Samsung has strengthened its Galaxy smartphone line up with the unveiling of the A5 and A3 devices in the UAE, as it aims to attract younger users and those who frequent social media.
The arrival of the 5-inch A5 and 4.5-inch A3 follows on from Samsung's launch of the impressive Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge towards the end of last year.
The new A5 and A3 are Samsung’s slimmest smartphones to date and feature a full metal body.
The front facing 5-megapixel camera is designed for selfie lovers, with features such as Wide Selfie, Palm Selfie, Beauty Face and Rear-cam selfie included.
Like the Galaxy S5, they have a Super Amoled display, though the resolution is lower.
The A5 and A3 are available in pearl white, midnight black, platinum silver and champagne gold and are priced at Dh1,499 and Dh1,099 respectively.
“The Galaxy A5 and A3 offer our young consumers the superior features that users have come to expect from Samsung’s premium Galaxy devices, as well as an advanced way to capture, connect and share their digital lives,” said Hayssam Yassine, head of telecommunications group at Samsung Gulf Electronics.
Samsung is the biggest selling mobile phone brand in the world, however its market share fell from 25.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2013 to 20.6 per cent in the third quarter of last year, research company Gartner revealed.
The company has come up against a revitalised Apple following its launch of the iPhone 6, while smartphone makers such as Huawei and Xiaomi are increasing their market share.
According to the most recent data from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the Galaxy S5 was the tenth most popular smartphone in the UAE in the third quarter of 2014.
The Galaxy Note 3 was eighth most popular, the Galaxy S Duos sixth, S4 fifth, and S3 third.
How the Samsung Galaxy A5 compares to the S5
Weight: A5 123g, S5 145g
Battery capacity: A5 2,300mAh, S5 2,800mAh
Removable battery: A5 no, S5 yes
Screen size: A5 5ins, S5 5.1ins
Resolution: A5 720x1280 pixels, S5 1080x1920 pixels
Colours: A5 16 million, S5 16 million
Processor: A5 1.2GHz quad-core, S5 1.9GHz octa-core
RAM: A5 2GB, S5 2GB
Rear camera: A5 13-megapixel, S5 16-megapixel
Front camera: A5 5-megapixel, S5 2.1-megapixel
Operating system: A5 Android 4.4, S5 Android 4.4.2
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
The specs: 2018 Maserati Levante S
Price, base / as tested: Dh409,000 / Dh467,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 430hp @ 5,750rpm
Torque: 580Nm @ 4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.9L / 100km
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The Abu Dhabi Awards explained:
What are the awards? They honour anyone who has made a contribution to life in Abu Dhabi.
Are they open to only Emiratis? The awards are open to anyone, regardless of age or nationality, living anywhere in the world.
When do nominations close? The process concludes on December 31.
How do I nominate someone? Through the website.
When is the ceremony? The awards event will take place early next year.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sui Dhaaga: Made in India
Director: Sharat Katariya
Starring: Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, Raghubir Yadav
3.5/5
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5