed to help you grip the phone better when it's wet.

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10 of 10 Brian Bennett/CNET