
Samsung Electronics unveiled its Galaxy S25 series on January 22. (Image courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Electronics unveiled its Galaxy S25 series on January 22, introducing advanced AI features that mark a significant leap in smartphone technology.
Positioned as a continuation of its AI-driven transformation that began with last year’s Galaxy S24, the new lineup further widens the gap between Samsung and its rival Apple in the AI space.
The Galaxy S25 emphasizes an AI-first approach with enhanced personal assistant capabilities and multimodal functionality, enabling seamless interaction with text, images, and even audio.
Notable features include the improved “Circle to Search,” which now supports sound searches on platforms like YouTube, and the “Now Brief” tool, which summarizes personalized insights by analyzing user behavior and smartphone usage patterns.
During the unveiling, TM Roh, head of Samsung’s MX division, declared, “We are at a turning point where the smartphone era, defined by app usage and touch interaction, is transitioning into the AI-driven phone era, led by AI agents and multimodal capabilities. The Galaxy S25 series marks the beginning of this new paradigm.”
In contrast, Apple’s AI advancements, including its integration of Siri with ChatGPT in late 2024, have been slower to gain traction. Despite heavy marketing around its “Apple Intelligence” platform, industry analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo note that Apple’s AI offerings have struggled to compete with more innovative solutions from rivals.
Limited functionality, such as the delayed rollout of AI features in key languages, has further hindered its appeal.
Samsung’s strategy extends beyond smartphones. The company announced plans to integrate its AI capabilities into wearable devices, such as augmented reality (AR) glasses and headsets, to enhance their utility.
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, in a video message during the event, revealed plans to expand the use of Google’s AI agent “Gemini Live” across these platforms.
The Galaxy S25 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, customized for Samsung to optimize AI tasks like real-time streaming and advanced text generation. Qualcomm highlighted its collaboration with Samsung to ensure smooth and efficient integration of AI features.
However, challenges remain for Samsung’s AI ambitions. Many of the Galaxy S25’s new features are currently limited to Samsung and Google’s native apps, such as Calendar and Gmail, leaving third-party app integration conspicuously absent.
Samsung acknowledged this limitation, stating that it aims to expand compatibility with partner apps soon to provide a more seamless AI experience.
As the smartphone market increasingly shifts toward AI-driven innovation, Samsung’s bold push with the Galaxy S25 positions the company as a leader in defining the next generation of mobile devices. With its focus on advanced AI tools and collaboration with tech giants like Google and Qualcomm, Samsung is poised to shape the evolving landscape of smart technology.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)