A rugged Samsung Galaxy S8 Active could be making its way to AT&T soon, if a new report turns out to be accurate.
Samsung recently launched the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ and the flagships are all set to go on sale next week, boasting top-notch specs and features all around. The smartphones sport sleek designs, but they're also covered in glass that can easily be scratched or damaged.
Each year, Samsung launches a more rugged version of its flagship smartphone to cater to those looking for a more durable device. AT&T has been offering the Active versions of Galaxy S flagships for years and this year is expected to be no different.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Active Headed To AT&T?
Samsung-centric outlet SamMobile reports that Samsung has a Galaxy S8 Active in tow and it will likely release the rugged smartphone as an AT&T exclusive. Not many details are available at this point, but Samsung is reportedly referring to this smartphone internally as the "Cruiser."
If previous Galaxy Active iterations are any indication, the purported Samsung Galaxy S8 Active should sport roughly the same high-end specs as the regular Galaxy S8 flagship, but with extra ruggedness to make it more durable. This should include a higher water and dust resistance, a shockproof case and a tougher build overall.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Active: What To Expect
At the same time, it may be tough to predict what the Active version will be like this time. Samsung has been launching Active models of its flagships for years now and generally these versions have shared some common elements, but now there are more major changes between the older Galaxy S7 and the new Galaxy S8 to make us wonder about the design.
For instance, Galaxy Active phones so far have featured three physical buttons on the front, but that may well change this year since Samsung removed the physical home button from the Galaxy S8 and opted for on-screen controls instead.
Moreover, the new Galaxy S8 series doesn't have a flat-screen version like previous generations, but it seems unlikely that Samsung would release a rugged smartphone with a curved display. That said, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active may shift to a flat screen, albeit it would make it look quite different from the regular S8.
In addition to a more rugged build and a shatter-resistant screen, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active should also pack a larger battery compared with the regular Galaxy S8. More ruggedness also means extra bulk, however, so don't expect the Galaxy S8 Active to look as sleek as the Galaxy S8.
SamMobile has no information as to when Samsung might release the Galaxy S8 Active, and Samsung itself has made no mention of this version just yet. In previous years, however, Galaxy Active models have launched in June and Samsung could be looking at a similar time frame for this year as well.
It's all in the rumor state until Samsung confirms it, but an AT&T Galaxy S8 Active would make sense. As always, we'll keep you up to date as soon as we learn more, but take everything with a grain of salt until Samsung makes it official.
