Samsung is to launch a waterproof and dustproof version of its flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone, featuring an ‘Aqua’ mode for underwater photos.
Going on sale in the summer, the new device is aimed at users with a more “active” lifestyle and follows Sony’s recently launched Xperia Z in the trend for more ‘rugged’ smartphones.
Coming with ‘official IP67 protection’ means it will be able to withstand 30 minutes of submergence in water at a depth of one metre, as well as being dustproof.
The new model will also feature all the standard S4 features such as eye tracking and health monitoring.
In a statement, Samsung said: “The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is designed to enhance life experiences of the active user who wants to stay connected while exploring environments from the most rugged mountain trails to the roughest rivers.”.
The device will come with a 1.9 GHZ Quad-Core processor and 5-inch Full HD screen offering 443 PPI and a 2,600mAh battery.
The 8 megapixel camera will also feature an ‘Aqua Mode’ for enhanced underwater images and video, and can be activated by the volume key for quick shooting.
@evleaks posted an image that confirms an Aqua mode in the camera modes of the Galaxy S4 Active (see below).
SGS4A, in turquoise(!), for AT&T twitter.com/evleaks/status…
— @evleaks (@evleaks) June 2, 2013
Although devices conforming to the IP67 standard are common in Asia, European models have typically not featured waterproof or dustproof variants. Sony’s Xperia Z and Xperia Tablet Z were among the first to do so, but have not focused on the fact in their marketing.
The S4 Active will be available this summer, initially in the US and Sweden. UK pricing and release has yet to be announced.