Galaxy S8 Active Release: 5 Things to Know

Samsung and AT&T launched the solid Galaxy S8 Active back in August, and now it’s finally coming to other carriers for the first time in years. Samsung only announced availability for two more US carriers. This rugged phone, once exclusive to AT&T, will soon be available on both. T mobile and Sprint. Here’s what you need to know and when you can get it.

While the Galaxy S8 is a popular and eye-catching device, the Active model is exciting thanks to its extremely durable design and longer battery life.

Basically, the Galaxy S8 Active looks a lot like the original Galaxy S8 from earlier this year. It has a great design, a beautiful edge-to-edge 5.8-inch display, and a powerful rear camera. Only the phone is designed to offer extra durability, longer battery life and a few other changes. It’s the most durable smartphone Samsung has ever released, and here are the details.

AT&T and Samsung have partnered for the past few years to deliver a solid phone. But AT&T isn’t the only carrier available this year. We initially thought Sprint would get it, but now we know that both Sprint and T-Mobile will be in stores starting November 17.

If you love the Galaxy S8 but don’t want a phone with a curved screen and are afraid of damaging the phone, this is the perfect solution. It even has a military grade MIL-STD-810G rating. The screen is shatterproof up to 5 feet and is water resistant up to 5 feet for over 30 minutes.

Galaxy S8 Active Release Date

in august AT&T officially announced Galaxy S8 Active. It launched in mid-August and is still available as we speak. It is one of the best alternatives for Galaxy S8 or Pixel 2 XL.

However, you can get it from T-Mobile starting November 17. Company newly approved details, but we’re still waiting for more information from Sprint. Either way, both will be available this month.

The Galaxy S8 Active comes in Meteor Gray or Titanium Gold color options.

Galaxy S8 Active Pricing and Availability

Considering that this is the same great phone as the original Galaxy S8, only more powerful, the price is quite high. AT&T is asking around $850 for the Galaxy S8 Active, as we expected. Now that they’ve had it for a few months, you might find some good deals or savings.

T-Mobile is asking $830 for the Galaxy S8 Active, or $30 a month for 24 months after a $100 upfront payment. We expect a similar price of $830-850 from Sprint. However, don’t expect any pre-orders, just in-store availability from November 17.

Galaxy S8 Active Features and Features

As you know, this is the same phone as the Galaxy S8, with just a few subtle changes. It doesn’t look very elegant, but that’s because of the strong metal frames on both sides. Not to mention the easy-grip textured rubber on the sides and back. For those interested, the full summary is here.

Galaxy S8 Active Features

As you can see, the design is a bit more industrial compared to other Galaxy S8 smartphones. This is by design, as this phone can handle all life’s daily hazards. Above is a breakdown of notable differences and new features that the Active offers over the regular Galaxy S8.

It’s hard to tell from the photos, but there are rubber handles on the sides for ease of use. Additionally, there is additional texture on the back for a better grip. Our favorite part of the design is the shock absorbing rubber and TPU layer added to the corners. It looks like it already has a case, but it doesn’t. You probably won’t need a case either.

Galaxy S8 Active Unbreakable Screen and Water Resistance

You still get a nice 5.8-inch display, though the edges are not curved and are made of plastic rather than glass. This means it may be more prone to scratches, but won’t break down to 5ft drops. In fact, it carries a military-grade rating and is shock, dust, water, heat and drop resistant. This is actually Samsung’s most durable smartphone ever. Yes, that plastic screen won’t break if you drop your phone.

Just like the regular Galaxy S8, you’ll also benefit from its IP68 dust and water resistance rating. This means the phone can go under 5 feet of water for about 30 minutes and it works fine. Add that kind of durability to a rugged phone with an unbreakable screen and you won’t have to worry.

Bixby AI Button

We wanted to talk about the special Bixby button on the left side of the phone at closing. AT&T “Active” phones in the past had an Activity Zone button that could be customized to perform certain tasks. It’s a feature that many people enjoy. This is no longer an option and you will now see a dedicated Bixby AI button. This is Samsung’s virtual assistant similar to Amazon Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant.

Galaxy S8 Active owners can use Bixby to do just about anything you can do on the phone using your voice. One tap launches Bixby sound, reminders or Bixby camera. Check out the link below for more information on Bixby. Or you can turn the switch completely off if you want, but then it will do nothing and waste space.

At the end of the day, the Galaxy S8 Active costs roughly the same as the original. You will get the same great experience only in a very sturdy and durable package. Get it from AT&T today or T-Mobile on November 17. Then stay tuned for more launch information from Sprint in the coming days or next week.