Rugged version of Galaxy S4 on the way
Compact version of S4 also on the way.
Compact version of S4 also on the way.
Samsung is planning a rugged version of its Samsung flagship S4 smartphone, which was released in New Zealand today.
The new phone, tentatively called the Galaxy S4 Active, will be waterproof and dust proof, but Samsung is aiming to maintain the look and feel of the S4, according to a Wall Street Journal report quoting an un-named "person familiar with the matter."
The S4 Active is due in July.
The insider also says Samsung will also release a compact version of the S4 with a 4.3-inch display (the S4 released today has a 5-inch screen; the term "compact" is relative - Apple's iPhone 5 has a 4-inch display).
A frenetic release schedule will also see new 7-inch, 8-inch and 10.1-inch tablets on the market in June, the person says.
Motorola and Sony already have rugged smartphones on the market - albeit let down by the fact they are only fresh-water proof, with the fine print warning owners about salt and chlorinated water (see video of NBR's Smartphone Dunk Test here).