The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active could be on the horizon. A respected tipster has discovered a model number potentially consistent with a new Active version on Indian import-export tracking site Zauba that may indicate a rugged version of Samsung's recently released new flagship is in the cards.
The model number in question is SM-G891A. The always-reliable Evan Blass noted that the model number is one digit above the Galaxy S6 Active that is currently available and is known as the SM-G890A. He also pointed out that the model number could also simply be a change in SKU, or another Samsung model other than the Galaxy S6 Active.
"AT&T is testing a handset, Samsung SM-G891A. GS6 Active is G890A. Updated SKU, GS7 Active, or other?" tweeted Blass.
Samsung of course is well known for offering several variants of its flagship S series catering to specific consumer tastes. The S5, for example, birthed offshoots like the less expensive S5 Neo, the smaller S5 Mini and the rugged, waterproof S5 Active and S5 Sport. The Galaxy S6 Active was introduced last year, and although an S6 Mini was anticipated and even showed up briefly on a retail website complete with specs, it was never officially released, with Samsung seemingly shifting its attention to its midrange A series.
A Samsung Galaxy S6 Sport apparently never made the cut either, but the Sport was essentially a slightly tweaked version of the AT&T exclusive Active rebranded for Sprint customers. It stands to reason that Samsung's new flagship smartphone series will receive the popular Active treatment, but exactly how it will differ from its namesake is still not known. With Samsung having already given the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge the waterproof treatment that once made the Active a standout, what would the new Galaxy S7 Active offer?
We expect that above all the chassis and build of the device would again be more rugged and thus able to withstand the rougher treatment the Active series implies. The device may also offer a larger battery than Samsung's current flagships, but the removability last offered by the S5 Active and Sport models is unlikely to return. The device is once again likely to be an AT&T exclusive in the U.S., and whether a similar Sport or other models for additional U.S. carriers will emerge also remains to be seen.
