Sales of Samsung’s Galaxy Note20 series begin in the UAE today. The South Korean smartphone giant's new series offers two 5G-enabled devices – Note20 and Note20 Ultra.
With longer-lasting batteries, a more fluid stylus, enhanced security and better syncing across devices, the new phones are expected to boost sales and add to Samsung's overall bottom line.
Technology commentators consider the Note20 Ultra to be one of the best Android phones available in the market.
The National had a first look at a Note20 Ultra before its local launch. Here is what to expect from Samsung's latest device:
A treat for big screen lovers
The Note20 Ultra is best described as a phablet – a phone-plus-tablet. Weighing only 208 grams, it comes with a 17.52-centimetre curved display. The 120Hz screen refresh rate is more advanced than the company’s first attempt – S20 series that was launched in February. Scrolling down the screen feels easy when adaptive motion smoothness setting is enabled.
How cool are the cameras?
Note20 Ultra has three cameras on the back – a 108MP wide-angle camera and two 12MP telephoto and ultra-wide cameras. Addressing one of the biggest issues with Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung has also added a laser sensor to adjust the focus on its own. For video lovers, the new phone’s 8K camera gives users access to ultra-high resolution and a professional quality video experience. Users can also try powerful pro video mode with pro-grade focus, audio, exposure and zoom speed controls.
How big is the battery?
A 4,500 milliampere hours battery promises enough juice to last for almost a day. With a super-fast charging feature, it can be charged by up to 50 per cent in just 30 minutes. Although, it is smaller than the S20 Ultra's 5,000-mAh battery, it performed well on the testing day.
There wasn't a major drain even after playing games for nearly an hour, navigating Google Maps for about two hours and making video and audio calls for more than an hour.
What about the bump caused by the camera?
It can be annoying for some users. Even when you put the phone on a smooth surface, the phone actually shakes when you use the stylus S Pen to write or draw something on the screen.
Though the curved display looks stylish sometimes it leads to unintentional clicks while holding the phone.
Is it time to upgrade?
Industry analysts say someone with a Note10+ should not be itching to upgrade.
"This year, it is more of an iteration than a massive jump … anybody who has a Note10+ has no compelling reason to upgrade to Ultra. But for somebody with an older Note, the new phone is a fantastic option," Abbas Ali, managing editor of TechRadar Middle East, told The National.
How much does the Note20 Ultra cost?
Its starting price in the UAE is set at Dh4,499 and prices can rise beyond Dh5,200. Bookings started on August 5, when the device was launched globally. It also offers larger memory capacity - 8GB RAM to 12GB RAM and 128GB to 512GB of storage.
If you go...
Flying
There is no simple way to get to Punta Arenas from the UAE, with flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requiring at least two connections to reach this part of Patagonia. Flights start from about Dh6,250.
Touring
Chile Nativo offers the amended Los Dientes trek with expert guides and porters who are met in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino. The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas and lasts for six days in total. Prices start from Dh8,795.
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
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FA Cup quarter-final draw
The matches will be played across the weekend of 21 and 22 March
Sheffield United v Arsenal
Newcastle v Manchester City
Norwich v Derby/Manchester United
Leicester City v Chelsea
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Walls
Louis Tomlinson
3 out of 5 stars
(Syco Music/Arista Records)
Match info:
Wolves 1
Boly (57')
Manchester City 1
Laporte (69')
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
More from Neighbourhood Watch
In numbers
- Number of children under five will fall from 681 million in 2017 to 401m in 2100
- Over-80s will rise from 141m in 2017 to 866m in 2100
- Nigeria will become the world’s second most populous country with 791m by 2100, behind India
- China will fall dramatically from a peak of 2.4 billion in 2024 to 732 million by 2100
- an average of 2.1 children per woman is required to sustain population growth
Empty Words
By Mario Levrero
(Coffee House Press)
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
The specs
A4 35 TFSI
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed S-tronic automatic
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 270Nm
Price: Dh150,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
A4 S4 TDI
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 350bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh165,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
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