Samsung is gearing up to introduce its next-generation flagship Galaxy S24 series, aiming to enhance messaging, photography, and gaming experiences through the integration of artificial intelligence.
During its annual Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event, the company unveiled the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 models, signaling a new era in smartphone usage.
The emphasis on AI reflects a strategic move by smartphone manufacturers to set themselves apart in a competitive market and reignite excitement in a landscape where innovation has somewhat stagnated.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, featuring a 6.8-inch display and priced at \(1,299.99, will debut with a titanium casing in colors like gray, black, violet, and yellow. Additional titanium color options, including green, blue, and orange, will be offered exclusively on Samsung.com. The Galaxy S24 (\)799.99) with a 6.2-inch screen and the Galaxy S24+ ($999) with a 6.7-inch display will be available in onyx black, marble gray, cobalt violet, and amber yellow.
Pre-orders for these devices will commence on Wednesday.
By integrating generative AI directly into the device rather than relying on cloud-based solutions, Samsung aims to reduce latency and deliver enhanced user experiences. The utilization of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform further optimizes the capabilities of generative AI and its robust AI Engine.
Jitesh Ubrani, an analyst at IDC, commented on the significance of AI integration in smartphones, noting that while some implementations may seem superficial, omitting AI features entirely could put vendors at a disadvantage.
This announcement follows a recent report by IDC revealing that Apple surpassed Samsung in smartphone shipments for the first time last quarter, marking a significant shift in market dynamics.
Samsung is enhancing its existing features with AI enhancements. The live translate suite now supports real-time conversation translation in a split-screen format, while the keyboard can translate messages across 13 languages instantly. Samsung Notes will introduce pre-made formats for organized note-taking, and Android Auto will leverage generative AI for message summaries and voice-commanded replies.
The camera system is also receiving upgrades, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra boasting a Quad Tele System with a new 5x optical zoom lens and enhanced nightography capabilities. The AI-powered Edit Suggestion tool enables users to make subtle adjustments to photos, such as correcting angles or repositioning subjects.
Samsung ensures transparency by adding watermarks to images modified using generative AI.
While AI features in smartphones are not groundbreaking, Samsung’s extensive reach may raise awareness of the technology’s potential among consumers. In comparison, Google’s Pixel line, despite its AI capabilities, maintains a niche market share.
As Apple prepares for the launch of the iPhone 16, rumors suggest new Siri features powered by AI in iOS 18. Exclusive on-device generative AI functionalities could be reserved for the iPhone 16 models, leveraging Apple’s custom chips for enhanced performance.
Despite Samsung’s advancements in AI, these features are not expected to be the primary selling point, according to industry experts.