iPhone 17 coming soon — but not sure? 5 top tech picks in the UAE for 2025 that deserve your attention

The iPhone 17 is on the horizon, and the buzz is real. But if you’re hesitating to dive in just yet, why not explore some equally exciting tech options that deliver great value and innovation right now? Whether you’re looking for a sleek smartphone, immersive audio gear, or smart home devices to upgrade your lifestyle, there’s plenty to consider. From powerful Samsung phones to smart displays and cutting-edge headphones, these five tech picks bring fresh features and future-ready vibes without the wait. Here’s what’s worth your attention today in the UAE, 2025.

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The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a solid choice for anyone who just needs to zone out the noise around them. With Hi-Res Audio support, these wireless over-ear headphones deliver crisp highs, rich mids, and deep bass, perfect for music lovers and audiophiles alike. They boast an impressive 30-hour battery life, so you can enjoy uninterrupted listening through long flights or workdays. The wearing detection feature smartly pauses playback when you take them off, saving battery and convenience. Plus, Alexa voice assistant integration and multipoint connectivity let you control music hands-free and switch seamlessly between devices.

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The Echo Show 8 (3rd Generation, 2023 release) is a smart display that hits the sweet spot between functionality and style. With an 8-inch HD touchscreen and spatial audio, it’s perfect for video calls, watching short videos, checking recipes, or managing your day hands-free with Alexa. What sets this version apart is its built-in smart home hub, allowing you to control lights, cameras, and more directly from the screen, no separate hub needed. The design is compact, making it a great fit for bedrooms, kitchens, or home offices. Privacy-conscious users will appreciate the camera shutter and mic mute button for peace of mind. While it excels at smart home control and daily tasks, the screen isn’t ideal for long-form media, and the device depends heavily on a stable Wi-Fi connection. Still, for those who want a smart assistant that does more than talk — the Echo Show 8 is a powerful, compact companion.

So, if you’re holding out for the iPhone 17 but still craving something futuristic, the Echo Show 8 might just be the tech fix you need.

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If you're waiting for the iPhone 17 but still want a modern, capable phone now, the Galaxy A56 5G delivers premium features, big, smooth display, strong cameras, long-lasting battery, and future-proof software support—for significantly less. It checks all the boxes without the flagship price.

Not ready to drop Dh4,000+ on a new phone just yet? The Apple Watch Series 9 brings serious innovation to your wrist — we're talking cool design, faster performance, and the all-new Double Tap feature that lets you control apps without touching the screen. It’s a perfect pairing for your current iPhone while you hold out for the iPhone 17, giving you health tracking, smart replies, and on-the-go convenience. If you're loyal to the Apple ecosystem, this is one of the smartest ways to upgrade without the full phone commitment.

The Lenovo Tab P12 (2024) offers a tempting alternative — especially for those craving a bigger screen, immersive sound, and all-day versatility. With its expansive 12.7-inch 3K touchscreen, this Android 13 tablet is perfect for streaming, sketching, note-taking, or multitasking on the go. The display is vibrant and crisp, making everything from movies to Zoom calls feel elevated.

Powering the experience is 8GB of RAM and 128GB of fast UFS storage, ensuring smooth performance whether you're gaming, studying, or flipping between apps. The 13MP camera on the front makes it great for sharp video calls, and the Quad JBL speakers with Dolby Atmos create immersive surround sound — ideal for Netflix binges or background music while working.

It comes ready to go with a stylus pen and folio case included, making it a productivity-friendly device right out of the box.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.