Top waterproof smartphones
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 ACTIVE
One of the world’s most popular flagship Android smartphones on the market today, the Galaxy S4, but with waterproofing. It comes with an 8-megapixel camera that can record 1080p HD videos. Some differences with the non-active Galaxy S4 include the 8-megapixel rather than 13-megapixel camera, no dual-camera mode to allow you to capture selfies and the scene at the same time in the same photo, and a 5-inch full HD display of the LCD variety rather than the AMOLED display. You’ll have a front-facing camera for selfies, a capacious battery, memory card slot, a speedy Snapdragon 600 processor that’s found on all the current flagships, and a removable battery. Though waterproof and splash-resistant, AT&T says this isn’t a rugged phone so you should still be careful with drops and knocks. For underwater photography, an Aqua Mode allows users to configure the volume up button to either snap photos or to record video. This is important as the capacitive screen does not work underwater so you’ll have to rely on the configurable hardware button to capture your diving memories. SONY XPERIA Z When it debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show with a stunning design and top of the range specifications, Sony showed that waterproof devices can still be elegant. The Xperia Z is a nice looking phone that’s dust and waterproof. Like its newer Galaxy S4 Active competitor, the Xperia design isn’t rugged. You do have a 13-megapixel camera, an older but still very capable Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, and removable memory card slot so you can shoot as much videos and photos of your water adventures all in an elegant package. KYOCERA TORQUE The Kyocera Torque comes with a rugged design and push-to-talk capabilities, the Torque’s mil-spec certification makes it a more rugged beast. Still, a compact form factor makes it equally friendly in a pocket or purse as it is in a construction zone. The Torque has a waterproof design, though its specs are outclassed by newer consumer-based models like the Xperia Z and Galaxy S4 Active. Where it shines is in use, so if you’ve got clumsy fingers and are prone to dropping your phone, the Torque should be able to take a beating and survive. The phone has a 5-megapixel camera, which isn’t bad but doesn’t compare immediately well on paper. CASIO G’ZONE COMMANDO 4G LTE The Casio G’zOne 4G LTE, like the Torque, doesn't have high-end specs but does offer a rugged design that stands up to drops as well as for spills and soaks. The Commando is really targeted at outdoors enthusiasts with ready access to widgets for a digital compass and more. If you have a Casio G-Shock watch, this phone will readily pair with your wrist over Bluetooth as well. An 8-megapixel camera matches the Galaxy S4 Active, though the dual-core processor isn’t quite up to speed neither is the device’s 4-inch WVGA display when compared with more high-end entries like the Xperia Z. Still, the Commando is worth a look considering how much it packs and the beating it could take on your next adventure. |