Tech News

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S24 Series: Cutting-Edge Hardware, AI Innovation, and Extended OS Support

Samsung’s all-inclusive phone now features valuable new AI tools, a flat screen, and an elevated price tag.

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

Cosbom

Have you ever desired to own the ultimate smartphone? For several consecutive years, Samsung’s S-series Ultra has claimed that title, and the company continues the trend with the 2024 Ultra model. Introducing the Galaxy S24 Ultra, featuring a new titanium finish, an array of AI tools, and an increased starting price of $1,299, up from the already elevated $1,199.

One of the immediately noticeable enhancements in the Ultra is its construction. This year’s model boasts a titanium frame, similar to Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro, providing enhanced durability according to Samsung. Unlike Apple, Samsung hasn’t utilized titanium to reduce the phone’s weight; titanium is denser than aluminum but offers superior durability, allowing for a more sparing use of the material. In this instance, Samsung has prioritized durability. The S24 Ultra weighs approximately the same as the S23 Ultra (8.22oz or 232 grams), making it slightly heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Another significant change on the front is the display. The S24 Ultra maintains a 6.8-inch 1440p display, akin to the S23 Ultra, but it departs from the curved edges inherited from the Note series in favor of a flat screen. Although there’s still a slight curve at the device’s edge, in contrast to the straight-edged S24 and S24 Plus, the alteration significantly reduces the likelihood of accidentally running your S Pen over the side of the display.

The S24 Ultra (front) adopts a flat display, ditching the slightly curved screen edges seen on the S23 Ultra (rear).

Another notable hardware change is evident on the phone’s rear. Samsung has replaced the S23 Ultra’s 10-megapixel 10x zoom with a 50-megapixel 5x zoom. Utilizing a lossless crop zoom to reach 10x, although it’s not a native focal length anymore, several Samsung representatives have asserted that the image quality at 10x should actually be enhanced compared to the S23 Ultra. The ability to zoom out all the way to 100x is still present, although, in preliminary testing, it seems to be more of a novelty feature.

The remaining four cameras on the device maintain their hardware from the previous year. This includes a 200-megapixel f/1.7 main camera, a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens on the back, and a 12-megapixel selfie camera on the front.

In terms of AI features, Samsung has integrated a comprehensive set of AI capabilities into its new phone series, encompassing both local and cloud-based functionalities. The S24 Ultra, S24 Plus, and S24 incorporate Google’s Gemini foundational models on-device, providing users with a range of AI perks typically found in larger Pixel models.

Google Search was not fooled by this fake plant.

The S24 series introduces several new AI-powered image and video editing tools accessible through a Google Bard-esque star icon in the UI. These tools allow users to isolate, resize, move, or remove photo subjects, adjust the horizon level without cropping, and have AI fill in the image edges. A standout feature demonstrated for videos is the ability to convert any video into a 120fps slow-motion video after recording, using AI to interpolate missing frames.

Additional features include the Circle to Search feature from Google, where users can circle an item on the screen to initiate a search. The S24 series, along with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, are the first phones to offer this functionality. The system also includes AI-driven translation features for phone calls and text conversations, along with enhancements to the voice recorder and Notes app.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra will be equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset in all global markets. However, the S24 and S24 Plus will exclusively feature the 8 Gen 3 in the United States. In other regions, these models will utilize an Exynos chipset, with Samsung assuring that this choice will not impact the AI capabilities. Additionally, there is an upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 on the connectivity side.

You’ll get a Qualcomm SoC no matter where in the world you buy the S24 Ultra.

Despite the absence of Qi2 wireless charging, the S24 series compensates by offering a notable advancement: Samsung joins Google in providing seven years of OS upgrades for the S24 series, inclusive of security updates.

The S24 Ultra, priced at $1,299 for the 256GB variant, is set to be available for shipment starting January 31st, with pre-orders open from today.

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iPhone 17 Pricing Shock: India Faces Steepest Price Increases in Apple History

Apple just unveiled the iPhone 17 series with some of the steepest price increases ever seen in India—the iPhone 17 Pro Max now starts at a jaw-dropping ₹1,59,990, and even the ‘budget’ iPhone 17 Air costs ₹99,990. Here’s why Indian consumers are getting hit hardest by Apple’s new pricing strategy.

Published

1 month ago

September 9, 2025

Cosbom

The numbers are in from Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, and for Indian consumers, they’re genuinely shocking. What was once considered expensive is now entering luxury car territory, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max starting at ₹1,59,990—making it the most expensive iPhone ever launched in India.

Segments

The Price Breakdown: Prepare Your Wallet

Here’s how Apple’s new pricing structure breaks down across the iPhone 17 lineup in India:

iPhone 17 Series India Pricing:

iPhone 17: ₹89,990 (up from ₹79,900 for iPhone 16)
iPhone 17 Air: ₹99,990 (replacing the Plus model)
iPhone 17 Pro: ₹1,29,900 (up from ₹1,19,900 for iPhone 16 Pro)
iPhone 17 Pro Max: ₹1,59,990 (up from ₹1,34,900 for iPhone 16 Pro Max)

That’s a ₹25,000 increase for the Pro Max model alone—enough to buy a decent mid-range Android phone.

Comparison of iPhone prices in India: 2007 iPhone 3G at ₹31,000 vs 2024 iPhone 16 at ₹79,900 with improved storage

The iPhone 17 Air: Premium Pricing for Compromised Features

Perhaps the most controversial pricing decision is the iPhone 17 Air at ₹99,990. This ultra-thin device, measuring just 5.5mm thick, replaces the iPhone 16 Plus but costs ₹10,000 more than its predecessor.

iPhone with ultra-thin design and single rear camera on a marble surface.

What you get for ₹99,990:

6.6-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate
A19 chip (not the Pro version)
Single rear camera (48MP)
Ultra-thin design prioritizing aesthetics over functionality

What you lose:

Dual camera system
Longer battery life (due to thinness constraints)
Advanced Pro features like ProRAW photography

The pricing suggests Apple is betting Indian consumers will pay premium prices for design over functionality—a risky gamble in a price-sensitive market.

Currency Impact vs. Global Pricing Strategy

Apple’s Indian pricing has historically followed a simple formula: $1 = ₹100. But with the current exchange rate at around ₹87 to the dollar, Apple appears to be padding prices beyond currency fluctuations.

Global Pricing Comparison:

US: iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199
India: ₹1,59,990 (equivalent to $1,839 at current rates)
Effective markup: Nearly 53% over US pricing

This means Indian consumers are paying significantly more than their global counterparts, even accounting for taxes and import duties.

Comparison of iPhone 16 prices across multiple countries in respective currencies showing regional price differences.

The Make in India Paradox

Here’s what makes these price increases particularly frustrating: Apple is now manufacturing all four iPhone 17 models in India through facilities including Tata Group’s plant in Hosur and Foxconn’s Bengaluru unit.

Despite local production—which should theoretically reduce costs—Apple has chosen to increase prices across the board. This suggests the company is prioritizing profit margins over the cost benefits of local manufacturing.

What ₹1.6 Lakh Gets You (And What It Doesn’t)

For the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s ₹1,59,990 starting price, you get:

6.9-inch display with ProMotion
A19 Pro chip with improved graphics
Triple 48MP camera system with 8K video recording
Enhanced thermal management
Wi-Fi 7 support
256GB base storage (finally)

But here’s the reality check: That same ₹1.6 lakh could buy:

A flagship Android phone + a premium laptop
A decent motorcycle
2-3 years of iPhone 16 Pro usage at current depreciation rates
A significant down payment on a car

The Festive Season Gamble

Apple’s timing is strategic but risky. Launching these prices just before India’s festive season—traditionally the biggest sales period—suggests confidence that Indian consumers will absorb the shock.

Pre-order and availability:

Pre-orders: September 12
General availability: September 19
Festive season discounts: Unlikely for at least 3-6 months

The Competition Advantage

These price increases hand significant advantages to competitors:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (expected around ₹1,20,000):

Similar flagship features at ₹40,000 less
More storage options
Better zoom capabilities

OnePlus, Xiaomi, and other flagship killers now have a massive pricing umbrella to operate under, potentially offering 80% of iPhone features at 50% of the cost.

Why Apple Thinks It Can Get Away With This

Despite the sticker shock, Apple’s pricing strategy isn’t entirely irrational:

Brand loyalty: iPhone users tend to stick with the ecosystem
EMI culture: Many buyers focus on monthly payments rather than total cost
Status symbol: iPhones remain aspirational products in India
Trade-in programs: Older iPhone values help offset upgrade costs

The Real Winners and Losers

Winners:

Apple shareholders (obviously)
Android flagship manufacturers getting pricing umbrella
Older iPhone models getting extended life cycles

Losers:

Indian consumers facing 15-25% price increases
First-time iPhone buyers priced out of the ecosystem
Small retailers unable to move premium inventory

What This Means for the Market

Apple’s aggressive pricing could backfire in a market where smartphone penetration is still growing and price sensitivity remains high. While the company has successfully positioned iPhones as luxury products, there’s a limit to how much the market will bear.

The success of these prices will largely determine whether other premium brands follow suit or use this as an opportunity to gain market share with more reasonable pricing.

Bottom Line: Apple is betting that Indian consumers’ desire for iPhones is price-inelastic. The next few quarters will reveal whether they’re right—or whether they’ve finally priced themselves out of significant market growth.

Will you be upgrading to the iPhone 17 series at these prices, or are these increases finally pushing you toward alternatives? Let us know in the comments.

Tech News

Live Coverage: Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event (September 9, 2025)

We’re here with the latest on iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

Published

1 month ago

September 9, 2025

Cosbom

As the world tunes in tonight, here’s Cosbom’s live blog starting at 10:30 PM IST with play-by-play announcements, pricing details, and instant analysis of every major reveal.

10:30 PM — Keynote Kickoff
Tim Cook welcomes the world with “Awe Dropping” title graphics. Live stream quality is crisp, and social feeds are already buzzing.

10:35 PM — AirPods Pro 3

H3 chip, improved ANC, live translation, heart-rate monitoring, improved battery life.

Pricing: $249.

10:40 PM — Apple Watch Series 11 & Ultra 3

Series 11 adds blood-pressure monitoring, brighter display.
Ultra 3 gains satellite texting, advanced health sensors.
Pricing: Series 11 starts at ₹39,990; Ultra 3 at ₹79,900 (India).

10:58 PM — iPhone 17

Dual-lens camera, A19 chip, 6.1″ display.
Price in India: ₹89,990.

11:10 PM — iPhone 17 Air

Ultra-thin 5.5 mm chassis in five colors.
6.6″ 120 Hz display, A19 chip, single 48 MP rear camera.
Price in India: ₹99,990.

11:25 PM — iPhone 17 Pro

Triple-48 MP camera, “horizontal bar” design, 256 GB base.
ProMotion 120 Hz, A19 Pro chip.
Price in India: ₹1,29,900.

11:35 PM — iPhone 17 Pro Max

6.9″ display, advanced thermal system, Wi-Fi 7 support.
256 GB base storage.
Price in India: ₹1,59,990.

11:45 PM — HomePod & Services

HomePod 2 gets spatial audio.
Apple One bundle adds Fitness+ AI-powered workouts.

11:50 PM — Pre-orders & Availability

Pre-orders begin Sept 12 at 5 AM PT (6:30 PM IST).
In-store launch: Sept 19.
iOS/iPadOS/macOS updates roll out Sept 16.

11:50 PM — Closing Remarks
Tim Cook thanks developers and customers. Stream ends with “See you next year” teaser and product montage.

Key Takeaways:

Indian pricing jumps: Air at ₹99,990; Pro Max at ₹1,59,990.
Software rollout (iOS 26, macOS 26) synced with hardware release.
Apple doubles down on health features across wearables.

Stay tuned for in-depth hands-on reviews, detailed feature analyses, and comparison guides coming soon!

This page is being updated live, please reload the page if you don’t see the latest updates. You can also head on to our Live Streams section at live.cosbom.com

Tech News

Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event: iPhone 17 Air and Everything to Expect This Tuesday

Apple’s biggest product launch in years is just 48 hours away, and the iPhone 17 Air could be the most radical iPhone redesign since the iPhone X. Here’s everything we know about Tuesday’s event.

Published

1 month ago

September 7, 2025

Cosbom

Apple’s highly anticipated fall event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST), promising what could be the company’s biggest product refresh in years.

Concept render of iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air showing their rear designs and camera setups

The iPhone 17 Lineup:

iPhone 17 Air: Ultra-thin at just 5.5mm thick, 6.6-inch 120Hz display, A19 chip
iPhone 17 Pro: Starting at $1,099 (up $100), 256GB base storage
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Redesigned camera system
Standard iPhone 17: Expected pricing and specs

Major Software Updates:
Apple will announce the official release dates for its 2025 software lineup, all numbered with “26” to represent the September 2025-2026 season:
iOS 26: Features the new “Liquid Glass” user interface, redesigned Camera app, enhanced ChatGPT integration, improved Apple Intelligence capabilities
iPadOS 26: Introduces a completely new windowing system, Preview app for iPad, enhanced Files app with folder customization, Background Tasks for intensive operations
macOS Tahoe 26: New features and improvements for Mac users
watchOS 26: Updated features for Apple Watch
visionOS 26: Updates for Vision Pro headset
The iOS 26 public release is expected around September 15-16, with release candidates available immediately after the September 9 event.