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Smartphones That Wow: The Most Impressive Flagships of 2024

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Does your current smartphone feel like a relic from the ancient times? Plagued by stuttering videos, crashing apps, and a battery that quits faster than a toddler’s attention span? If yes, you’re already due for an upgrade. But upgrading your smartphone is no small deal. It’s a commitment, an investment of both money and time spent adjusting to the new quirks. They’re how we bank, navigate, stay connected, and sometimes, how we escape from the present. So, you deserve something amazing.

Navigating the smartphone market is a jungle of jargon, though. We have to look past the marketing gimmicks, hyperbolic commercials, and pointless features. So, let’s cut through the noise and focus on smartphones that offer a truly transformative experience, with a dash of “wow” mixed in for good measure. Here is the cream of the crop in 2024.

HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra
Starting with the design, the Pura 70 Ultra features a stunning Starry Pattern back panel that is sure to turn heads. Its Starry Pattern back panel shimmers with an intricate texture, while an embossed plaid texture adds a unique tactile dimension. The luxurious vegan leather further enhances its sophisticated style. The XMAGE label and red-ringed primary camera add tasteful accents.

But the real star of the show is the camera system. The headline feature, the 1-inch Ultra Lighting pop-out camera, is a first for any smartphone. When shooting, the lens smoothly extends out with a satisfying mechanical whir. This retractable design allows the phone to pack a massive 1-inch sensor and an f/1.6 aperture into a body that’s just 8.4mm thick.

The 1-inch sensor is significantly larger than what you’ll find on most smartphones. This translates to better light-gathering ability, improved low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and a shallower depth of field for that beautiful bokeh effect. Combined with HUAWEI’s XD Fusion Pro image processing engine, the results are simply stunning.

With the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra’s Ultra Speed Snapshot feature, you can capture fast-moving subjects with stunning clarity. The Ultra Speed Snapshot feature can lock onto fast-moving subjects and snap tack-sharp pictures, even at speeds up to 300km/h. Also, the Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera can capture highly detailed macro shots from just 5cm away, with up to 35x magnification.

Huawei has done a phenomenal job of improving the durability of the Pura 70 Ultra with Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass. This nanocrystalline material is both harder and more flexible and dramatically boosts scratch resistance by 300%, while also improving drop resistance. The Pura 70 Ultra also features 100W wired and 80W wireless HUAWEI SuperCharge. You can top up the 5200mAh battery to 50% in just 15 minutes, whether you’re plugged in or going cord-free.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 series now offers an enhanced and optimized AppGallery experience, bringing convenience and efficiency to your fingertips. Users can rest assured that all their favorite apps, including social media, banking, shopping, video streaming, and navigation, are readily available. With just one click, you can download essential apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Careem, Youtube and Maps directly from the HUAWEI AppGallery.

iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max maintains the familiar silhouette but introduces a new material – titanium. This material offers a significant leap in durability compared to traditional stainless steel, providing exceptional scratch and dent resistance. You’ll also immediately notice the phone’s lighter weight compared to the 14 Pro Max. In addition to the new material, there are subtle refinements like slightly thinner bezels and a redesigned camera module. And, of course, a new range of colour options.

Another notable change is the absence of the iconic silent switch. Instead, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a new Action button, which can be programmed to perform a variety of functions, including activating the silent mode. So, it basically adds more flexibility than before.

There are some not-so-insignificant camera upgrades, as well. The main 48MP rear camera features a new, larger sensor, offering improvements in low-light performance. The 12MP periscope telephoto lens allows for optical zoom up to 5x, enabling users to capture distant subjects with exceptional clarity. Also, it lets you shoot video in ProRes, which gives you a tonne of latitude in postprocessing if you are into that. The 12MP ultrawide shooter also lets you take close-up macro shots.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max addresses one of the primary concerns of power users – battery life. It can last a full day even with heavy-handed usage. The main reason behind this improvement is the A17 Pro chip, which delivers unmatched performance while being remarkably power-efficient.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra carries forward the legacy of the S series. There are sleek design refinements, an improved camera system, and a few other changes. The Galaxy S24 Ultra builds on Samsung’s established design language. It feels distinctly Samsung.

Samsung has reinforced the S24 Ultra’s frame with titanium. This provides greater protection from accidental drops and everyday wear and tear. Curved edges soften the look and enhance comfort in hand. Smaller bezels maximize the expansive display while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. Also, there is the S Pen, which is a surprisingly capable tool for drawing and sketching. Even though the Ultra model belongs to the S24 Series, it is in a league of its own. From its curved glass slab design to materials and the inclusion of a stylus, it’s the most distinctive phone in the entire series.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra camera system is designed for enthusiasts as well as content creators. The primary rear camera uses a massive 200-megapixel sensor, providing incredible details and cropping flexibility. This time, Samsung takes night photography to the next level with improved astrophotography. Moreover, the S24 Ultra deepens its integration with Samsung’s Expert RAW app, giving even more control over image parameters if you crave true manual control and professional-level editing.

Samsung seems to have taken a step backwards with the zoom, though. Instead of the 10X optical zoom found on the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra only has a 5x optical zoom. Nonetheless, the results look promising. You are more likely to use the 5x zoom in everyday situations, so it’s hard to call this a downgrade.

While the wired charging speed of 45W is a bit on the slow side for a 2024 flagship, the 15W wireless charging is long overdue for an upgrade. That said, the 5000mAh battery is quite capable and gives you plenty of battery life.

Which one to choose?
You can’t go wrong with any of these smartphones. They are all great in their own right. But we have a soft spot for the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra for good reason. Firstly, it’s a bold statement about the future of mobile imaging and design. Its pop-out camera, equipped with a large 1-inch sensor and the Ultra Speed Snapshot feature, sets the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra apart from its competitors. In fact, this smartphone might just be the one that finally allows you to leave your bulky DSLR or mirrorless camera at home.

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Gifting Made Easy with Up to AED 2,000 OFF: Top ASUS Laptop Deals to Celebrate the Festive Season

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It’s the holiday season – so, it’s time to spread cheer and celebrate with thoughtful gifts. ASUS laptops offer the perfect combination of cutting-edge technology and exceptional value, making them ideal for gamers, creators, professionals, and everyday users. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, ASUS has you covered with exclusive bundles, discounts, and gifts to add joy to the festive season.

From enhancing gaming adventures to empowering creative professionals and boosting everyday productivity, ASUS laptops are the ultimate tech gift. This Christmas and New Year, enjoy exclusive discounts of up to AED 2,000 and free premium bundles across a range of ASUS laptops designed to meet diverse needs.

Top ASUS Laptop Picks for Gifting
Make gifting easier this holiday season with these premium ASUS laptops. Here’s a curated list to help you choose the perfect tech companion:

2024 ROG Strix G16 (G614JVR)

  • Savings: Up to AED 2,000
  • Key Features: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16” FHD display, Intel Core i9 processor, 1TB storage, Tri-Fan cooling technology
  • Shop Now
  • Ideal For: Gamers seeking superior performance and immersive gameplay

2024 ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G834JYR)

  • Savings: Up to AED 3,500
  • Key Features: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, 18” QHD display with 240Hz refresh rate, Intel Core i9 processor, ROG Intelligent Cooling System
  • Shop Now
  • Ideal For: Hardcore gamers pushing boundaries with cutting-edge performance

2024 ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (FA507UV)

  • Savings: Up to AED 700
  • Key Features: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, AMD Ryzen 9 processor, 15.6” FHD display with 144Hz refresh rate, 1TB storage
  • Shop Now
  • Ideal For: Gamers who prioritize durability and value-packed performance

ASUS Zenbook Duo (UX8406)

  • Savings: Up to AED 2,500
  • Key Features: Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 14” dual Lumina OLED touchscreen, Intel Arc graphics
  • Shop Now
  • Ideal For: Multitaskers and creators seeking innovative productivity solutions

ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406)

  • Savings: Up to AED 1,000
  • Key Features: AI-powered features, Intel Lunar Lake processor, ultra-light design (1.2kg, 1.1cm thin), 3K Lumina OLED display, 72Wh long-lasting battery
  • Shop Now
  • Ideal For: Professionals who value portability and style

ProArt P16 (H7606)

  • Savings: Up to AED 600
  • Key Features: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, ASUS Lumina OLED, exclusive AI-powered tools (MuseTree & StoryCube), 4K editing capabilities, lightweight design (1.85kg, 14.9mm thin)
  • Shop Now
  • Ideal For: Creators and designers requiring advanced tools for professional projects

Exclusive Festive Deals and Bundles
Every ASUS laptop purchase from the ASUS eShop comes with a gift! Exciting options include ASUS tote bags, Jenga sets, DIY kits, gift boxes, or sunglasses. But that’s not all—leading retailers have special holiday offers too:

  1. Sharaf DG: Freebies worth up to AED 499 and a 1-year free antivirus subscription with purchases over AED 2,999.
  2. Eros: Get a 1-year free MS Office bundle and premium headphones for just AED 99.
  3. Emax: Enjoy freebies worth AED 249 or AED 149 and a 1-year MS Office subscription.
  4. Jumbo: A complete tech package including a Bluetooth speaker, TWS earbuds, mobile holder, power bank, and antivirus protection.

Hurry, these festive offers are valid for a limited time, so don’t miss out!

This holiday season, make your gifting choices easier with ASUS laptops that cater to every need. From hardcore gaming to ultraportable designs for professionals, ASUS has something for everyone. With incredible discounts, exclusive bundles, and gifts, there’s no better way to celebrate the festive spirit.

Explore the full range of festive deals at ASUS eShop and top retailers and start 2025 with powerful technology that inspires and delights. Spread joy this Christmas and New Year with ASUS laptops—the perfect gift for you and your loved ones.

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5 Mindblowing Tech Behind Huawei’s Best Affordable Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds: HUAWEI FreeBuds 6i

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Huawei has always been ambitious with its audio products, but the FreeBuds 6i might be their most audacious move yet. They’ve taken their flagship-level noise cancellation tech, Intelligent Dynamic ANC 3.0, first featured on the FreeBuds Pro 3 and put it in a pair of affordable earbuds. The Intelligent Dynamic ANC 3.0 constantly analyses your surroundings and adjusts the noise cancellation accordingly to give you the most immersive audio experience wherever you are. Trained on 34 different scenarios, it can handle the noise in a wide range of everyday situations. The FreeBuds 6i monitor noise every 2.6 μs and adjusts the parameters within about a second to seamlessly optimise noise cancellation for your surroundings.

5 Hardware Upgrades Behind the Noise Cancellation
The FreeBuds 6i achieves a breakthrough in noise cancellation with 5 hardware upgrades. These upgrades tackle both passive noise cancellation (PNC) and active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities. PNC upgrades include the Noise Filtering Chamber, along with brand-new ear tips. ANC upgrades include the 3-Mic System, 2.4 times higher computing power, and a new 11 mm Quad-magnet Dynamic Driver.

  1. Noise Filtering Chamber: The FreeBuds 6i outsmart noise with a cleverly designed Noise Filtering Chamber, designed based on the Helmholtz resonance principle. This chamber deals with the most stubborn frequencies of background chatter between 2 and 3 kHz which are the most challenging to cancel out using conventional methods. The Noise Filtering Chamber effectively quietens ambient chatter, typically measuring at around 55 dB.

  2. Brand-new Ear Tips: The second upgrade that seals out the noise is actually a set of enhanced ear tips that offer a more comfortable fit and better sound isolation. They are made of skin-friendly liquid silicone, which offers a silky-smooth touch, and come in three sizes. Thicker ear tips, more secure fit and superior airtightness mean less noise leakage and better passive noise cancellation, especially in the medium to high-frequency range.

  3. 3-Mic System Inside and Outside the Ear: An upgraded 3-mic system listens to the sounds around you and inside your ear canal to detect residual noise within the ear canal. This triple-mic setup, boasting a 50% better signal-to-noise ratio than before, helps the earbuds to cancel out low- to mid-frequency noises.
  4. 2.4-times Higher Computing Power: The FreeBuds 6i packs some serious active noise-canceling power. They have upgraded the computing power to be 240% higher than its predecessor thanks to Intelligent Dynamic ANC 3.0. This allows the earbuds to analyse and cancel out the incoming noise in real-time. This enables the earbuds to handle noises across a wide frequency range.

  5. New 11 mm Quad-Magnet Dynamic Driver: The brand new flagship-level 11mm Quad-magnet Dynamic Driver in the FreeBuds 6i is 50% more sensitive than its predecessor. It generates reverse sound waves to counteract the medium to low-frequency residual noise that leaks into the ear canal.

The Intelligent Dynamic ANC 3.0 along with these five hardware upgrades work together to give you the best listening experience. The result is a 100% improvement in noise cancellation, including an average noise attenuation of 27 dB across all measured frequencies and across a myriad of common scenarios.

Audio that Adapts to You
The FreeBuds 6i deliver a surprisingly immersive audio experience. The 11mm drivers pack a punchy, bass-emphasised sound that’s right up your alley if you are a fan of modern genres. And the Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification means that you get high-fidelity sound with rich details. Huawei’s triple adaptive EQ is also a standout. It automatically tailors the sound to your ear canal and listening volume in real-time. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, the 10-band equalizer lets you fine-tune the sound to your liking. Overall, the FreeBuds 6i offers a fully personalised and engaging listening experience that punches above its weight.

The earbuds offer 35 hours of music playback with ANC off with a fully charged case and 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. With ANC enabled, you can still enjoy up to 20 hours of music with the case and 5 hours on a single charge. Plus, a quick 10-minute charge provides 4 hours of listening time.

The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6i are a remarkable achievement. They bring top-tier noise cancellation to a price point that’s accessible to a wider audience. They’re a great option for anyone who wants to drown out the world without spending a fortune. If noise cancellation is your top priority, the FreeBuds 6i should be at the top of your list.

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Best Tablet for Creators and Students: The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5″S Takes Note-Taking and Digital Art to the Next Level

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Tablets are the Goldilocks of the tech world — just the right size for curling up with an ebook or streaming your favourite shows. With a stylus, they become a digital canvas. With a keyboard, they’re almost as good as a laptop. Yet, there’s a missing piece of the puzzle that keeps tablets from truly replacing books. If you have tried any serious reading on a tablet, you’ll know the struggle. It’s not quite the same as paper, is it? The eye strain, the glare, the lack of that comforting paper texture. But what if a tablet could change all that? That’s the promise of HUAWEI MatePad 11.5″S with its new generation PaperMatte Display.

Like Paper, But Better
The MatePad 11.5”S is the first-ever tablet with the new generation PaperMatte Display. The new generation PaperMatte Display offers a significantly better reading and writing experience and is smoother to the touch and resistant to fingerprints. It offers a 99% reduction in light interference and improves the screen transmittance to 95%. Put simply, that means more vibrant colours, better clarity, and even better comfort. And when it comes to writing, the nano-etched texture gives it that satisfying paper-like friction, allowing your stylus to glide with just the right amount of resistance. Doodling and notetaking feel natural and intuitive.

The tablet is certified for low blue light emissions, flicker-free performance, and reflection-free viewing by TÜV Rheinland. It has also earned the SGS Low Visual Fatigue Premium Performance 2.0 Certification. That basically means this tablet will keep your eyes happy and healthy.

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5″S is a fundamental rethinking of how a tablet should look and feel. Think of it as the lovechild of a premium performance tablet and an e-ink writing tablet. The MatePad 11.5″S combines the best aspects of both. On the one hand, you get an expansive 11.5-inch HD FullView Display that boasts 2.8K resolution, an impressive 87% screen-to-body ratio, 144 Hz maximum refresh rate, and HDR vivid support, providing an unmatched level of visual experience. And on the other, it is designed to give you the tactile joy of real paper with almost no glare and none of the eye strain.

Boost Your Productivity with M-Pencil
What makes the MatePad 11.5″S even better is the HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd Generation) and HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard. These two use Huawei’s NearLink technology, a wireless protocol that leaves Bluetooth in the dust when it comes to speed and responsiveness. With over 10,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, the M-Pencil (3rd Generation) is incredibly precise.

The handwriting acceleration algorithm allows for ultra-low latency on the MatePad 11.5″S. Huawei’s calibration algorithm analyses your strokes and automatically adjusts for any imperfections. Even if you’re using a screen protector or the stylus tip is a little worn down, it keeps your strokes smooth. The adaptive pressure-sensing curve of the new M-Pencil is optimised for both drawing and writing. Additionally, the M-Pencil comes with a hard, transparent tip ideal for drawing and a soft, non-transparent tip with added resistance for writing. And it’s easy to switch between these tips.

The detachable HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard snaps on magnetically and offers over 40 shortcuts for streamlined productivity. With three adjustable angles, it adapts to your needs, whether you’re crunching numbers in a spreadsheet or binging your favourite shows.

GoPaint: Upgrade Your Creativity
The new GoPaint app developed by Huawei makes its debut on the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5″S, providing an authentic, professional, efficient, and user-friendly painting experience. Designed for both professional creators and hobbyists, the app offers a natural drawing experience with over 100 brushes, including customised Arabic Calligraphy Brushes praised by renowned artist Mohammed Mandi. The FangTian Painting Engine ensures silky-smooth creation with multiple layers, low latency, and a high frame rate. Additionally, smart and convenient tools like curve correction and willow leaf further enhance the creative experience, allowing users to paint to their heart’s content.

Huawei Notes: Crafting an efficient and intuitive note-taking experience

The Huawei Notes app has been upgraded to enhance its seamless collaboration with the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5″S, offering a more delightful and personalized visual experience through its optimized cover design. The Note Replay feature significantly boosts efficiency by aligning spoken words with written text, allowing users to capture key information during classes and conferences without missing details. Users can swiftly edit their notes and create graphics by simply dragging across or tapping on the screen. The app offers efficient editing tools, including colour change with a lasso, quick gestures, and Instant Shape, enabling easy adjustments and corrections. Additionally, the app supports an exclusive hinote format, allowing for direct editing and secondary creation of received notes. These features enhance the user’s note-taking experience, making the Huawei Notes app a powerful assistant for learning and creative endeavours.

Redefines Performance and Style
The tablet comes with even more features for productivity-focused folks. The App Multiplier lets you split a single app into two separate windows, side-by-side. This lets you work on two documents simultaneously, compare spreadsheets, or even chat with different contacts in the same messaging app. With the right setup, you could even have up to four app instances running at once. The MatePad 11.5″S isn’t just a tablet; it’s a multitasking machine.

The MatePad 11.5″S is packing a 2×2 MIMO dual-antenna, which provides faster, more reliable wireless connection. It also boasts Wi-Fi 6 enhancement technology for the best wireless network experience. And it does all this while maintaining the MatePad’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Speaking of aesthetics, the MatePad 11.5″S integrated all-metal is both stylish and durable. At just 510g and 6.2mm thick, it’s easy to slip into your bag and take your creativity on the go.

The new HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S is available for pre-orders in the UAE from June 7 at a starting price of AED 1,499. Customers who pre-order will receive gifts worth AED 898, including the HUAWEI 3rd Gen M-Pencil, instant redeemable AED 300 coupon and more.

To celebrate the launch, Huawei’s online store is offering a special Early Bird promotion from May 31 to June 6. Customers who subscribe for pre-orders during this period will receive a 300 AED coupon for the keyboard version and a 500 AED coupon for the non-keyboard version, only redeemable during the pre-order phase from June 7 to June 13.

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5″S delivers on the promise of a truly paper-like experience. But it is also more than that. It’s a versatile tool for creatives and students alike. The M-Pencil with NearLink delivers a smooth and responsive writing and drawing experience. GoPaint and the upgraded HUAWEI Notes app further enhance the tablet’s creative capabilities, making it a true digital studio and notepad in one. So, if you’ve been holding out for a tablet that truly delivers on the promise of versatility, this could be the one.

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