Samsung Bets on AI with New Galaxy S24 Smartphones

Samsung unveiled its latest flagship smartphones – the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra – at its Galaxy Unpacked event on January 17th, 2023. The new devices lean heavily into artificial intelligence (AI) features through a new capability called Galaxy AI.

Key Galaxy S24 Features and Specifications

The Galaxy S24 series sports the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor for improved performance and efficiency:

The most attention-grabbing aspect is the 200MP main camera on the S24 Ultra, allowing huge improvements in digital zoom and low light photography. The S24 Plus has been upgraded with a larger 4700 mAh battery versus 4500 mAh battery on last year’s S23 Plus model.

Galaxy AI Brings Advanced On-Device AI Capabilities

At the heart of the new Galaxy S24 series is Samsung’s new Galaxy AI platform developed in partnership with Google Cloud. Galaxy AI enables advanced AI capabilities to run directly on the device rather than offloading to the cloud:

• Magic Text and Magic Eraser use generative AI to instantly improve images. Magic Text generates text descriptions of images, while Magic Eraser allows unwanted objects to be removed from photos.

• Real-time Subtitles generate subtitles automatically during video calls.

• Smart Suggestions proactively provide recommendations for actions based on past usage and context. This includes improved Bixby routines.

• Magic Photo Creator lets users create unique digital assets by describing desired images, characters or styles.

Roh Tae-moon, Head of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience (MX) Division, stated Galaxy AI will “completely reinvent the role your smartphone plays in your life”. Industry experts have commented on the ambitious scope of the on-device AI capabilities.

Samsung confirmed that Galaxy AI features will initially be exclusive to the S24 series and will only be free for the first two years. After that users may need to purchase feature access similar to how BMW charges for using CarPlay. This attend-to-pay model has received some criticism.

Powerful Cameras with 200MP Sensor and 10x Optical Zoom

The headline camera specification is the upgraded 200MP sensor and 10x optical zoom telephoto lens on the S24 Ultra:

• The higher resolution 200MP sensor uses pixel-binning to produce extremely detailed 12.5MP images in low light conditions. This should significantly improve nighttime photography compared to previous Galaxy S models.

• The folded lens 10x optical zoom gives effectively a 100x space zoom when combined with digital zoom technology. This allows clear long distance photography not possible on other smartphones.

• Upgraded Auto Framing uses AI to track up to 10 people simultaneously, automatically adjusting zoom and angles in video calls or when recording videos.

• Astrophoto enhances details and colors when capturing stars or galaxies. No need for tripod or pro camera gear.

Other AI-powered camera improvements include expanded portrait mode capabilities, AI Stereo Depth Map for accurate depth information, and enhanced AI-generated photo descriptions. Overall the S24 camera system provides users cutting edge mobile photography paired with smart software.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Brings Power Efficiency Gains

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series uses either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform in the US or Samsung’s own Exynos chips for international markets. Qualcomm’s latest SoC is built on TSMC’s 4nm manufacturing process allowing impressive power efficiency improvements:

• Up to 41% better CPU perf/watt and 53% GPU perf/watt vs prior generation Snapdragon

• Ray tracing capabilities for the first time on an ARM-based chip

• Up to 2.7Gbps downlink speeds thanks to integrated Snapdragon X75 modem

• Wi-Fi 7 support allows theoretical top transfer rate of 5.8Gbps

While benchmark results show the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 still edges out the Exynos chip on performance, Samsung appears to have significantly closed the gap with its Exynos 2400 this generation.

One UI 5.1 Refinements

The Galaxy S24 series ships with Android 14 underneath Samsung’s own One UI 5.1 skin. Refinements include improvements that take advantage of Galaxy AI:

• Family Hub shares photos, notes, reminders, grocery lists between family members. Users can assign tasks to family members.

• Connected Home integrates with SmartThings devices like cameras, doorbells, appliances. Users can now quickly check home devices or receive notifications through One UI.

• Bixby Text Call Answering allows Bixby to answer calls and share typed messages when user is unable to speak.

• Modes UI presents tailored app recommendations depending on current activity like working out, gaming, reading, or relaxing.

One UI 5.1 retains all the Android 14 capabilities like better cross-app copy/paste and tablet-focused features.

Samsung also used Unpacked to announced devices will now receive 5 years of Android OS upgrades. This matches Apple and Google’s recently extended support policies.

Outlook and Analysis

With smartphone innovation having plateaued in recent years, Samsung’s bet is AI and camera advancements will spur S24 sales and fend off stagnating phone demand. Several industry watchers agree Galaxy AI gives Samsung a distinctive edge over Apple’s iPhones for now. The five-year Android OS update commitment also makes Samsung devices more appealing.

Pre-order response seems robust based on initial checks, although Samsung faces tougher economic conditions compared to last year’s launch. Consumers have less discretionary income with high inflation and rising interest rates. Nonetheless, Samsung appears poised to lead 2023 premium smartphone sales on the back of their Galaxy S24 lineup – spearheaded by their AI initiatives.

The challenge will be converting free Galaxy AI trials into long-term paid subscribers after the initial two years. If not enough users sign-up, the attend-to-pay model risks being discontinued. Software and services revenue is key for Samsung’s future growth so they need to get this strategy right.

Rivals like Google and Apple are racing to add more on-device AI too. The Pixel phone incorporates many AI features that Samsung is pioneering for the first time. And Apple will surely respond strongly with the iPhone 16 expected in Fall 2023. For now though, Samsung retains the most cutting-edge smartphone AI capabilities.

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