American offers: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra on sale, Galaxy Z Flip5 price reduced

Samsung US recently provided discounts on the Galaxy Tab S9 series, which are still available. These 2023 tablets were updated with the new Galaxy AI, bringing them back into the spotlight. However, opting for the 2022 Ultra model may be a more cost-effective choice.

The base Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra with 8/128GB configuration (with a microSD slot) is now priced at $700, while the 12/256GB version is on clearance for $750. In comparison, a 12/256GB Tab S9 Ultra is priced at $1,070.

Both tablets feature large 14.6” 120Hz AMOLED displays and 11,200mAh batteries with 45W fast charging. The main difference lies in the chipset – Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 for the older model and Gen 2 for the newer one – along with features like IP68 dust and water resistance added last year. The decision to pay an extra $300 for these added features is subjective.

Samsung US also offered some carrier deals, including up to $1,000 trade-in credit for the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5. Those interested can find more details in the previous post, or consider purchasing a 512GB Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 for $900 from Amazon (priced at $1,120 on Samsung.com).

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is still priced at $1,400 for a 12/256GB unit. Additionally, rumors suggest that the Z 6 generation will be launched shortly, with talk of more affordable FE and premium Ultra models.

Alternatively, the OnePlus Open is available for $1,500 (featuring 16GB RAM and 512GB storage), offering LTPO displays, a 64MP 3x tele camera, and a 48MP ultra wide lens.

Samsung opted not to release the Galaxy A55 in the US and the A35 is not yet available. Therefore, the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S23 FE remain the top choices in this category.

The S23 FE offers a more premium build with an aluminum frame, a more powerful chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs. Exynos 1380), and features a tele camera with an 8MP module and 3x lens. However, the active use battery rating is lower at 8:28h compared to 11:15h for the A54, which also includes expandable storage. In the absence of the Galaxy A55, the older A54 may be the preferred option due to its lower price compared to the S23 FE.

For those interested in foldable phones, OnePlus offers the OnePlus Pad with an 11.61” IPS LCD display featuring 10-bit colors, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. This device runs at up to 144Hz, is powered by the Dimensity 9000 chipset, and comes with quad speakers and a 9,510mAh battery with 67W charging.

While Samsung is expected to unveil its smart ring at the Olympics, the Oura Ring has been a popular choice for wearable technology. This ring tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep quality, body temperature, and offers women’s cycle prediction up to 30 days in advance.

As smartphone gaming continues to be a lucrative market, Asus offers the Asus ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1) for gaming enthusiasts. Initially priced at $600, this portable console can now be purchased for $400, or $300 for an open box unit, allowing users to enjoy Windows games not typically available on mobile devices.