Trade the Active?

[Law2138]

Ok, so this is all hypothetical and just my thoughts after being an Active owner since June.

I wouldn't call this "full on" regret for purchasing the Active, but I am having some thoughts on where this device stands in terms of support.
Don't get me wrong, the S6 Active is a great device that offers great battery life and physical buttons for those who prefer them. I could make a case for durability, but we've all learned that it contains the same Gorilla Glass as the other devices and still vulnerable as any other device to cracks and shatters. The underwater/IP68 probably isn't a deal breaker for most of us unless we spend most of our time in or around water.

Up until recently, I considered this a Flagship device meaning that it holds top priority for updates, features and support. However, what we've seen leads me to believe that the Active was meant for a niche crowd that aren't concerned with 1. latest updates or 2. Samsung Pay. It has taken a back seat to the S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, and Note 5.

Would you make an even trade for any one of those devices to be able to have timely updates and Samsung Pay? Would you take the hit on battery life if you went to an S6 or an Edge?

I wonder if Samsung would entertain the discussion of trading the Active for one of those devices and signing up for Samsung Pay?

 

[hanamizi168]

I believe you are not the only one that complain about updates and Samsung pay compatibility.
Firstly, one should remember why we choose the active at the first place. The regular S6 was out went the active released and even with custom rom and root. For me, I came from s6 to active just for better battery and it doesn't disappoint me. Also, I get all the premium feature on s6 only except fingerprint scan, which is traded with water proof on active.
Secondly, no root is nobody's fault. We can't blame on devs. If we can pull a bounty for at least 5000, I believe someone would help us. Also, what would 5.1.1 give us different than now. Ram management? That's nothing to do with 5.1.1.
At the end, I think we are just upset about being trade inequality by Samsung. But whatever we are asking for is not what the active design for.

 

[MizuRyuu]

I agree with everything you said. At this point, what 5.1.1 offers is limited for the Active since we already have decent battery life. The 6.0 update would be a greater improvement for us since it will stretch our battery life to extreme due to Doze. However, AT&T current update process leave a lot to be desired and doesn't give me much hope regarding the 6.0 update. I don't even mind the delay if they just kept us updated on the current progress. But with the mixed messages that people are getting (That I blame on AT&T reps not knowing anything and just saying whatever they can to get rid of our questions), it is very hard to stay hopeful

 

[rong21]

I am one of those completely happy with this phone. It's the perfect size, it's rugged and needs no case, the screen an camera are great and the battery life is fantastic,

As for updates, 5.1.1, meh. I have no lag or any other issues. No Samsung pay is no big deal either. Now 6.0 for the reason Mizu mentioned would be great..

I had the S3 which I loved. I went through the G2, G3 and Note 4 and there was always something I didn't like with those. Traded the Note 4 for this and love it.

 

[T48]

Found something last night stating the S6A would receive Android 6.0 1st quarter 2016. Forgot to grab the link, & to be honest would trust the info more if it were posted via A.C. So just throwing it out there.

But the rumor mill is also churning about the S7 details being released in Jan with the device being out in Feb. True or click bait? Have no idea. Maybe Samsung is changing their game a bit?

 

[rong21]

Found something last night stating the S6A would receive Android 6.0 1st quarter 2016. Forgot to grab the link, & to be honest would trust the info more if it were posted via A.C. So just throwing it out there.

But the rumor mill is also churning about the S7 details being released in Jan with the device being out in Feb. True or click bait? Have no idea. Maybe Samsung is changing their game a bit?

Here's the link

AT&T’s Samsung Galaxy S6 Active Android 6.0 Marshmallow Update : Trending News : Venture Capital Post

 

[hanamizi168]

Found something last night stating the S6A would receive Android 6.0 1st quarter 2016. Forgot to grab the link, & to be honest would trust the info more if it were posted via A.C. So just throwing it out there.

But the rumor mill is also churning about the S7 details being released in Jan with the device being out in Feb. True or click bait? Have no idea. Maybe Samsung is changing their game a bit?

That's not real. Have been discussed over other thread.

 

[soogriff]

Reading the forums before purchasing the Active, I went in with the understanding that updates weren't going to happen as often as the S6. I'm okay with that. But I did a lot of research about this device before purchase. The battery life tipped the scale for the Active. I don't care for a fingerprint scanner or Samsung Pay. I never used Apple Pay when I had an iPhone.

 

[Law2138]

The battery life is pretty sweet. I don't carry around my external battery pack unless I'm going to be away from a power source for a long time. Even with heavy usage, I'm still at 30-40% by the end of the day (8am-10pm)

Updates are coming. We are at 5.1.1 right now, and that's the only one since launch.

Samsung Pay is now available for the Active. And if you activate the app on your phone between now and Dec. 31st. you'll get a $50 Best Buy e-gift card. I synced up my Amex Card, but have no intention of actually using it for purchases. Its cool to have as an emergency card though.

 

[Ryche]

I definitely love the Battery life on the S6A - especially since I'm a moderately light user of the phone. I got it mostly charged (97%) on Wednesday, went through all the setup, customization, and downloading apps, leaving it on overnight (which I never did with my G3 previously), and was at 19% today (Saturday) before charging.

No interest in Samsung Pay.

The two biggest drawbacks so far for me:
1) No Expandable Memory. If they can figure out how to waterproof the SIM card slot, they should be able to do the same for an SD/MicroSD card... it just means I'll be careful with taking videos as they can take up a good portion of memory.
2) Not compatible with Samsung Keis 3. I'm not much of a cloud person (no idea how to even set it up...) and would love a way to simply back up the phone on my laptop. I know there is Samsung Switch now - but there are 3 versions of it - no clue which to get for basic backup functionality.