BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 2: The Galaxy S23 Ultra, the top-range smartphone from the brand new S23 collection … [+]
This story was up to date on April sixth. Update under.
After promising to convey One UI 6.1 to extra units, Samsung is now rolling out the replace to older Galaxy telephones. Bringing with it previously S24 unique Galaxy AI options to all of Samsung’s 2021 and 2022 flagships.
Spotted by Taurn Vats on Twitter/X and SamMobile, the rollout has already begun in Korea and it’ll doubtless hit different territories shortly, with India anticipated to be subsequent on the listing in keeping with Vats. The replace will make its technique to the Galaxy S22 collection, Galaxy S21 collection, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3.
The Galaxy S22 vary, Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 are getting virtually all of Samsung’s present roster of AI options. This contains Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist and generative picture modifying. The exception is the Instant Slo Mo digicam characteristic, which is probably going all the way down to an absence of processing energy in older handsets.
The oldest units on the listing, the Flip 3, Fold 3 and Galaxy S21 collection, will solely get Circle to Search in keeping with SamMobile. This could be due to {hardware} limitations. Or, Samsung may need to maintain some options reserved for brand new units and push folks into shopping for a brand new cellphone.
I commented beforehand that whereas updating older telephones with futuristic new options is welcome, and introduces folks to the corporate’s AI instruments that it’s rolling out throughout its TVs and residential home equipment, there’s a danger of devaluing its expensively-crafted, next-generation, AI know-how.
Samsung may draw that line at its mid-range telephones, just like the just lately launched A55 and A35 handsets. The former’s Exynos 1480 chipset is newer than the bottom Galaxy S21’s Exynos 2100 processor, nevertheless it’s not wildly totally different in CPU performance. Considering that Circle To Search seems to be a cultured model of Google Lens, which is extensively obtainable on older Android telephones, these mid-range handsets ought to be capable of run it.
Which units are blessed with the replace (and what options can be found in that replace) will likely be a part of the Galaxy AI debate this 12 months. I believe Samsung continues to be determining its AI technique for its many merchandise.
We might find yourself with two tiers of Samsung units: the haves and have-nots, which could influence worth and resale worth. In response to the One UI 6.1 replace information, we will already see some grumblings from S21 customers about not getting AI-powered picture modifying instruments. That refrain may get louder within the subsequent few months.
April sixth replace: it seems to be like One UI 6.1 may even make its technique to the Galaxy A53, Galaxy A54 and the Galaxy S21 FE, in keeping with @theonecid on X/Twitter (by way of SamMobile). The replace will likely be obtainable to house owners of those units in Canada on May 14th.
What isn’t clear, nonetheless, is whether or not these units will get the identical Galaxy AI options different, older, Samsung telephones operating One UI 6.1 presently have. Most Galaxy telephones get some, or all, of; Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist and generative picture modifying. Given their age, the A53, A54 and S21 FE may simply get the Circle to Search characteristic—as is the case with the Flip 3, Fold 3 and different telephones in Galaxy S21 line-up.
Although Galaxy AI is the jewel in One UI 6.1’s crown, there are nonetheless non-AI options which are definitely worth the replace. The new Quick Share and Samsung Find app will enable customers to share with different Android units, even with out an web connection, whereas letting you see the place all of your Galaxy units are on a map. With new choices obtainable in Samsung Health, deeper customization of alarm and calendar alerts, in addition to new Weather widget info, the One U1 6.1 replace will add new instruments to those units.
