Does the phone I'm looking for exist?

[birdsy]

Hello, I've spent three days scouring the web trying to choose a phone and I keep seeing this forum. There's a lot of knowledge here so I hope someone will know off hand which phone will meet my needs. I currently have a Galaxy S4 on Cricket (AT&T).
I'm looking for a factory unlocked phone, on a budget but I could spend up to $500 if I have to.

Two things I absolutely must have are an IR blaster and excellent screen brightness for visibility in the sunlight. Over 550 Nits at least, the more the better. My next biggest concern is battery life, then durability/water resistance. I'd like a decent camera and and fast processor, but they're not major to me and I figure any current phone will at least match my Galaxy S4, which has been fine in those aspects.

I'm disinclined to buy another Samsung, I haven't been happy with two I've had. Really all that matters is a decent quality unlocked phone with the IR and excellent brightness on a reasonable budget. Does this phone exist?

 

[sydneycooper1979]

Ooooooh that's a tough one. The IR blaster is throwing me off. Maybe an LG G4?

 

[sydneycooper1979]

Welcome to Android Central btw!

 

[birdsy]

Welcome to Android Central btw!

Thank you. I normally would have done a more proper introduction to a new forum, but I'm at my wits end here and my Galaxy just keeps aggravating me more and more everyday.

 

[SactoKingsFan]

Galaxy S6 Active

 

[sydneycooper1979]

Ooooh good call. I forgot about the S6 active.

 

[birdsy]

Galaxy S6 Active

It's looking like that's maybe my ONLY option. There's a few drawbacks to it, but not in the things that are most important to me. I'll hunt for another day and then order it.