Samsung has announced its new Galaxy S8 and S8+ flagship smartphones will be released in the UAE on April 28 - and will include a flight discount tie-up with Etihad Airways.
Details of the highly anticipated new device were revealed last night at an event in Dubai, with Samsung saying the airline deal, plus hotel offers, are “reward for our customer loyalty”.
The move to include a retail link-up comes just a few months after Samsung’s reputation took a battering as its Note 7 device was taken off the shelves and production ceased due to a spate of battery-related fires.
“Those who purchase the Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be able to explore the world in style and enjoy 30 per cent off in Economy and Business Class with Etihad Airways,” Samsung said.
“Furthermore, customers will be able to save up to 40 per cent on hotel bookings worldwide and enjoy an extra 12 per cent off coupon in partnership with hotels.com. This offer is exclusively available to customers in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait.”
The new Samsung devices on display. Satish Kumar / The National
The Etihad offer extends across the its seven airline partners. A statement from Samsung added that terms and conditions apply.
Samsung is expected to come under further pressure this year with the release of new Apple iPhones, thought to include the iPhone 8.
“The high-end model (S8) is expected to make limited sales contribution because the buzz surrounding the next-generation iPhone devices is dampening demand for products from non-Apple vendors,” said TrendForce, a technology market intelligence provider based in Taipei.
Visitors check out the new Samsung Galaxy S8 during the launch in Dubai. Satish Kumar / The National
As of the end of the first quarter of 2017, Samsung had a 26.1 per cent global smartphone market share, compared to Apple’s 16.9 per cent, according to TrendForce, with Samsung boosted by the popularity of its lower-end J range.
The 5.8-inch S8 and 6.2-inch S8+ feature an ‘infinity display’ with a bezel-less design. The result, Samsung says, is no buttons or harsh angles.
Both phones come with a 8MP F1.7 Smart autofocus front camera and 12MP F1.7 Dual Pixel rear camera, faster processor, fingerprint scanner, iris scanner and as with the S7 they will be IP68 water and dust resistant.
New high-performance earphones tuned by AKG by Harman will come as an in-box accessory. The phones will come in midnight black, orchid grey, and maple gold.
Although Samsung did not comment on the price, UAE-based electronics retailer Sharaf DG is taking pre-orders at Dh2,799 for the S8, and Dh3,099 for the S8+.
ioxborrow@thenational.ae
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