Digital Product
Samsung Galaxy S25 Launch: AI Steals the Spotlight
2024-12-06
The Samsung Galaxy S25 phones are set to grace the market next month, with rumors suggesting a likely January launch date. Based on leaked details, we can expect some truly exciting new flagships. The Snapdragon 8 Elite, rumored to power the entire Galaxy S25 lineup, is a significant development. Not only does it promise performance improvements, but it also holds the potential to enhance power efficiency. For those awaiting the Galaxy S25 Ultra, there could be notable camera upgrades, including a higher resolution ultrawide camera and a telephoto lens with variable focal lengths. It has been confirmed that Samsung's long-awaited One UI 7 interface powered by Android 15 will debut alongside the new S25 models. All of this is very exciting, and it takes a backseat to the Galaxy AI features that are set to debut on these new phones. The Galaxy S25 launch marks a unique occasion where hardware enhancements may take a backseat to the new software. Samsung is clearly focusing on Galaxy AI with the Galaxy S25.
Galaxy AI in the Apple Intelligence Era
When Samsung's quarterly financial report announced plans for new flagships in 2025, executives emphasized plans to enhance the Galaxy AI experience. This sets high expectations. In today's smartphone market, everyone is focusing on AI. Galaxy AI debuted on the Galaxy S24 earlier this year, and Google has been highlighting AI-powered capabilities for several generations. Apple also entered the AI ring with the launch of Apple Intelligence after the iPhone 16 arrived. Samsung currently leads in AI features compared to Apple. The initial Galaxy AI capabilities were well-received and have been rolled out to previous versions. Apple's AI rollout is ongoing and limited to new iPhone 16 models and 2023's iPhone 15 Pro. The Galaxy S25 launch provides an opportunity for Samsung to maintain or extend its lead in AI capabilities.Hardware Improvements and Expectations
Hardware improvements are relatively easy to anticipate. Longer battery life and a faster processor are common goals. With supply chains and leaky information, we often have an idea of what will change before a phone's launch. However, software development is different. Since it is done in-house, it is less likely to have leaks. When it comes to Galaxy AI improvements, we are mostly in the dark. But some details have emerged, particularly regarding Bixby. Reports suggest that Samsung wants to make Bixby smarter by adding generative AI features to make it more like ChatGPT. At the launch of a foldable phone in China, Samsung showcased a revamped Bixby that is better at understanding context. For example, you can ask for the weather in a location and get a forecast, then ask about travel time and get traffic details without specifying. Another example is being able to agree to meet with a friend and then ask Bixby for directions. This shows Bixby's improved natural language query support.Software Enhancements and Challenges
With software, it is more difficult to predict what Samsung will do with Galaxy AI and the Galaxy S25. While some details have trickled out, we are still largely in the dark. However, Samsung's efforts to make Bixby smarter are promising. The ability to offer step-by-step instructions on using the Galaxy phone is a feature that has launched with Apple Intelligence. A rumored deal to add ChatGPT to Samsung devices is also in the works. But Samsung needs to differentiate Galaxy AI from Apple's offerings. With Apple adding AI capabilities, Samsung must find unique features. The Galaxy S25 launch presents an opportunity for Samsung to surprise with software enhancements.Outlook for Galaxy AI
AI features on our phones are constantly evolving. As models get smarter and hardware improves, more features will be added. While the Galaxy S25 is not a make-or-break moment for Galaxy AI, it is important for Samsung to make the added features feel essential rather than gimmicky. People will be more open to AI-focused phones if the features are useful. As the Galaxy S25 launch approaches, Samsung faces the challenge of standing out in the AI race.More from Tom’s Guide>more stories
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