Soon to be New s6 Active Owner

[Ryche]

I was using an LG G3, but since April (when it was new), I have had to exchange it under Warranty twice, and do two master resets... After complaining to AT&T about the number of "repairs" (which would pretty much make it a lemon), they agreed to let me switch manufacturers under warranty, and I am getting an s6 Active. The phone itself looks fantastic and has great reviews, but would love to know some real world opinion. The biggest drawback on it is no expandable memory and 32GB on-board memory. Wondering if anyone has run into issues with that.
I'm not worried about the fingerprint scanner - or lack of one. Nor do I plan on rooting it (not that tech savvy).
So - any pros or cons I should be wary of?

Thanks!

 

[Mal Lignant Tumor]

Best thing to do is read through some of the threads here. Mostly you will discover the majority of people like their S6 Active. I know I do and have had zero issues. Welcome!

 

[Curtwsp]

I think there is a 64 gb version now

 

[anon(5630457)]

I was using an LG G3, but since April (when it was new), I have had to exchange it under Warranty twice, and do two master resets... After complaining to AT&T about the number of "repairs" (which would pretty much make it a lemon), they agreed to let me switch manufacturers under warranty, and I am getting an s6 Active. The phone itself looks fantastic and has great reviews, but would love to know some real world opinion. The biggest drawback on it is no expandable memory and 32GB on-board memory. Wondering if anyone has run into issues with that.
I'm not worried about the fingerprint scanner - or lack of one. Nor do I plan on rooting it (not that tech savvy).
So - any pros or cons I should be wary of?

Thanks!

Get the 64GB version. I have that one. 32GB isn't enough for me.

Posted via the Android Central App on the Samsung Galaxy S6 active.

 

[Ryche]

Thank y'all so far! Wish i could get the 64, but under warranty, 32 is all AT&T will give me..

 

[cajun456]

The 32 GB has been plenty for me. I delete pictures uploaded to Google photos from the phone after about a month and cache only the music I listen to most from Google Music and I still have around 18 GB free. That's including around 6 GB for apps.

 

[Ryche]

Thanks Cajun! I was thinking I'd have to do something like that - start limiting/deleting pics every so often.

 

[Law2138]

Thanks Cajun! I was thinking I'd have to do something like that - start limiting/deleting pics every so often.

Google Photos makes it extremely simple to clear up space on your device. Everything that has been backed up, can be deleted from the device by pressing 1 button.

One bit of advice on the Active and its durability. Find yourself a case that will provide protection against drops. The screen (like many other devices) cannot endure corner drops.

 

[cajun456]

I agree about the case. I got the supcase unicorn beetle. I wanted protection without bulk and something to protect the camera. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/SUPCASE-Unico...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU4910124

 

[DroidFromVA]

I'd get the 64GB. I have the original model and it's not enough memory for my uses. I take A LOT of photos with the Burst action and single photos with HDR enabled, so many of the images have large file sizes. There really is no easy way to get images off the phone without a USB OTG flash drive.

 

[Est_XCIV]

You could use Google photos which backs up your photos and can erase it off your phones memory. You get 15 go free. Or 100 gb for $2 a month. Another option I used was a wireless usb flash drive to transfer my photos there and then delete them on my phone.

 

[Ryche]

Thanks All. For now I'll probably go the manual route - copy/move photos from phone to Laptop every so often. I also deleted videos off the phone (but not Laptop) to make room. Cleared about 10 GB of space that way - though Google Photos sounds like a good option too.

I would have gone for 64GB if it had been offered, but AT&T only offered the 32GB as an equivalent model.

 

[TracerAK]

Samsung S6 Active is a piece of junk. Purchased it for its durability and water resistance. Advertised to be able to be submerged for 30min at 1meter underwater, but after a couple dunks while fishing it no longer works. Neither Samsung or ATT will stand behind their product.

 

[Mal Lignant Tumor]

Excellent first post TracerAK! Thank you for your valuable input.

 

[Phoneguy108]

Stay away from 5.1 update

Don't take your phone in the water.

Those are my two suggestions

 

[Beaverslayer]

What's wrong with the 5.1 update? I took it about a month ago and I haven't had one problem.

 

[Law2138]

Samsung S6 Active is a piece of junk. Purchased it for its durability and water resistance. Advertised to be able to be submerged for 30min at 1meter underwater, but after a couple dunks while fishing it no longer works. Neither Samsung or ATT will stand behind their product.

I can't really deny what he's saying here. I wouldn't say that the device itself is junk because I enjoy the camera quality, battery life and screen quality. However, after experiencing issues with durability and water resistance I can definitely feel his pain. It took a bit of effort to force Samsung into honoring its claims of water resistance and durability.

I fault the manufacturer, and NOT ATT, for not acknowledging and updating their policy when it comes to durability and water resistance on this specific device. It appears that physical and water damage applies to all of their phones, including the ones that have a "rugged design", "water resistant up to 1m for 30", and "meets IP68 military standards". The S6 Active is marketed as a device that is capable of enduring a bit more physical handling (obviously not abuse) and at the very least, surviving drops into water. Heck, they even included an "Underwater Mode" in their camera software that tells you how to take shots underwater.

If you've got an issue after this device being dunked into the water, make Samsung stand by their claim. If the screen breaks or cracks due to a small drop, make an argument and don't take no for an answer. No one said the screen is indestructable, but what the heck is a "rugged" device supposed to be?

Imagine buying a Jeep and the manufacturer warranty states you'll void it if you go off roading.

 

[Law2138]

What's wrong with the 5.1 update? I took it about a month ago and I haven't had one problem.

If you haven't had a problem, then consider yourself fortunate. There is an issue which affects battery life and device performance. Unfortunately, I'm sending my device in for a warranty exchange because there's no way to roll it back to 5.0.1

 

[Law2138]

Stay away from 5.1 update

Don't take your phone in the water.

Those are my two suggestions

I'd like to add, don't treat it any differently than a regular phone and buy a case

 

[peconicgp]

Have the 64gb version and while I did exchange my first phone due to weird apn issues I must say only on 5.1.1 with this phone has been zippy and battery life is great. Image quality is excellent for a phone. As with my s5 active I keep a case on it and don't intentionally submerge it though it has handled getting wet very well.