Samsung Galaxy S5 Active

Overview

The Galaxy S5 Active is a much more durable package with a larger, brighter, clearer screen, much better battery life, better phone reception and voice clarity and with a better selection of aftermarket apps tailored to the genuine needs of outdoor activity.

-- As reviewed by Gizmodo

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 12 expert reviews

Excellent:

6
Good:

6
Average:

0
Bad:

0

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Last revision on May 31, 2016

Reviewers Liked

Gorgeous screen
Great camera
Drop- and water-resistant
Customizable Active key

Reviewers Didn't Like

Thick, reinforced corners
A lot of bloatware

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick these products using a variety of criteria: they might be direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or they could be devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

By Tom's Guide on November 10, 2014 80

The S5 Active combines flagship power with military-grade durability, giving butter-fingered users and outdoor enthusiasts the best of both worlds. Sometimes a little bit of waterproofing isn't enough. That's where the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active...

By Ubergizmo on August 08, 2014 80

Think of the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active (released May 2014, listed at $659 without contract by AT&T) as a stronger, tougher cousin of the Galaxy S5 (released April 2014). The Galaxy S5 Active dropped its predecessor S5's fingerprint sensor, a security...

By MobileTechReview on July 01, 2014 80

The good news is that the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active isn't a compromised version of the Galaxy S5 as was the GS4 Active compared to the GS4. The just OK news is that though the phone meets some MIL-spec 810G tests (4 foot drop onto flat surface, water...

By Android Authority on July 01, 2014 90

9.0 The Galaxy S5 Active is not a watered down (no pun intended) flagship in a rugged body. It IS a flagship. If you loved everything about the Galaxy S5, but you wished it could take more of a beating, than the S5 Active is a perfect...

By Pocketnow on June 18, 2014 85

Whatever the paint job, whether a Galaxy S5 Active belongs in your pocket depends on how much meat you really need on your smartphone's bones. Remember, the stock S5 is already immersion-resistant, and while a MIL-STD-810G rating should mean the...

By Digital Trends on June 17, 2014 80

If you're looking for a phone that can stand up more drops, dings, and dirt than the average smartphone, and you like the idea of tactile buttons, there's no reason not to snatch the Galaxy S5 Active up (provided you're on AT&T), as it's priced the...

By PC Mag on June 16, 2014 90

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Active on AT&T is a no-compromise, ruggedized Android smartphone that will appeal to klutzes and adrenaline junkies...

By Phone Arena on June 11, 2014 90

One has to give Samsung credit with the Galaxy S5 Active, seeing as though it looks like they've been able to learn from last years' model. However, some folks might still be scratching their heads wondering why come out with this phone knowing that the...

By cnet on June 06, 2014 90

The Galaxy S5 Active's physical buttons and high-end features keep it in Samsung's hit parade, but those seeking a truly rugged phone should keep...

By Gizmodo on December 24, 2014

With additional armour and unique, physical buttons, the waterproof Samsung Galaxy S5 Active targets outdoorsy users. Well, I'm outdoorsy, so I took it outside and beat it up. Does it work?Gizmodo loves technology. Our product reviews are presented...

By whatsyourtech.ca on November 29, 2014

After using the Active for close to a month, we understood why. On paper, the two versions share virtually all of the same specs. They have the same exact 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, same processor, same RAM, same internal storage, same microSD slot,...

By Canadian Reviewer on November 11, 2014

Over the course of the last few weeks, I've had the pleasure of putting the new Samsung Galaxy S5 Active from TELUS through its paces.Because my work keeps me outside daily for long hours doing interlock stonework and asphalt paving, I was asked to see...

By mashable.com on October 11, 2014

Armor worn and swords swung by actors in ancient and medieval movie adventures are often constructed of plastic, etched and painted to look like the heavy metal ware worn and wielded by the original warriors.Samsung has pulled some similar materials...

By techwelike.com on October 06, 2014

the experience was very similar to that of the S5. It's actually a little better than the S5 (for me) because it helps with my clumsiness. I still suggest a screen protector in case the phone falls directly on the screen. If you already have AT&T...

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Samsung Galaxy S5 Active

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

TechSpot Metascore

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Samsung Galaxy S6

LG G4

Sony Xperia Z3

Google Nexus 6

Expert reviews and ratings