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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

July 16, 2013 2:46 p.m. PT

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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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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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Done and dusted

Besides that, its IP67 rating means it's dustproof, too.

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Seal the deal

This rubbery gasket beneath the back cover rebuffs particles and droplets.

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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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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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Headset jack

Don't worry about the headset jack; it's already quietly waterproofed.

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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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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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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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Thicker controls

The Active's volume rocker and power/lock buttons are also meatier and easier to push.

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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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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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