On Wednesday, Samsung unveiled its latest series of Galaxy smartphones, featuring an array of integrated AI tools. The company aims to broaden the appeal of its Android devices and reclaim its position as the world’s leading phone seller, a title currently held by Apple.
The annual product launch in San Jose, California, showcased the new AI integrations, emphasizing a departure from Samsung’s previous hardware-centric approach to smartphone development and marketing.
The next-generation lineup comprises three phones:
- Samsung Galaxy S24: $799.99
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus: $999.99
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: $1,299.99
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra reflects a $100 price increase, equivalent to an 8% rise compared to last year’s comparable model, aligning with Apple’s strategy for its premium model, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, released in September.
During the product launch on January 17, 2024, Samsung’s Vice President of Product Management, Drew Blackard, presented the flagship Galaxy phones with advanced AI features. The company is strategically integrating artificial intelligence to enhance the user experience.
Customers can pre-order the new devices starting Wednesday, with shipments scheduled to commence on January 31. Here’s a preview of what to expect from Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy smartphones:
Live Foreign Language Interpretations:
Users can access a function allowing foreign language interpretation during calls, supporting 13 languages and 17 dialects. The feature is compatible with calls to and from various smartphones and landlines. It saves users’ preferred language settings and collects data on language usage during phone calls.
In-App Image Searches:
The latest Galaxy smartphones will introduce “Circle To Search,” enabling users to circle text snippets, parts of photos, or videos to obtain instant search results. Additionally, users can manipulate the appearance and placement of specific elements in their photos, providing both refinement options and potential concerns about the creation of misleading images.
AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools:
The smartphones will feature a suite of AI-powered photo editing tools. The generative edit tool allows users to erase or modify object positions in images and fill in borders to correct crooked photo frames. An edit suggestion option provides automated feedback on optimizing and tweaking photos.
Comparison with Apple’s iPhones:
While Apple is anticipated to integrate more AI features in its upcoming iPhone release in September, Samsung has gained a head start in making AI technology more ubiquitous. According to Forrester Research analyst Thomas Husson, this competitive edge could be crucial for Samsung to regain its position as the world’s largest smartphone seller, a title it conceded to Apple last year. Husson emphasizes Samsung’s marketing challenge of making technology transparent to impress consumers with seemingly magical and invisible experiences.