The Samsung Galaxy S 4 is still a pretty fresh handset, but a new rumor suggests that we could soon see a new variant of the device aimed at people that can be tough on their phones. A source speaking to The Wall Street Journal claims that Samsung is planning to launch a new ruggedized version of the Galaxy S 4 in July that is currently known as the "Galaxy S 4 Active." The device will reportedly be both waterproof and dust proof, but will also feature the same overall design as the current Galaxy S 4.
The same source also says that Samsung is prepping a smaller version of its Galaxy S 4 flagship that will sport a 4.3-inch display, down from the 5-incher found on the GS4. This lines up with what we've heard about the Samsung Galaxy S 4 mini, which is said to feature a 4.3-inch qHD (960x540) display. This shrunken Galaxy S 4 handset is expected to arrive in July.
Finally, the WSJ's tipster says that Samsung is working on a new Galaxy tablet that features an 8-inch display. This model would land in-between the 7-inch and 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab devices that are currently available. Not much else is known about this 8-inch slate, but it is reportedly due before the Galaxy S 4 Active and Galaxy S 4 mini, with Samsung said to be aiming for a June launch.
While all of the products described in today's report are still very much a rumor, I wouldn't be surprised to see any of them officially launch. After all, Samsung is known for offering a pretty wide-range of products with varying screen sizes. There's also the fact that the company already offers a Galaxy S III mini and Galaxy Note 8.0, so the claim that Samsung's got a Galaxy S 4 mini and 8-inch Galaxy tablet in the works doesn't come as a shock.
The ruggedized Galaxy S 4 Active sounds like it could be interesting since we don't often see high-end smartphones that are also tough. There's no word yet on where in the world it'll actually end up being offered, though, so anyone that's been impatiently awaiting the Galaxy S 4's arrival on store shelves may just want to pick up the normal model and slap a beefy case on it. What do you think of rugged smartphones? Would you be interested in a waterproof and dust proof Galaxy S 4 or are you content with the regular model?
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