Pakistan’s smartphone market has been witnessing a significant influx of new players, intensifying competition in the industry. However, despite the fierce rivalry, Samsung has managed to maintain its dominance in the Android segment.
In recent times, the demand for smartphones in Pakistan has skyrocketed, with even older-generation models, such as the Galaxy A73, seeing an unexpected surge in prices. A slew of new taxes imposed by the Pakistani government, including customs duties, sales tax, and withholding tax. These levies, which vary based on factors like a smartphone’s value and type, have had a considerable impact on the market.
Rising Taxes on Samsung Galaxy S23 Lineup
The latest victim of these tax changes is the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S23. This flagship device, along with its variants, the Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra, is expected to feature cutting-edge specifications and features. However, Pakistani consumers eager to get their hands on these devices will have to dig deeper into their pockets to cover the newly imposed PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) taxes.
As of October 2023, the PTA tax rates for the Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup are as follows:
| Device Model | Passport (PKR) | CNIC (ID Card) (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Rs. 99,800 | Rs. 110,500 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus | Rs. 127,000 | Rs. 145,801 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Rs. 131,000 | Rs. 152,424 |
Non-PTA Prices for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Lineup in Pakistan (October 2023):
| Device Model | Non-PTA Price (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Rs. 295,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus | Rs. 349,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Rs. 374,999 |
Understanding the PTA Tax
The PTA tax rates vary according to the type and value of the smartphone. These taxes are applicable to both passport holders and CNIC (ID Card) holders. For precise details and calculations, it is advisable to consult with local tax authorities or authorized Samsung dealers.
ALSO READ: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review: Affordable Flagship Camera Phone
However, despite the added financial burden, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is expected to be in high demand in Pakistan, thanks to its top-notch camera, powerful CPU, and robust security features. It presents an attractive option for tech-savvy consumers, whether they are loyal Samsung enthusiasts or simply in the market for a new smartphone.
Key features of the Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.6-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.8-inch AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Camera | Triple-lens rear camera system with 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide sensor, and 10MP telephoto sensor | Triple-lens rear camera system with 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide sensor, and 10MP telephoto sensor | Quad-lens rear camera system with 200MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide sensor, 10MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and 10MP telephoto sensor with 10x optical zoom |
| Battery | 3,900mAh | 4,700mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Software | Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Other Features | Support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | Support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | Support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, built-in S Pen stylus |
| Display Details | AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate | AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate | AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor Details | Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Camera Details | Triple-lens rear camera system: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | Triple-lens rear camera system: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | Quad-lens rear camera system: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 10MP telephoto (10x optical zoom) |
| Battery Details | 3,900mAh capacity | 4,700mAh capacity | 5,000mAh capacity |
| Software Details | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
| Buy Now | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
ALSO READ: Samsung Galaxy S23 Series: All You Need to Know About the Battery Capacity Increase
With Passport (Applied Within 60 Days of Arrival in Pakistan):
For those interested in the tax structure for mobile phones in Pakistan, here are the rates based on the C&F value:
| C&F Value (US Dollars) | Fixed Rate (Amount in Pak Rs) | Sales Tax (Ad Valorem) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $30 | Rs. 430 | 17% |
| Above $30 to $100 | Rs. 3,200 | 17% |
| Above $100 to $200 | Rs. 9,580 | 17% |
| Above $200 to $350 | Rs. 12,200 | 17% |
| Above $350 to $500 | Rs. 17,800 | 17% |
| Above $500 | Rs. 27,600 | 17% |
With CNIC:
| C&F Value (US Dollars) | Fixed Rate (Amount in Pak Rs) | Sales Tax (Ad Valorem) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $30 | Rs. 550 | 17% |
| Above $30 to $100 | Rs. 4,323 | 17% |
| Above $100 to $200 | Rs. 11,561 | 17% |
| Above $200 to $350 | Rs. 14,661 | 17% |
| Above $350 to $500 | Rs. 23,420 | 17% |
| Above $500 | Rs. 37,007 | 17% |
Recently, government taxes have raised prices, impacting even the highly-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup. As of October 2023, PTA taxes apply to these devices, with varying rates based on model and ID type.
