Gadgets
Nokia Intros Five New Phones at MWC
HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announced four new additions to its new portfolio of Android smartphones – Nokia 8 Sirocco, Nokia 7 Plus, new Nokia 6 and Nokia 1. Delivering all the craftsmanship you expect from a Nokia phone, each new smartphone offers durability and reliability as standard, with the range setting new benchmarks in materials and design.
Furthering its promise to a pure, smart, secure and up-to-date Android experience, HMD Global also announced it is to become the first global partner to have a full suite of devices selected into the Android One programme by Google. The unwavering commitment to deliver a pure, secure and up-to-date Android experience has ensured Nokia smartphones were a natural fit for the global programme.
In addition to these stunning new Android smartphones, the iconic Nokia 8110 is reloaded, delivering 4G connectivity, apps including Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Search, Facebook and Twitter, and the return of the slider phone. Three new Nokia smartphones – the Nokia 8 Sirocco, Nokia 7 Plus and the new Nokia 6 – join the Android One family, offering a high quality software experience designed by Google.
Each phone will stay fresh over time with the latest AI powered innovations to the highest grade of security from Google. With a pure Android installation, Nokia smartphones come with no unnecessary UI changes or hidden processes that would eat up battery life or slow them down so you can enjoy your new phone for longer. Each of the new phones comes with a limited number of pre-installed apps so that you’ll get more storage space, as well as the latest innovations that help you stay ahead of the game every day.
By shipping with Android Oreo out of the box, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest features, including Picture-in-Picture for multitasking, Android Instant Apps to discover and run apps with minimal friction, 60 fantastic new emojis and battery-maximising features like limiting background app use.
Nokia 8 Sirocco
Inspired by the rich design heritage of Nokia phones, the Nokia 8 Sirocco’s elegant design and compact style is the ideal blend of precise craftsmanship and purposeful innovation. Delivering powerful storytelling features including enhanced Dual-Sight, ZEISS optics and carefully tuned acoustics with Nokia spatial audio, the Nokia 8 Sirocco is an ultra-compact powerhouse, and our most beautiful smartphone to date.
Its curved glass finish envelops a precision-crafted stainless-steel frame to deliver a fusion of strength and beauty. Just 2mm thin at the edge, the Nokia 8 Sirocco combines a curved edge-to-edge pOLED 2K 5.5-inch display with smaller bezels and moulded body curves to create an ultra-compact profile.
Its stainless steel frame is 2.5 times stronger than 6000 series aluminium, and its 3D Corning® Gorilla Glass 5 is robust enough to endure life’s everyday knocks. Luxuriously weighted and perfectly balanced, it feels more secure in your hand thanks to the improved grip given by the dual diamond-polished stainless steel frame.
Now capture every detail thanks to the Nokia 8 Sirocco’s dual rear sensors with ZEISS optics that combine an ultra-sensitive, wide angle primary camera for impressive low-light performance and a secondary 13MP sensor with 2x optical zoom. And with Pro Camera mode you get full manual control over every picture you take, helping you capture photos like a pro.
Available from early April, the Nokia 8 Sirocco will retail for an average retail price of AED 2399, excluding taxes and subsidies.
Nokia 7 Plus
Made for creators to deliver stunning content, the Nokia 7 Plus has the screen, power, design and features to make it a true hero in our smartphone range. Combining innovative optical hardware and imaging algorithms, the Nokia 7 Plus captures moments into photos that are true to life. With enhanced Dual-Sight, dual rear sensors with ZEISS optics combine an ultra-sensitive 12MP wide-angle primary camera for excellent performance in both low-light and extra bright conditions and a secondary 13MP camera that delivers 2x optical zoom for the moments when you wish you were closer.
To enable you to capture and enjoy more content for longer, the Nokia 7 Plus is backed by the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Mobile Platform. It’s been optimised and integrated for maximum performance and battery life, even when you are broadcasting your #Bothie videos live on Facebook or YouTube. Optimised to extract every bit of juice from the already powerful 3800 mAh battery, the Nokia 7 Plus delivers an amazing 2-day battery life.
Its gently curved back and slim edges give you a big-screen experience in a comfortable, neat package. The vivid 6-inch 18:9 Full HD+ display makes the Nokia 7 Plus perfect for browsing, social media consumption, gaming and entertainment with more content in the same width as a traditional 5.5-inch display device.
Available in a choice of two colour blends, Black/Copper and White/Copper, the Nokia 7 Plus will go on sale from early April and will retail for an average retail price of AED 1399, excluding taxes and subsidies.
New Nokia 6
Building on the success of its predecessor, the New Nokia 6 packs even more powerful performance and great new features in a more compact, durable body. Over 60% faster than its award-winning predecessor, it now offers enhanced Dual-Sight, ZEISS optics, USB-C fast-charging, a more compact screen-to-body ratio, Nokia spatial audio and pure, secure and up-to-date Android Oreo.
The New Nokia 6 takes the original’s precision craftsmanship to the next level by combining a unibody, made from a solid block of 6000 series aluminium, with an 11-hour two-tone anodising and polishing process. And by uniting a sculpted 2.5D display with damage-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, the New Nokia 6’s compact and refined body is built to last.
Our engineers have integrated the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 Mobile Platform to deliver fast and smooth performance alongside great day-long battery life. Available in three slick colour blends: Black/Copper, White/Iron and Blue/Gold, as well as two configurations of 3GB RAM/32GB ROM, which will be available in early April, or 4GB RAM/64GB ROM coming later, the New Nokia 6 will go on sale in early April and will retail for an average retail price of AED 899 excluding taxes and subsidies.
Nokia 1
The Nokia 1 is a breakthrough in accessible technology, delivering smartphone essentials with the reassuring quality you expect of a Nokia phone and a refreshingly familiar design to fans around the world. Giving more people access to technology, it comes with Android Oreo (Go edition), a version of Android optimized for devices with 1GB RAM or less. The Nokia 1 is designed to be smooth and responsive, with full access to the Google Play Store so you can find all your favourite apps from WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram to mobile banking while also highlighting apps that are optimised for Android Oreo (Go edition).
Featuring the iconic ‘Nokia smile’ in a fresh new package, you can give your Nokia 1 a makeover thanks to the popular Xpress-on covers, available in a range of vibrant colours. Simply click on and off in seconds to express your personal style with these exchangeable covers. Each cover has been built with the same precision and attention to detail as the phone’s original cover. Inherently coloured, the tough two-tone polycarbonate cover is ready to take on every day knocks and bumps with its durable design.
Available from early April in Warm Red and Dark Blue to fans around the world, the Nokia 1 will retail for an average retail price of AED 299, excluding taxes and subsidies. Xpress-on covers, sold separately, are available from $7.99 in Azure, Grey, Yellow and Pink.
Nokia 8110
Reloading the legendary Nokia 8110, this 4G feature phone comes complete with the iconic curved slider design. Giving you the chance to switch off, have fun and relax with the knowledge that all your smartphone essentials are there when you need them.
With a familiar and easy to use interface, it features intuitive tactile mechanics, with slide to answer and end calls, as well as an addictive helicopter style spin on its axis. Nokia 8110 comes with the craftsmanship you expect from a Nokia phone, delivering durability and reliability as standard. Nokia 8110 delivers crystal-clear VoLTE calling and is perfect for anyone who wants an iconic 4G feature phone or a companion phone. With access to an app store, for favourites such as Google Assistant, Google Search, Google Maps, Facebook and Twitter, send and receive emails or import your contacts and sync your calendar with Outlook and Gmail. To keep it running flawlessly, the Nokia 8110 features the Qualcomm 205 Mobile Platform. And yes, it comes with a revamped version of Snake.
With two vibrant colours to choose from, Traditional Black and Banana Yellow, the Nokia 8110 will be available from May and will retail for an average retail price of AED 249, excluding taxes and subsidies.
Florian Seiche, CEO of HMD Global, said, “This time last year, we started our journey with huge expectations from fans and a massive responsibility to deliver on the legacy of one of the most innovative brands in our space. Since then we have reintroduced well-loved icons, forged partnerships with friends old and new and delivered our pure, secure and up-to-date Android experience across our smartphone portfolio. Last year we shipped over 70 million Nokia phones. As we’ve expanded our portfolio we’ve always maintained one vision: to deliver great Nokia phones that live up to the values that our fans expect. It has been an exhilarating time and as we look ahead, we plan to build on our success by expanding our portfolio and giving consumers a wide range of Nokia phones they can love, trust and rely on.”
Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer of HMD Global, said, “Today, we are delighted to announce the expansion of our range with the introduction of five new devices, setting new benchmarks in smartphone design with Nokia 8 Sirocco and delivering our most accessible smartphone to date in Nokia 1. Through these new devices, you’ll see our innovative approach to engineering and our strong legacy in imaging coming to the forefront in collaboration with ZEISS. And you will recognise our best in class materials led design and the distinctive finish throughout the portfolio which delivers all the reliability and durability expected of a Nokia phone. We pride ourselves on making smartphones that address real-world needs. Our commitment to pure, secure and up-to-date Android is core to our strategy and is loved by consumers. Today, we take that commitment to a deeper level by becoming the lead partner for the Android One programme globally, delivering an experience that is endorsed by Google.”
Pekka Rantala, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of HMD Global, said, “A smartphone is an everyday partner and something people need to know they can rely on. Last year we promised that we would deliver on all the hallmarks of a true Nokia phone experience and that we would live up to the trust people have in the Nokia brand on phones. This is why we are so excited to join the Android One programme, it is an important step in keeping this promise. We believe that after today’s additions to our phone portfolio consumers around the world can truly find their own Nokia phone that they can rely on.”
Jamie Rosenberg, VP, Business & Operations, Android & Google Play, “Android One is our flagship partner programme, and this comprehensive line-up of new Nokia smartphones represents our biggest partnership to date. Now, users around the world can find the perfect device to fit their needs and know they’re getting a high-quality hardware and software experience that’s smart, secure, and simply amazing.”
The Nokia 8 Sirocco will be available from end April in the UAE for an average retail price of AED 2399. Nokia 7 Plus will be available from mid-April in the UAE for an average retail price of AED 1399. The New Nokia 6 will be available from first week of April in the UAE for an average retail price of AED 899. Nokia 1 will be available from mid-April in the UAE for an average retail price of AED299. Xpress-on covers, sold separately, are available from $7.99 in Azure, Grey, Yellow and Pink. Nokia 8110 will be available from June in the UAE for an approximate average retail price of AED 249.
Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Expands With S24 FE in the UAE
Samsung Gulf Electronics today announced the availability of the Galaxy S24 FE in the UAE, the latest addition to the Galaxy AI ecosystem that delivers premium mobile experiences to more users. Powered by the AI-based ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist features, Galaxy S24 FE showcases an enhanced camera setup that empowers users to be more creative. It’s the perfect device for gaming on the go with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a long-lasting 4,700mAh battery, and a powerful Exynos 2400 series chipset. The Galaxy S24 FE offers premium Galaxy AI tools and ecosystem connectivity to enhance communication, productivity and creativity — all housed in an iconic design and protected by robust Samsung Knox security.
Fadi Abu Shamat, Senior Director and Head of Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said, “Our vision is to bring cutting-edge AI technology to all our users in the UAE. The introduction of Galaxy AI is revolutionizing how people in the region connect, express themselves, and boost their productivity. With the Galaxy S24 FE, we’re extending the advanced features and Galaxy AI capabilities of our flagship S24 Series to a wider audience across the UAE, ensuring more users can experience the future of mobile innovation.”
Galaxy S24 FE makes it easy for anyone to shoot stunning photos and videos. Its premium camera setup features a 50MP wide lens and 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom — both supported by optical image stabilization (OIS) — plus a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 10MP selfie camera. The camera system’s capabilities are further elevated by Samsung’s dynamic ProVisual Engine, an AI-driven camera engine that takes visual quality to incredible heights. Making its debut in the FE Series, ProVisual Engine features vastly improved technology that leverages advanced AI algorithms to deliver breathtaking detail and remarkably subtle textures:
- Nightography with AI image signal processing (ISP) to improve low-light performance, enabling beautiful night portraits
- Works with the wide camera’s 50MP Adaptive Pixel Sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x in addition to the optical 3x zoom. AI zoom also provides enhanced image quality at distances between digital zoom lengths. Object-aware engine to recognize scenes and optimize colours in Super High Dynamic Range (HDR), ensuring vibrant and lifelike photos and videos
When it is time to edit, Photo Assist features breathe life into ideas. Since its introduction with the Galaxy S24 Series devices, Galaxy AI has become invaluable for editing images and expressing creativity:
- Generative Edit reassembles the world through object moving and removal capabilities, allowing more creative freedom
- Portrait Studio reimagines selfies as cartoons, comics, watercolour paintings, or sketches to add flair to online profiles
- Edit Suggestions quickly remove pesky flaws, such as reflections, with the press of a button
- Instant Slow-mo immortalizes every second of life’s important moments in a snap
The powerful Exynos 2400 series chipset enables an uncompromised gaming experience compatible with cutting-edge features such as Ray Tracing. In a world where every bit of speed and efficiency counts, the Galaxy S24 FE utilizes several key features to stay ahead of the competition:
- A 1.1x larger vapour chamber improves cooling to maintain peak performance for longer durations
- A bigger 4,700mAh battery allows for long, worry-free gaming sessions
- A 6.7-inch adaptive Dynamic AMOLED 2X display – the largest display ever used in the FE Series – with up to 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and stunning viewing experience
- Vision Booster optimizes colour and contrast for clear and comfortable gaming even in sunlight
The Galaxy S24 FE incorporates the same advanced AI experience as the Galaxy S24 Series. Designed to enhance work, simplify communication, and increase connectivity, Galaxy AI on the S24 FE offers tools that unlock new possibilities:
- Circle to Search with Google satisfies curiosity with unprecedented ease by offering instant search results with just a long press of the home button and circle
- Interpreter instantly translates in-person conversations, lectures, or any other type of presentation, even when offline
- Live Translate breaks down communication barriers on phone calls and is now being extended to a selection of popular third-party apps
- Composer from Samsung Keyboard generates suggested text based on simple keywords for email and supported social media apps
- Note Assist streamlines the note-taking process and automates formatting and translation. In Samsung Notes, you can get transcription, translation, and summarizing of voice recordings directly. Texts in PDF files also can be translated and overlaid through PDF overlay translation
Every Galaxy AI-enhanced experience becomes even more useful when the Galaxy S24 FE is connected to Samsung’s expansive mobile ecosystem. It seamlessly transfers files, quickly sets up extended displays, and effortlessly executes complex creative ideas through intuitive inputs. In this hyper-connected Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy S24 FE enables experiences that increase productivity, creativity, and efficiency.
Building on the innovative legacy of the S Series, the Galaxy S24 FE is fortified with strong security. Samsung Knox, Galaxy’s multi-layer security platform that safeguards critical information and protects against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.
As a continuation of the S24 Series tradition of sustainable design, the Galaxy S24 FE has been made to do more with less when it comes to the planet’s resources. It features a wide variety of recycled materials, including recycled plastics, aluminium, glass, and rare earth elements in both internal and external components. It also features seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates and comes in a packaging box made from 100% recycled paper material.
Customers who purchase the breakthrough Galaxy S24 FE will receive a complimentary bundle of value-added services from premium Gulf brands worth up to AED 598. This exclusive package includes offerings from Samsung Entertainer, Anghami, VIU Premium and Starzplay Sports, providing customers with an extensive suite of entertainment and dining options to elevate their lifestyle.
The Galaxy S24 FE is available in retail stores and online starting October 3rd. At launch, customers can enjoy double the storage — a 256GB variant for the same price as the 128GB, starting from AED 2,399. The Galaxy S24 FE is available in Blue, Graphite, Gray, and Mint colours.
Gadgets
HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2″ Debuts in UAE with Stunning 2000-Nit Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display
Huawei’s latest tablet, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2”, is officially hitting shelves in UAE. Featuring a stunning Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display, innovative digital art tools, and an all-new HUAWEI Glide Keyboard, this latest offering from Huawei is designed to cater to both productivity and creativity. With advanced anti-glare technology, a powerful battery, and luxurious craftsmanship, the MatePad Pro 12.2″ is set to become a must-have device for users seeking a seamless blend of style and substance.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” is now available for purchase through Huawei’s online store and select retailers in UAE starting at AED 2999. It is available in two elegant colour options: Golden Silk and Black. To provide a worry-free experience, Huawei is offering the HUAWEI Care+ Service, which can be purchased alongside the new tablet.
At the heart of the device is the standout Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display, which delivers an extraordinary viewing experience that remains sharp and clear—even under the brightest sunlight. The 12.2-inch display, capable of reaching up to 2000 nits of brightness, provides stunning HDR visuals with vibrant colours, ideal for streaming, graphic design, and more. This level of brightness is complemented by sophisticated anti-glare technology, including anti-sparkle and nanoscale etching, ensuring that reflections and glare are kept to a minimum. The display’s magnetron nano-optical layers also help reduce light interference, allowing users to enjoy their content in any environment.
One of the most impressive features of the display is its PaperMatte finish, which mimics the look and feel of paper. This thoughtful design offers users a comfortable and natural viewing experience, whether they’re using the device for extended work sessions or enjoying a casual read. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2″ introduces the all-new HUAWEI Glide Keyboard. This redesigned keyboard case integrates stylus storage and charging. By simply placing the HUAWEI M-Pencil into the slot, the stylus pairs and charges automatically. The keyboard itself boasts stain-proof materials, making it durable enough to withstand common spills and smudges. The Glide Keyboard also makes it easier to switch between different modes. It’s now as easy as flipping open a laptop and doesn’t require multiple steps.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2″ comes with the GoPaint app, introducing a suite of groundbreaking digital art tools. Among these are the new Splatter and Fluid brushes, designed to unlock new levels of creativity. The Splatter brushes allow users to create mesmerizing ink splatters by hovering the M-Pencil over the screen and double tapping. The GoPaint app features 15 different Splatter brushes, each inspired by real-world splatters like spray paint, scattered tree leaves, and the iconic works of Pollock. Fluid brushes, meanwhile, recreate the blending effects of liquid pigments, offering an authentic watercolour and ink experience.
Huawei has paid just as much attention to the design of the tablet itself and it’s evident in the Golden Silk colourway. This mesmerising finish is the result of painstaking craftsmanship, with each device undergoing over 1,000 rounds of polishing. The final product is a tablet that not only performs at the highest level but also stands out with its luxurious, silky finish that subtly glows under light.
With all of this power comes incredible battery life. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” is equipped with a massive 10,100 mAh battery, offering up to 14 hours of continuous video playback. For those in need of a quick charge, the tablet’s 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge technology means it can go from zero to 100 per cent in just 55 minutes. Thanks to Huawei’s Smart Power Conserve, the tablet can also remain on standby for up to 380 days.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” is now available in UAE, offering consumers a tablet that combines performance, design, and creativity.
Foldables
HONOR Magic V3 Reduces Eye Strain with AI Defocus Display Technology
HONOR has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in eye care technology with its AI Defocus Display. This cutting-edge feature, first seen in the HONOR Magic V3, aims to mitigate the rising prevalence of myopia, particularly among smartphone users.
Traditional methods of addressing myopia, such as wearing glasses, often offer temporary solutions but may inadvertently contribute to the progression of the condition. HONOR’s AI Defocus Display takes a different approach, inspired by defocus glasses. By simulating controlled defocus on the display, the technology helps prevent the elongation of the eye’s axial length, a key factor in myopia development.
HONOR has conducted extensive scientific tests to substantiate the effectiveness of the AI Defocus Display. According to the tests, the feature is effective at reducing transient myopia by 13 degrees on average in a 25-minute session. Testing results also showed that the thickness of the central choroid increased after completing a visual task for 24 minutes with the AI Defocus Display function enabled. These findings provide compelling evidence of the transformative potential of this cutting-edge technology in myopia control and improving overall eye health.
Additionally, the HONOR AI Defocus Display has garnered recognition and endorsement from esteemed experts from Beijing Tongren Hospital (which is affiliated with Capital Medical University), and the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center (SEDPTC). These experts have thoroughly evaluated and supported the development of this innovative technology. Their expertise and endorsement serve as a strong validation that the AI Defocus Display is a cutting-edge solution that adheres to the highest standards of eye care technology.
With the AI Defocus Display, HONOR is at the forefront of the smartphone industry, offering a unique and effective solution to combat myopia and promote healthier vision. As the prevalence of myopia continues to rise, HONOR’s technology provides a promising avenue for mitigating its impact and improving the quality of life for millions of individuals.