Samsung launched its Galaxy S24 smartphone series for sale in the UAE on Wednesday as it seeks to attract new customers and regain its leading position in the highly competitive market.
The new flagship series, unveiled on January 17 at the Unpacked event in San Jose, California, is leaning on generative artificial intelligence to build momentum for not just the world's second biggest mobile phone manufacturer, but also for the entire smartphone industry, which has been slowing down over the past couple of years.
The Galaxy S24 series offers seven generations of operating system upgrades and seven years of security updates, Samsung said.
Pre-orders for the devices started right after Unpacked.
“We are inspired by UAE’s ambitious vision … which seeks to leverage AI to improve lives while providing the supporting infrastructure essential to become a test bed for AI,” Fadi Abu Shamat, head of mobile eXperience division at Samsung Gulf, said.
“With enhanced camera capabilities, AI-powered productivity tools and a powerful chipset, users can unleash their creativity and performance in exciting new ways.”
The National takes a look at the key details of the Galaxy S24 line-up.
How many Galaxy S24 devices were launched?
For the fifth straight year, three devices were launched – the entry-level Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+ and the top-end Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Are there any redesigns?
Yes and no. The Galaxy S24 Ultra basically retains the looks of its predecessor – flat top and bottom, slightly curved edges, the S Pen and an overall solid build, which Samsung is known for.
As for the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+, Samsung decided to hit the refresh button with a new flat-edged design, which is similar to Apple's current iPhone designs. Smaller bezels too.
What are its memory specs?
The Galaxy S24 comes in only 128GB and 256GB, with 8GB of RAM, losing the 512GB option, while the Galaxy S24+ retains its 256GB and 512GB versions, with 12GB of RAM.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, meanwhile, doesn't have a 128GB option, and comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, all with 12GB of RAM. The 256GB Ultra model has also been upgraded from its predecessor, which only had 8GB of RAM.
How much are they in the UAE?
Prices in the UAE are as follows, ranging from lower to higher storage options:
Galaxy S24: Dh3,199 and Dh3,499
Galaxy S24+: Dh3,899 and Dh4,399
Galaxy S24 Ultra: Dh5,099, Dh5,599 and Dh6,599
While the price tags of the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ remain similar to their predecessors, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's have been increased by Dh150.
What about their cameras?
The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ have a triple-lens camera, with a 50-megapixel main sensor, 10MP telephoto and 12MP ultra-wide lenses.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a quad-lens camera bannered by a 200MP lens, plus two telephoto lenses with resolutions of 50MP and 10MP, respectively, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
Interestingly, while one of the Galaxy S24 Ultra's telephoto lenses was bumped up to 50MP, Samsung decided to halve its optical zoom to 5x.
While it looks like a downgrade at first glance, it really isn't: the bigger 50MP sensor compensates for the lower zoom, which should result in better images.
Apart from that, they are practically the same camera specs as last year's S23 series.
As for the front camera on all three devices, you'll get a 12MP snapper – similar to last year's line-up as well.
How big are their screens?
The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ were given a little upgrade in this area, as their displays are now 0.1 inch bigger at 6.2 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra retains a 6.8-inch screen.
All three devices feature a Dynamic Amoled 2X display, but the Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra have QHD+, which is basically four times the resolution of a standard high-definition screen, while the Galaxy S24 uses FHD+, which is a step above standard HD.
All of them also feature a “super smooth” 120Hz refresh rate.
Again – these are all practically unchanged from their S23 counterparts.
What are the colour options?
For the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+, you can choose from marble grey, onyx black, cobalt violet and amber yellow.
Those match the Galaxy S24 Ultra's titanium options – titanium grey, titanium black, titanium violet and titanium yellow.
To be clear – only the Ultra model use a titanium frame.
The National viewed all the colours, and the violet and yellow options stood out – probably because black and grey have been shoo-in hues for as long as we can remember mobile phones.
How big are their batteries?
Again, the Galaxy S24 Ultra's battery is kept at 5000mAh. In our review of the Galaxy S23 Ultra last year, we were able to stretch that until night-time the following day.
But the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ received some upgrades: their batteries are now up at 4000mAh and 4900mAh, respectively, up from 3900mAh and 4700mAh.
For all three devices, fast charging and Wireless PowerShare – which lets you use the Galaxy S24 to charge other phones – are available.
However, things diverge on how fast they can charge: the Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra can zoom up at 65 per cent in half an hour using a 45W adapter and a 5A USB-C cable (5-amp cables let current flow through faster), while the base Galaxy S24 can only do up to 50 per cent with the same charging gear.
How durable are they?
All three Galaxy S24 devices remain IP68-rated, meaning they are dust and water-resistant – you can submerge them as deep as 1.5 metres in freshwater for 30 minutes.
The emphasis is on freshwater: mobile devices are not meant to be dunked in chlorine-filled swimming pools and saltwater, because the elements will corrode their components and probably brick them.
But even if it's freshwater, make sure you rinse off any residue and dry the device as much as you can afterwards to help the drying process.
How is Samsung positioned globally?
The global smartphone market grew 8 per cent annually in the fourth quarter of last year, reaching 319.5 million units, indicating signs of “stabilisation and recovery”, Singapore-based researcher Canalys said in its latest report released on Wednesday.
Total shipments for the full year of 2023 amounted to 1.14 billion units, marking a 4 per cent annual decline. Apple, iPhone's manufacturer, claimed the top position for the first time with a 20 per cent market share and 229.2 million shipments in 2023.
Samsung followed closely, shipping 225.4 million units and capturing a market share of almost 20 per cent.
What is Galaxy AI?
Galaxy AI is Samsung's newest platform that uses generative artificial intelligence to help users through their daily tasks and help them with other activities.
Basically, it can do things such as helping translate or transcribe calls or texts, in a number of different languages, or use images to search and buy items on the web.
A fun function is using it to manipulate images on Galaxy S24 devices, for example resizing or removing certain elements in a photo.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The drill
Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.
Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”
Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”
Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.”
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Transmission: CVT auto
Power: 181bhp
Torque: 244Nm
Price: Dh122,900
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
SPECS
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FIGHT CARD
1. Featherweight 66kg
Ben Lucas (AUS) v Ibrahim Kendil (EGY)
2. Lightweight 70kg
Mohammed Kareem Aljnan (SYR) v Alphonse Besala (CMR)
3. Welterweight 77kg
Marcos Costa (BRA) v Abdelhakim Wahid (MAR)
4. Lightweight 70kg
Omar Ramadan (EGY) v Abdimitalipov Atabek (KGZ)
5. Featherweight 66kg
Ahmed Al Darmaki (UAE) v Kagimu Kigga (UGA)
6. Catchweight 85kg
Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) v Iuri Fraga (BRA)
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Yousef Al Husani (UAE) v Mohamed Allam (EGY)
8. Catchweight 73kg
Mostafa Radi (PAL) v Abdipatta Abdizhali (KGZ)
9. Featherweight 66kg
Jaures Dea (CMR) v Andre Pinheiro (BRA)
10. Catchweight 90kg
Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Juscelino Ferreira (BRA)
Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
The UN General Assembly President in quotes:
YEMEN: “The developments we have seen are promising. We really hope that the parties are going to respect the agreed ceasefire. I think that the sense of really having the political will to have a peace process is vital. There is a little bit of hope and the role that the UN has played is very important.”
PALESTINE: “There is no easy fix. We need to find the political will and comply with the resolutions that we have agreed upon.”
OMAN: “It is a very important country in our system. They have a very important role to play in terms of the balance and peace process of that particular part of the world, in that their position is neutral. That is why it is very important to have a dialogue with the Omani authorities.”
REFORM OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL: “This is complicated and it requires time. It is dependent on the effort that members want to put into the process. It is a process that has been going on for 25 years. That process is slow but the issue is huge. I really hope we will see some progress during my tenure.”
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)
Date started: August 2021
Founder: Nour Sabri
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace
Size: Two employees
Funding stage: Seed investment
Initial investment: $200,000
Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East)
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