Samsung Galaxy series models will see a double-digit price drop in the UAE once the newly launched AI-enhanced S24 hits the shelves next week.
Three variants of the S24 model, which was launched globally on January 17, are now available for pre-order in the UAE.
In the UAE, retailers expect prices of older Galaxy models - including the S23 - to drop between 10 and 38 percent. Major retailers expect customers can get their hands on the S24 devices from January 31.
What is the expected drop?
As soon as the S24 hits the UAE market next week, Jumbo Group CEO Vikas Chadha expects to see the S23 series retailing at a discount of 35-38 percent over its launch time price.
To remain competitive, competitors may adjust the price of their flagship models or mid-range devices to offset the impact on other brands' handsets.
Nilesh Khalkho, CEO of Sharaf DG, expects a price drop of Dh300-400 for the previous Galaxy S series model. “The new S series launch will only impact the price for its predecessor model, S23,” he said.
ECity expects previous model prices to drop by up to 10%.
Asthana, COO of the Eros Group, also saw approximately 10 percent decline in sales of previous Galaxy S models following the launch of the Galaxy S24.
Samsung's Galaxy S series phones are expected to have a limited impact on the prices of other Samsung phones. The S series has a dedicated customer base, and the introduction of new models is unlikely to significantly affect pricing dynamics in other series,” he added.
Is S24 too expensive?
Depending on the storage capacity of the models, prices for the base models range between Dh3,199 and Dh3,499; Plus has been priced between Dh3,899 and Dh4,399, while Ultra will cost between Dh5,099 and Dh6,599.
According to Vikas Chadha, the S24 Series is slightly more expensive than the S23 Series, which was launched around the same time last year. “This is due to the inclusion of generative artificial intelligence features called Galaxy AI.”
Nilesh Khalkho said S24 is competitively priced for the unique and differential specifications it offers. “It is the first AI-enabled smartphone to be launched.”
According to Asthana, the Galaxy S24 is also highly competitively priced in the UAE market when compared to its features and those of its competitors.
The reasons why S24 sales will surpass S23
Asthana believes the Galaxy S24 is likely to surpass its predecessor in terms of sales and popularity due to its new features.
With its in-built AI capabilities, enhanced camera, and improved photo editing features, S24 aims to be a compelling choice for consumers in the UAE."
The unique AI features of S24, according to Vikas Chadha of Jumbo Group, make it a standout product and poised to outsell its predecessor.
It enables live translation of calls, transforms normal speed videos into slow motion videos, and removes unwanted shadows from your photos - all features expected to delight consumers."
In addition, Nilesh Khalkho from Sharaf DG predicts S24 will be better than its predecessor.
"New AI features for editing photos and searching online, ProVisual Engine that can circle locations or items a user is pointing their camera at, or on a picture they've taken, and then look up results on what those things are, and live transcription that allows users to instantly translate phone calls from one language to another, make it stand out."
UAE retailer ECity believes S24 can surpass its predecessor both in terms of sales and popularity thanks to its upgrade with AI features and Titanium body.