Samsung US recently offered discounts on its Galaxy Tab S9 series, making it a great time for consumers to consider purchasing these tablets. While the 2023 models received an update that brought them into the spotlight, opting for the 2022 Ultra model may be a better deal. The base Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is now priced at $700 for the 8/128GB configuration and $750 for the 12/256GB version. In comparison, the Tab S9 Ultra with the same storage capacity is priced at $1,070. The main difference between the two models is the chipset, with the older model featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and the newer one boasting the Gen 2 chipset. Additionally, the Tab S8 Ultra does not have the IP68 dust and water resistance that was added to the Tab S9 series last year. However, consumers will need to decide if these additional features are worth the extra $300.
Samsung US also offered some carrier deals on the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5, including up to $1,000 trade-in credit. For those whose contracts are still active, Amazon is currently selling the 512GB Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 for $900, while the 256GB version is priced at $1,000 before trade-ins are applied. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, on the other hand, is priced at $1,400 for the 12/256GB unit. It’s important to note that the Z 6 generation is expected to launch in a couple of months, so consumers who are willing to wait may have more options to choose from, such as a cheaper FE model or a more premium Ultra model.
If you’re in the market for a phone in the same class, Samsung declined to launch the Galaxy A55 in the US and the A35 is not yet available. This leaves consumers with two options – last year’s Galaxy A54 and the Galaxy S23 FE. The S23 FE features a more premium build with an aluminum frame and a more powerful chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, compared to the Exynos 1380 featured in the A54. However, the A54 has an advantage in terms of battery life with an 11:15h active use rating compared to the S23 FE’s 8:28h rating. Additionally, the A54 offers expandable storage, which the S23 FE does not. With a $200 price gap between the two models, the A54 may be the better option for most consumers.
OnePlus, known for its foldable phones, also offers tablets. The OnePlus Pad boasts an 11.61″ IPS LCD display with 10-bit colors, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. It has a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and is powered by the Dimensity 9000 chipset, which offers a powerful GPU for gaming. With quad speakers and a 9,510mAh battery with 67W charging, the OnePlus Pad is a great option for entertainment and work.
Aside from new foldables, Samsung is expected to launch its smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, at the upcoming Olympics. However, it’s important to note that smart rings are not a new concept, with Oura releasing their third generation smart ring in 2021. The Oura Ring, available in silver and other colorways, tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, and body temperature. It even offers women’s cycle prediction 30 days in advance.
In the world of gaming, smartphone gaming is currently the most profitable segment. However, dedicated portable consoles like the Asus ROG Ally have carved out their own niche. The Asus ROG Ally, featuring the Ryzen Z1, was briefly available for $300 on Best Buy, but the price is now back up to $400. It’s worth noting that this model initially launched at $600. For consumers interested in playing Windows games that cannot be run on their phones, the Asus ROG Ally offers a viable option.
While discussing these deals and offerings, it’s important to consider the potential future trends related to these themes. Foldable devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5, are gaining popularity and may become more affordable as newer generations are released. Additionally, the growing market for smart rings, like the Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring, indicates an increased focus on wearable technology and health monitoring. As for gaming, the availability of dedicated portable consoles like the Asus ROG Ally suggests that there is still a demand for gaming devices beyond smartphones.
Overall, the technology industry is constantly evolving and consumers can expect more advanced devices and improved functionalities in the near future. With increasing competition among manufacturers, prices may become more competitive, making it an exciting time for consumers to explore their options and find the perfect device for their needs. Whether it’s a tablet, smartphone, or gaming console, there are plenty of choices available that cater to different preferences and budgets.
