Samsung, the world’s biggest smartphone seller, aims to boost sales in the Arabian Gulf market with the roll out of its Galaxy Note 10 series even as mobile device sales are slowing globally and competition heats up for 5G dominance.
While Samsung announced 5G-enabled variants of both Note 10 and Note 10+ this month at its global launch event in New York, the company has not yet disclosed when it will roll out 5G devices in the UAE.
Chinese smartphone manufacturers Huawei and ZTE are already selling 5G-enabled smartphones in the country. Oppo is expected to launch its Reno 5G phone in the UAE next month.
Still, demand for the Note 10 has been higher than Samsung's previous model. Pre-orders are 27 per cent higher than its predecessor the Note 9, launched at the same time last year, according to Tarek Sabbagh, head of IT and mobile division at Samsung Gulf Electronics.
"Consumers' response towards Note 10 is robust … giving us more confidence," Mr Sabbagh told The National.
Global smartphone sales declined 1.7 per cent in the second quarter of 2019, totalling 368 million units, according to US researcher Gartner.
With 20.4 per cent market share, Samsung retained its position as the top smartphone seller, followed by Huawei and Apple with 15.8 and 10.5 per cent, respectively, Gartner said.
For the first time, the Galaxy Note offers two variants - Note 10 and Note 10+. Note 10 comes with a 16-centimetre screen, while the Note 10+ has a 17.3cm display (the biggest Note display yet).
With Note 10, Samsung is trying to capture new customers who earlier stayed away from Note due to its bulky size.
Industry analysts say Note 10 sales could add to Samsung’s business.
“The new Note series will help Samsung to grow its share in the premium segment of smartphone industry,” said Tarun Pathak, an associate director with Hong Kong-headquartered research firm Counterpoint.
Though market experts say Note 10 phones are “mighty expensive”, Mr Sabbagh said it is a well considered move.
“Prices were carefully studied to ensure our phones reach all consumer groups. In fact, Note 10+, with 512GB memory space, is Dh100 cheaper than the price of Note 9 [512GB] at the time of its launch.
Note 10+, with 256GB of memory, is priced at Dh3,999, while the 512GB memory variant will cost Dh4,499. The smaller Note 10, with 256GB memory, will cost Dh3,499.
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Teaching in coronavirus times
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Medicus AI
Started: 2016
Founder(s): Dr Baher Al Hakim, Dr Nadine Nehme and Makram Saleh
Based: Vienna, Austria; started in Dubai
Sector: Health Tech
Staff: 119
Funding: €7.7 million (Dh31m)
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
