The mobile phone giant Samsung will launch its latest blockbuster phone in the UAE on Saturday.
The Galaxy S4 promises more speed, a bigger screen and a slimmer, lighter design than its predecessor, the SIII.
It is expected to be a major rival to Apple's iPhone, especially in the UAE, where it is thought Samsung users make up around 45% of the market.
Only the 3G version will be available at launch but it is expected that within two weeks the 4G LTE version - which promises much faster browsing - will hit the shelves.
The handset will set customers back Dh2,599 - the same price as the standard 16GB iPhone 5 through official Apple sales channels.
Among some of the phone's features is the so-called "Samsung Smart Pause", which automatically pauses videos if you look away from the screen.
"With the launch of the GALAXY S4, Samsung is continuing to enhance the way that people live by offering the best-in-class hardware and the most advanced software to provide a true life companion for consumers in the region," said Hayssam Yassine, head of telecommunications group at Samsung Gulf Electronics.
Du customers have been able to pre-order the phone since last Saturday.
"We're excited to offer our customers the opportunity to be amongst the first in the UAE to own the new Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone. This device represents the latest of Samsung's smartphone breakthroughs," said Farid Faraidooni, chief commercial officer at du.
At launch, the phone will be available in black or white but more colour options are promised later in the year.
ksinclair@thenational.ae
