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Samsung Galaxy S5 Active not so tough after all (pictures)
Apart from a few hardware buttons and some reinforced corners, the Galaxy S5 Active isn't so different from the original Galaxy S5 -- which makes it a great choice for anyone.
Go wild
The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active may have a tough exterior, especially with this camouflage coloring, but it's much more like the original Galaxy S5 than you might think.
Who's it for? Anyone
It may boast a sturdier chassis, but inside, the GS5 Active has (almost) all the Android 4.4 KitKat goodness as the S5, and all of Samsung's own additions as well, like a heart-rate monitor -- though it lacks the fingerprint scanner.
Button-pusher
Physical navigation buttons are responsive alternatives to capacitive controls, and do all the same things.
Blending in
In addition to Camo Green, you can get the S5 Active in Ruby Red or Titanium Grey.
Hard body
With reinforced plastic corners and no silvery trim, the S5 Active can take more rough-housing. I shoved it pretty hard between these branches, without incurring any dents, scuffs, or dings.
Grip gripe
However, it's too bad that the material along the top and sides isn't grippier.
For your convenience
See that blue button? That's for you. A short press opens up a dashboard for sports-related apps and a long press launches the camera. Don't worry, you can swap functions all you'd like in the Settings.
Active dash
Here's a look at the default Activity Zone that Samsung installed. It has a compass, barometer, flashlight, and stopwatch.
Edge master
Straight sides and grooved edges were designed to make the phone easier to hang onto.
Blast off
An IR blaster on top will let you control your TV from the couch.
Camera power
The Active's 16-megapixel camera matches the GS5 original with excellent image quality and the option to record ultra-HD video.
Screw that
There are four nubs on the back panel that look a little like screws. Don't be fooled, the back panel comes off with nothing more than a strong fingernail wedged beneath an indentation.
Not so pocket-friendly
A tad taller, wider, and thicker than the already-big S5, the Active is a bit more of a pocket-buster.
Remember the S4 Active?
Ignore the fatigue and you can see that the S5 Active is still pretty similar to the S4 Active that came before, but with a flatter back, less grippy coating, and an added convenience key.
Compared to the Galaxy S5
Here, the S5 Active sits alongside its kin, the S5 flagship. Internally, the two share the same screen size, processor, RAM, and battery specs.
A smidge more
Look closely and you can see the Active's slightly more inflated size and bulk.