Before Android smartphones became a big deal, and before Samsung’s watershed Galaxy S III moment, devices were slightly different and had different names on all the major networks. Even though these devices shared the same sort of internal hardware, specs and features the carriers still felt the need to sell a different variant to their rival. That’s no longer the case of course, and when flagships like the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge launch on the major networks, it’s the same hardware on all the networks. That hasn’t stopped some of the networks from offering slightly different hardware to capture a little more business however, and in the case of AT&T and Samsung, the two have been offering “Active” versions of the Galaxy since the Galaxy S4 Active.
When the Galaxy S5 launched with water-resistance it was wondered whether or not the two would partner on an Active version once more. In the end, the Galaxy S5 Active launched as a much more rugged proposition, and the same could be said of last year’s Galaxy S6 Active. Now, word of an upcoming Galaxy S7 Active has hit the web, with @evleaks detailing a model number of SM-G891A and a codename of “Poseideon”. Astute Twitter users have noted that Poseidon was the Greek God of the Sea which suggests this is the Galaxy S7 Active, complete with waterproofing fit for such a name.
Whether or not the SM-G891A does end up being launched as the Galaxy S7 Active is something we’ll have to wait and see about, but it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if AT&T launched a follow-up to a device they’ve been shipping for years now. Even though the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are water-resistant, and surprisingly well-made, an Active version of the device would feature a more rugged casing and would probably withstand much more punishment. There’s definitely a market out there for people looking for a more rugged and better-built device that can handle knocks and drops much easier. AT&T obviously doesn’t mind being part of that market, and if they are to release such a device it’ll probably be on shelves some time this Summer.