I have always liked the Galaxy Active phones for their greater ruggedness, and ability to tolerate water exposure. This new Galaxy S8 Active is a worthy successor to the line of Active phones. It is easy to use, and has many different capabilities. The first that was noticeable was how fast the phone could transfer contacts. It seems to have better battery life. It has a great camera. My only regret is that it did not import all of the login and password information from all of my email accounts during the transfer process from the old phone. I have not really found any faults with the phone during the first two weeks of use.

Seriously, if you have AT&T do not sleep on this phone. It isn't widely advertised like the flagship 8 is, however, this phone is amazing! I wanted to upgrade to the 8, however I had no interest in the NOTE, nor did I want a curved screen. I had the S7 Edge and the curve screen was horrible. Made it nearly impossible to have a case and protector on it at the same time. So when it was time for me to upgrade, I looked at this one. It has some weight on it, as it is marketed as *rugged* phone. So instead of the plastic casing you usually get, this is an all metal one. It's beautiful and works just the same at the 8, just a different shaped phone. The battery life is insane. LIKE INSANE! I watch Directv on my phone sometimes nearly 8 hours a day, and I still have battery to take me through the rest of my day. I charge this maybe once a day. I do have a wireless charger and I keep that at work and sit that on it, but honestly I don't need it. Cases and screen protectors go on amazingly and work together in harmony. But honestly with the way it's built you don't need a case just a screen protector, but I have a clear case anyway. BOTTOM LINE: If you want to upgrade to an 8, but didn't want the curved screen, this is the way to go. period. hands down. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS PHONE!

Pros: Awesome battery life, most days don't see it drop below 60% with moderate usage. Solid feel, looks good, sturdy metal bezel and rubber bumpers. Screen is big and clear, S8 is quick and responsive. Cons: S8 Active version much heavier than reg S8 and is bigger in all dimensions than reg. S8 even with a case. Would expect this with the bigger battery but it's noteworthy. Also: Screen isn't curved (which I didn't want anyway) but results in a slight reduction in screen total pixels.

Pros: I was growing weary of my Note 5's battery needing boost throughout the day. The last several Samsung phones were weaker on battery than I liked. But the Active can go easily a day when pushed hard on screen time, GPS/location, surfing. When I'm using more lightly, I've made it two days on a charge. Camera is same great one in the S8. I like that it isn't a curved screen. It's pretty fast too. Cons: I don't give it a 5-star, because I've noticed some odd touch sensitivity issues on the bottom of the screen, as if it isn't recognizing my swipe for three or five seconds. The screen bezels could be smaller to allow for more screen room. I wish the active button wouldn't be Bixby. And on all S8s, I wish the physical home button was back, especially for quick launching the camera.

The phone holds up to its claims it is extremely Hardy. I have personally dropped this phone several times and it still looks like new. The downside you do not have the option for larger screen like 8s. Also its on the heavy side.