Samsung reveals Active version of the S8 handset with a rugged casing, built in bumper and shatterproof screen

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Samsung has announced a new 'more durable' version of its flagship Galaxy S8 smartphone that can withstand the elements.

The new device, called the Galaxy S8 Active, is constructed with military-grade materials and ditches the curved edges for a flatter, more traditional design and a bigger, more powerful battery - 4,000-mAh compared to the 3,000-mAh of the standard Galaxy S8.

A bumper and metal frame will protect the phone from shock, abrasion, tilting, twisting and drops up to five feet.

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The new device, called the Galaxy S8 Active, is constructed with military-grade materials and is resistant to shock, shatter, water and dust and is able to withstand five-foot drops

'Designed around a metal frame with an improved, rugged structure, this device is shock, shatter, water, and dust resistant,' Samsung said. 

The company says the phone is a 'premium solution for life's everyday missteps' that also features the best parts of the traditional Galaxy S8.

This includes the same smart camera, 64 GB of expandable storage, Qualcomm's fastest processor, 5G Evolution, voice over LTE, and the same 4 GB of RAM. 

For security, the phone also features the finger and iris scanner as well as 'chip up' with Samsung Knox, the defense-grade mobile security platform designed to protect the integrity of the device

It also features 'Activity Zone,' a function of the phone's personal assistant Bixby that gives users quick access to features for active lifestyles such as a stopwatch, barometer, compass, and flashlight.

'Our new Samsung Galaxy S8 Active is designed with tested durability and strength to address the needs of consumers who need a more rugged device for their lifestyle,' said Tim Baxter, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics North America.

'We are thrilled to introduce the fifth-generation Galaxy Active, which offers the best of Galaxy features in a tougher package.'

Also making the phone more durable is a shatter-resistant screen and a back with a rugged, tough texture for a secure grip. 

Samsung has released 'Active' versions of its last five Galaxy S phones and has also produced other durable versions of products meant for rugged lifestyles, like its Gear S3 smartwatch, which is also resistant to the elements including extreme heat.

The Galaxy S8 will be exclusive to AT&T and only available 'for a limited time.'

Pre-orders begin Tuesday, and a full release is scheduled for Friday.

The device will be priced at $28.34 a month in a 30-month payment plan or a one-time $850.20 payment.

The phone's exclusivity to AT&T also means it will come pre-downloaded with the DIRECTTV NOW app and a deal to watch unlimited content for $25 more a month, after a $25 credit. 

A bumper and metal frame will protect the phone from shock, abrasion, tilting, and twisting. The back also features a rugged, tough texture for a secure grip

'Only AT&T is offering you access to entertainment on your terms with Samsung Galaxy S8 Active starting this week,' said Kevin Petersen, senior vice president of Device and Network Services Marketing at AT&T, said.

'With the combination of its rugged and durable design and instant access to the DIRECTV NOW app, you can stream movies and TV at the pool, the beach or on the ski slopes anytime and anywhere.'  

Leaked photos claiming to show the final design of the highly-anticipated Galaxy Note 8 have surfaced online (pictured)

Shortly following this launch will be the much-anticipated Galaxy Note 8.

Two phone carriers have leaked information about the release of the follow up to the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7, which will share some specs with the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Active.

While Samsung officially announced it will reveal the phone at an event in New York City on August 23, representatives from two carriers - who kept themselves and the phone companies they are with anonymous - said the device will go on sale September 15, although did not reveal pricing.

The early launch is designed to deflect attention from Apple's expected September unveiling of its eagerly anticipated iPhone 8.   

'We are going to sell Galaxy Note 8 starting from the 15th of September,' explained one carrier representative to ETNews, which correctly predicted the launch and release dates for the Galaxy S8.

'Its price has not been set yet,' they said.

A representative from a different carrier corroborated the information, also saying September 15 is the final date.

'Samsung Electronics decided on the release date of Galaxy Note 8,' the source said. 

'There is almost zero chance that it will change the release date of Galaxy Note 8.' 

The gap is to allow time for advertising to entice consumers while the company builds up inventory, yet this delay is a week longer than the one for the disastrous Galaxy Note 7.

Pre-order information remains unknown as well, although providers are speculating consumers will be able to begin order 10 to 14 days prior to the September 15 release. 

Along with the final specs, popular Samsung leaker Evan Blass tweeted out the sunset image (bottom) that seemed to be for promotional purposes. He's now confirmed to Forbes that the image is 'official' and will be used to market the device

Last week, popular Samsung leaker Evan Blass tweeted a link to his Venture Beat article about the Galaxy Note 8's final specs as well as what seemed to be a promotional image for the phone - now Blass has confirmed to Forbes that the image is 'official' and will be used to market the device. 

The leaked images of the phone he shared allegedly reveal Samsung's answer to the iPhone 8 will be more rectangular than the Galaxy S8 and will be sold in black and gold.

A side by side comparison of the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy Note 8. Samsung's Galaxy Note 8 will keep the edge-to-edge display found on the Galaxy S8, according to the leaked images

Samsung's Galaxy Note 8 will keep the edge-to-edge display found on the Galaxy S8, according to the leaked images.

The images suggest the screen of the device will be 6.3-inches across but will appear to be the same size as the S8 thanks to a lack of bezels.

Leaked photos have also revealed that the Note 8 could be the first Samsung device to incorporate a dual-lens camera.

And like previous Note devices, the latest model will come with an S Pen stylus, the images suggest.  

In response to accusations that he had leaked the images on behalf of Samsung, Blass posted: 'Samsung doesn't send out controlled, full-frontal flagship leaks 3 weeks pre-launch. Next time ask.'  

The invitation Samsung sent out for the product launch event on August 23 in New York City

News that LG Electronics will also release its V30 on September 15 has been reported by some foreign press, leading some to wonder if the Galaxy Note 8 and V30 will be released on the same day.

The release of phones by two major brands on the same day would be a rare occurrence. 

The timing of the phone's launch is, however, believed to be an attempt to sabotage the launch of the iPhone 8 - which apple is expected to unveil in early September. 

The rivals will have to battle it out for the top spot in the market, but Samsung's handset is believed to boast a new design, cutting-edge software and will likely cost less than the iPhone 8.

The firm will be hoping that the new device will help to restore consumer confidence in their products.  

Although the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was one of the biggest blunders in smartphone history, the South Korean firm believes it's Note 8 has the ability to stand up to Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone 8. 

Experts are echoing this, predicting the Galaxy Note 8 will reached the biggest sales volume out of all the phones to ever be released in the Galaxy lineup.