My excitement for Samsung Galaxy Unpacked began when I received an email on June 14th from Samsung India, informing me that I had been selected to attend the event.
On July 7th, I flew to Delhi and stayed overnight, as my flight to Paris was scheduled for the following afternoon.
I couldn't sleep that night due to my overwhelming excitement. I woke up early, prepared for the journey, and arrived at the airport around 9:30 am, even though my flight wasn't until 2 pm. I collected my passport from our local manager, Mr. Avnish, who was also attending Unpacked.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
We completed the airport formalities and boarded the flight, which, surprisingly, was almost empty.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
We had an entire row to ourselves, making the experience akin to flying in business class.
We landed in Paris around 8 pm.
Due to the late sunset, it was still sunny, resembling a 3 pm afternoon in India.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
After immigration and baggage claim, a Mercedes Benz awaited us. The driver was professional and pointed out landmarks during our ride to the Westin Paris, our hotel, which resembled a palace. We checked in, and the room was truly luxurious.
I settled my belongings and waited for Avnish in the lobby so we could explore the hotel's surroundings.
Place Vendôme, Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
We visited Place Vendôme, just 100 meters away, took some photos, and returned to the hotel.
The next day, after a continental breakfast, we walked to La Madeleine, a nearby Catholic church with breathtaking architecture.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
We then returned to the hotel for me to rehearse my presentation for the next day.
We were given goodie bags with some goodies inside, including a Smart Tag 2.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
After lunch with other brand ambassadors, I rehearsed and then took a power nap. Around 5 pm, we gathered in the lobby for orientation, where we were divided into groups. I was seated with members from England and Australia. During orientation, the pre-mission prize, a Louis Vuitton card holder, was awarded to Mr. Angga, an Indonesian brand ambassador.
Dinner followed the orientation.
The much-anticipated day, July 10th, 2024, finally arrived: Galaxy Unpacked. The event was in the afternoon, but we had a Members Workshop in the morning, where I and three other brand ambassadors gave presentations.
Captured with Galaxy S24 Ultra
My topic was black and white photography.
After the presentations, games, and lunch, we prepared for Unpacked.
The Louvre Museum, Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5.
The venue, below the Louvre Museum, was a 10-minute walk from our hotel.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
Upon arrival, we saw many guests gathered.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
I was fortunate enough to be seated right next to the big screen, with Avnish beside me. It was a dream come true to attend Unpacked live, and I'm grateful to Samsung India for the opportunity.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
Seven products were launched: the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Galaxy Watch 7, Watch 7 Ultra, Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Buds 3, and Buds 3 Pro. The products were impressive, and I was particularly fascinated by the Galaxy Ring, marveling at how Samsung managed to pack such advanced technology into a tiny ring.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
I was also lucky enough to take a selfie with Mr. TM Roh, the President of Samsung's Mobile Division.
Selfie with TM Roh, Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
After Unpacked, we got to experience the new products and I gave an interview.
Photo with the CEO
The Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 felt premium and the Z Fold 6's camera seemed significantly improved over the Z Fold 5, which I've used for about a year.
Captured with Galaxy Z Fold 5
I also appreciated the 4000mAh battery in the Flip 6 and loved the design of the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra.
Captured with Galaxy S24 Ultra
We spent some time with the devices before returning to the hotel, where we had all of them for a day to use and create content.
Captured with Z Fold 6
That night, we had a Member Council meeting with assigned tasks, followed by a double-decker bus ride to a fancy restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe.
Captured with Galaxy Z Flip 6
The view was incredible, but the real surprise came after dinner. We were taken to the rooftop terrace for a magical sunset with champagne. It felt like a celebration. One of our tasks had been to capture the Paris sunset, and I seized the opportunity to photograph the stunning colors around the Arc de Triomphe. The resulting shot, perhaps the most beautiful sunset I've ever captured, was incredibly satisfying.
The Perfect Sunset, Captured with Galaxy Z Flip 6
Arc de Triomphe, Captured with Galaxy Z Flip 6
We were supposed to leave at 10:30 pm, but we were asked to wait until 11 pm to witness the Eiffel Tower sparkle. It was amazing, and I wished my wife could have been there to experience it with me.
We returned to the hotel for a restful night's sleep.
The next day, we toured Paris, visiting the Musée d'Orsay to see Vincent van Gogh's and other famous paintings.
Captured with Galaxy Z Flip 6
Captured with Galaxy Z Flip 6
Captured with Galaxy Z Flip 6
We also participated in a treasure hunt-like task, where we had to find a location matching a postcard and take a photo with the postcard at that spot.
We returned to the hotel around 3 pm, and during our free time, Avnish, Dex (an Australian brand ambassador), and I decided to visit the Eiffel Tower.
Captured with Galaxy Z Flip 6
Me, Dex and Avnish in frame, captured with Galaxy Z Flip 6 Flex Cam Mode
We took the metro and train, like locals, saw the tower up close, took photos, and returned to the hotel, as it was getting late. We were then taken to a different venue for a luxurious Gala Dinner and award ceremony. My sunset photo won the Best Sunset Photography award, and I was proud to have won for India.
Later that night, we had a DJ party. The Unpacked trip was coming to an end, with some brand ambassadors leaving that night and others the next morning. My flight was the next evening, so Avnish and I spent the day exploring.
Captured with Galaxy S24 Ultra
PC: Avnish
We visited the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, where I placed a lock with my wife's name on it and video called her so we could experience it together. We had French pizza for lunch, and then, around 4 pm, I headed to the airport, leaving Avnish to spend two more days exploring Paris.
It was a well organised trip and I had a great experience, watching the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event live with my fellow members from across the globe. Once again I would like to thank Samsung for this wonderful opportunity.
It was time to say goodbye to Paris... until next time.
PS: I couldn't include all the photos since we are limited to only 30 pictures.
