The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active (i9295) is the third model in Samsung’s advanced S4 series, following the original Galaxy S4 (i9505) and Galaxy S4 mini (i9190). The S4 Active is the first phone offering rugged and waterproof performance in the S4 series. Let’s take a closer look at differences between the original S4 and S4 Active in the field of display, operating system, processor, memory, camera, battery, IP certificate and price.
Display
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, just like the original Galaxy S4, features a large 5-inch display with a Full HD screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Again, display is protected with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 3. However, a fundamental difference between the devices is the screen technology used: the original S4 uses extremely bright SuperAMOLED technology. When it comes to S4 Active, Samsung has opted for the less bright – but cheaper – regular TFT LCD screen.
Operating system
Both the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active and the original Galaxy S4 come with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and use Samsung’s TouchWiz interface. Changes in version 4.2 compared to version 4.1 include Gesture Typing (an integrated Swipe keyboard). In addition, performance is significantly improved.
Processor
In terms of processing power, Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is not inferior to the original. Like the Galaxy S4, the S4 Active has a powerful 1.9 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor with 2GB of RAM, so you can always count on fast performance.
Memory
The original Samsung Galaxy S4 comes in versions with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB memory. However, the standard model is the 16GB edition. Galaxy S4 Active comes with 16GB of memory. The memory of both devices is expandable via microSD card.
Galaxy S4 Active vs Galaxy S4
Camera
In addition to the display technology used and the IP certification, the camera functionality is the main difference between the original Galaxy S4 and the Galaxy S4 Active. The S4 has a 13-megapixel sensor with LED flash, 1080p Full HD video and a 2.1-megapixel HD front camera / webcam. The S4 Active is equipped with an 8-megapixel with LED flash, 1080p Full HD video and a 2-megapixel HD front camera / webcam. On the new S4 Active you can also find the ‘Aqua Mode’, using which you can take pictures underwater.
Battery
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, like the original Galaxy S4, is equipped with a 2600 mAh battery.
IP certification
Galaxy S4 Active is the first model in the Galaxy S4 series which is equipped with an IP67 certification. This means that it is dust-and waterproof. The S4 Active can be submerged in water, up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes.
Price
The original Galaxy S4 initially had a suggested retail price of 699 euros (for the 16GB version). The Galaxy S4 Active (16GB), thanks to a less advanced screen technology and not-so-grat camera, is 50 euros cheaper with a suggested retail price of 649 euros.
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is an interesting alternative to the original Galaxy S4. The device offers almost the same features, the same powerful processor and the same battery. The camera functionality is only slightly less sophisticated, but it is disappointing that the SuperAMOLED display of the original is exchanged for a regular TFT LCD. Nevertheless, for less money than the original S4, you get very complete smartphone that is also water-resistant.
