On AI-heavy Galaxy S25, Samsung gets it right on prices too

Dubai: For its latest premium model, the Galaxy S25, Samsung certainly has brought into play a lot more of AI features for owners to get used to. And make it part of their daily activities.

Even better for potential owners of the S25 is the fact that Samsung has kept the pricing of the range at a constant compared to a year ago. In short, a lot more of AI, camera features and power – but at the same price levels.

With none of its major competitors having an immediate flagship model launch, Samsung has the field to itself for the next few weeks as 2025 will likely be the year when AI enabled smartphones go mainstream, according to analysts and retailers.

“Samsung has packed in a lot more at the same prices, especially when it comes to supercharging the Galaxy AI engine,” said Rajat Asthana, Chief Operating Officer at Eros Group. “Most definitely, a smart move.”

The 128GB entry model has a sticker price of Dh3,199, while the 256GB retails at Dh3,499. When it comes to the top end, the S25 Ultra packing 1 terra-byte is retailing at Dh6,599.

Ahead of the formal launch yesterday in San Jose, some retailers were expecting the Ultra price to see some increases, given all of the add-on features compared to the S24 from a year ago. “The Ultra is one of the best-selling smartphone models in the UAE, and having the same price will no doubt be a major draw with new buyers or those going for an upgrade,” said an online retailer. “More gadget buyers in the UAE and Gulf are getting comfortable using AI features, this is why the Galaxy S25 could be in for a strong run in the coming weeks.”

According to Asthana, “The powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor in the Ultra makes the device so fast and smooth even when multiple operations are being done at the same time. It also ensures that AI functions are performed in a jiffy due to its heavy duty fast processing capabilities.”

Bookings open today for the S25 and deliveries set to commence in early February. Along with the major retailers, the UAE telcos e& uae and du will be running their own offers to back the launch.  

“Samsung has been first to market with many AI features on its smartphone, while it has taken more than a year later for some of its rival brands,” said Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer at Jacky’s Group. “We ran a ‘hand raiser’ activity going on ahead of the S25 launch, through which we are guaranteeing early supply and special offers on payments and trade-ins.”