By Editor
Long-awaited S5 expected to continue Samsung’s brand appeal among UAE consumers
Samsung Electronics has launched the fifth generation of the Galaxy S series into the Middle East Market.
The latest in the highly popular flagship Galaxy Series, the S5 is set to deepen Samsung’s already leading position in the Middle East Android smartphone market.
“We are already the number one choice in the market,” says Hayssam Yassine, Head of Telecommunications at Samsung Gulf Electronics. “The new feature-rich Galaxy S5 will help us strengthen this leading position in the market.”
Key improvements are on the camera, fast network connectivity, fitness tools and enhanced device protection features-enhancements brought on by consumer demand, according to Hayssam. “People drive our innovation and technology” Hayssam says, adding,” We listen to the people and we deliver on what people want in the most effective and efficient way. This is the main reason behind the success of Samsung and why we became the market leader in such a short time.”
Key Features:
The Galaxy S5 supports LTE to take advantage of continued region-wide adoption of LTE/4G in the region while also supporting the fifth generation Wi-Fi 802.11AC technology.
The new Galaxy S5 features an excellent 16 megapixel camera with an enhanced menu and user interface. The camera features some innovative features including what the company says is the world’s fastest autofocus, with a speed of up to 0.3 seconds, as well as advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) that reproduces natural light and colour with in different light conditions. A new Selective Focus feature allows users to focus on a specific area of an object and simultaneously blur out the background.
Other notable features include IP67-certified dust and water resistance, a Finger Scanner screen-locking feature and a seamless and an Ultra Power Saving Mode that turns the display to black and white, and shuts down all unnecessary features to minimize battery consumption.
Also launched were two companion products, the Gear Fit and the Gear 2 and Neo 2 Smartwatches, continuing Samsung’s focus on wearable technology. “We believe wearables are the future growth categories and you can see all IT companies are into this segment. The technology is still in the early stages and it will evolve over time to deliver even more features,” explained Hayssam.
Wearables
Available in sleek designs, the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo extend Samsung’s smartphone functionalities allowing users to accept or ignore incoming calls and messages, as well as provide instant notification options based on a user’s activity and habits. The Gear 2 even includes its own camera.
For health nuts, the wearables offer personal fitness coaching in real-time, allowing users to develop a customizable fitness routine as well as monitor their heart rates. Both devices cam also act as remotes, with capabilities to control TVs and set top boxes. Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo are compatible with more than dozens of Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
The Samsung Gear Fit is on the other hand is curved, Super AMOLED wearable device that integrates with the new S5 phone, sending instant notifications from native functions, such as incoming calls, emails, SMS, alarms, the S-planner and third-party apps, while consumers are on the move. Most importantly, the Gear Fit offers a virtual fitness system, offering a custom, real time fitness coaching for personalized advice and workout recommendations.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 will be available across leading retail outlets in the UAE in three models starting at 2,599 for the base 3G 16GB model. The Gear 2 and Neo will start at AED 1,199 with the Gear Fit going for 799.
The products are available through Samsung’s many retail partners in the region. According to Hayssam, Samsung is in discussion with regional networks for carrier tie-ups where many of the offer some special and discounted plans for the Galaxy.