Sprint has just announced a new Samsung Galaxy Sport smartphone, which will focus on health and fitness and will be available exclusively on its network.
While Galaxy S5 spinoffs such as the Galaxy K and the AT&T Galaxy S5 Active leaked online before making their official debut, Samsung and Sprint have managed to keep this new Galaxy S5 Sport version under tight wraps, surprising everyone with this announcement.
"Sprint is stepping up its presence in the growing health and fitness markets, announcing today the launch of an exclusive device from Samsung Telecommunications America and a collaboration with health and fitness market leaders Under Armour and MapMyFitness to offer mobile solutions for today's active lifestyles," touts the press release on Monday, June 23.
"Sprint will launch on Friday, July 25 the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport, an exclusive new Spark-enabled smartphone with both the hardware and software for today's health-conscious users."
"We continually innovate to provide our customers with new products that can improve their lives," adds Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. "Previously, Sprint brought together Harman Kardon, HTC and Spotify to redefine how music should sound in the modern smartphone. Today, Sprint joins leading innovators in Samsung, Under Armour and MapMyFitness to drive technology advances for fitness, health and wellness."
In terms of design, the new Galaxy S5 Sport comes with a textured body to make it easier to hold and prevent accidental slips, as well as three hard keys reminiscent of the Galaxy S5 Active. In fact, this new Sprint-exclusive version seems to be a combination between the original flagship and the AT&T Galaxy S5 Active.
The new Sprint Galaxy S5 Sport is also IP 67-certified for dust- and water-resistance, but it doesn't boast the same military-grade certification as the Galaxy S5 Active. It's not as rugged either as the Active model, but it is more rugged than the original Galaxy S5. In terms of specifications, it's closer to the Galaxy S5.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport will become available from Sprint starting with July 25, coming in Cherry Red and Electric Blue color options. For a limited-time only, Sprint will also slash $50 off the Samsung Gear Fit when purchasing the Galaxy S5 Sport. The smartphone will be available for $0 down followed by 24 monthly payments of $27.09 through Sprint Easy Pay. Interested buyers can pre-register at this link to receive more information about the Galaxy S5 Sport as it gets closer to launch.
Lastly, the Galaxy S5 Sport will serve as the launch vehicle for Sprint Fit Live, the carrier's new mobile health and fitness package that will offer customers instant access to a range of fitness apps and activities, health information, as well as integration with Spotify playlists. Sprint Fit Live will become available on all Sprint Android smartphones this year.
