Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Series: More than Just a Phone Upgrade
Samsung is relying on generative AI to differentiate its Galaxy S24 series from other Android phones.
Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Circle to Search, Live Translate, and tons of AI.
When I recently called a Korean restaurant to make a reservation, I had no issue communicating with the person on the other end even though she wasn’t speaking English. That’s because I was trying out the Galaxy S24 Ultra, one of three new phones Samsung announced on Wednesday, which can translate phone calls in real-time.
Samsung, like the rest of the tech industry, is enthralled with artificial intelligence at the moment. The Galaxy S24 series is rife with features like the translation example mentioned above that leverage generative AI – AI that uses large language models to create content or provide conversational (but not always accurate) answers. It’s another sign that tech giants are increasingly using AI to distinguish their devices from the pack and get consumers excited about upgrading their mobile devices in what has been a struggling smartphone market.
The Power of Galaxy AI
The Galaxy S24 series introduces a range of AI features collectively known as Galaxy AI. These features enhance productivity and convenience, making everyday tasks more efficient. Here are some of the highlighted features:
1. Chat Assist – Change the tone, translate, or spell-check your text message before sending it.
2. Live Translate – Translate calls in 13 languages during a conversation.
3. Circle to Search – Launch a Google search for any object in a photo just by circling it.
4. Note Assist – Summarize, translate, and format files in Samsung’s Notes app, and generate digital covers for notes.
5. Generative Edit – Manipulate and move objects in photos, similar to Google’s Magic Editor.
6. Transcript Assist – Provide transcriptions and summarize conversations in Samsung’s recording app.
These features, while not entirely new to the smartphone market, offer users a seamless and convenient experience. With Live Translate, initiating and holding conversations in different languages becomes effortless. Circle to Search allows users to search for objects in existing photos, opening up a world of possibilities. Note Assist and Generative Edit introduce improved functionality to the Notes app and photo editing capabilities, respectively. Transcript Assist makes capturing and summarizing conversations simpler than ever.
Early Impressions of Galaxy AI
I had the opportunity to test these features on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and I was pleasantly surprised. Live Translate performed admirably, enabling fluent communication with a Korean speaker. After tapping the number I wanted to call, I chose the Live Translate option, and Samsung translated my words into Korean almost instantly. Once the recipient responded, Samsung repeated her speech in English. While initially confusing for both parties, this feature has immense potential for travelers and global communication.
Circle to Search is another standout feature that caught my attention. By simply circling an object in a photo, users can launch a corresponding Google search. In my test, circling waffles in a brunch photo brought up recommendations for nearby restaurants that serve waffles. This feature provides a new way to obtain information and discover related content.
Samsung’s Notes app, with Note Assist, takes organization and creativity to the next level. Users can create bullet points and choose from different templates, streamlining note-taking and task management. Generative Edit, while impressive, raises concerns about photo manipulation and potential misuse.
What’s New with the Galaxy S24 Ultra?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t just deliver AI enhancements but also introduces significant improvements in terms of design and specifications. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. Telephoto Camera Upgrade – The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 50-megapixel telephoto camera, offering a 5x optical zoom. Samsung made this decision based on user preferences for 5x zoom over 10x zoom, ensuring crisper zoomed shots.
2. Titanium Build – The S24 Ultra boasts a titanium body, making it more durable and lightweight.
3. Enhanced Display – With a boosted screen brightness of 2,600 nits, the Galaxy S24 series offers improved visibility even in bright sunlight.
4. Powerful Processor – All three phones in the series, including the S24 Ultra, feature Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, ensuring smooth performance and efficient AI algorithms.
While the camera hardware remains similar to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the telephoto camera upgrade is noteworthy. In addition to these physical changes, the S24 Ultra maintains its impressive battery size, storage, memory, and charging capabilities.
Q&A: Answering Your Burning Questions
Q: Are the AI features exclusive to the Galaxy S24 series? A: No, Samsung will bring these AI features to the Galaxy S23 lineup through an update.
Q: Does the Galaxy S24 Ultra support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging? A: Yes, the S24 Ultra supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge other devices wirelessly.
Q: What other benefits does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor offer? A: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor not only enables seamless performance on the Galaxy S24 Ultra but also enhances generative AI algorithms, providing a smooth and efficient user experience.
Q: Will Samsung continue to innovate in the AI space? A: As seen with the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung is committed to leveraging AI to enhance user experiences. In the face of increasing competition, Samsung will likely continue to explore new AI features to stay ahead.
The Future of Galaxy AI
The Galaxy S24 series showcases Samsung’s commitment to incorporating generative AI into their devices. While these features may not bring groundbreaking innovations, they certainly make everyday smartphone tasks more convenient. As Apple is rumored to introduce similar generative AI-fueled features on their iPhones in the future, it’s clear that AI will continue to play a significant role in shaping the mobile device landscape.
To learn more about the Galaxy S24 series, you can check out the following links:
- Everything Samsung Announced at Its 2024 Unpacked Event
- Best Samsung Phones of 2024
- From AI to Mixed Reality, CES 2024 Products Imagine A World Beyond Mobile Apps
- 6 Essential iPhone Camera Tips for Taking Great Photos
- How to Pre-order the Galaxy S23 Ultra
Now it’s your turn to share your thoughts and experiences! Have you tried any AI-powered devices or features? How do you think AI will shape the future of smartphones? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with your friends! 😄📱
