Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra will lead the next Smartphone Revolution

Update, Monday 20 January 2025: This article has been updated with details on possible Galaxy AI features.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will be the flagship handset for the company’s Galaxy AI software. Following the unveiling at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, the S25 family, including the powerful Galaxy S25 Ultra, will be the foundation for the development and growth of Galaxy AI through 2025 and beyond.

It’s an opportunity for Samsung to take the lead and define the future of mobile AI.

Samsung Galaxy AI and the promotion of the new world

Although Google used the launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in October 2023 as the signal to start the AI-powered smartphone revolution, Samsung’s simultaneous launch of the Galaxy S24 family and the introduction of the Galaxy AI brought AI to the mainstream consumer. Kantar Research cited AI as a driving force behind sales in 2024, with nearly 1 in 4 consumers buying a Galaxy S24 handset on the power of AI.

There are definitely two manufacturers that can have a significant impact on consumers and can directly change the direction of smartphone development. One is Samsung, the other is Apple. Apple is about to finish rolling out the first iteration of the awkwardly named Apple Intelligence, and it’s very much in recovery mode compared to the entire Android platform, let alone Samsung.

Meanwhile, Samsung is expected to announce a major Galaxy AI update at this week’s Galaxy Unpacked event. From 2025 onwards, the South Korean company’s AI decisions will be considered industry decisions. Through the Pixel family, Google has pointed out and demonstrated where it believes smartphone AI should go. Samsung is ready to rush down the new road and reap the benefits of setting the direction.

Samsung Galaxy AI and the rising tide

Samsung isn’t the only smartphone maker to innovate in the AI ​​space. In 2024, every major manufacturer brought their own flavor of artificial intelligence and generative AI to market. With each release, the AI ​​principle became less of a novelty and more of an intrinsic part of a smartphone. Reporting on the rise of AI smartphones, IDC’s Anthony Scarsella said: “GenAI-capable devices are locked and loaded and appear to be the next big thing the industry has to offer consumers.”

Last year, Galaxy AI launched in a relative vacuum. Consumers were unsure about AI, what it could provide and why there was an urgent need to have it on their phones. The rising wave of Android smartphones has answered these questions in the past twelve months. Galaxy AI in 2025 isn’t launching into a market filled with questions and anxiety; is launching into a proven market where questions have been answered and anxiety has given way to excitement.

This leaves Samsung with more time and opportunity to move forward and innovate instead of working to build a base.

How to pay for Samsung Galaxy AI

Then there is, perhaps, the biggest question about AI in general and generative AI in particular. Who pays for it all?

AI smartphones have important local components that allow AI processing on the device. However, some popular and highly touted AI features rely on cloud-based servers to deliver fast and accurate results. Some of the heavy media features fall into this category. Generative AI is relatively expensive to run, and when you scale it over tens of millions of devices, the bills add up.

Not every AI service is free. Google has bundled Gemini Advanced into its existing Google One subscription service; OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro is curiously priced at $200 per month because CEO Sam Altman “thought we’d make some money”; and you have smaller AI-based companies, such as music-focused SunoAI, that require subscriptions to unlock their full value.

The Rubicon has been crossed, though Galaxy AI remains a free service both on the device and in the cloud. This does not mean that this will remain true in the future. Samsung’s fine print in 2024 stated that “Fees may apply for some AI features in late 2025.” As the most important player in the global market, if Samsung decides to charge for Galaxy AI, it will legitimize the way for other hardware manufacturers to offer “AI as a service” to their consumers, potentially moving to the same freemium model as very different. services in the AI ​​industry.

Samsung Galaxy AI and the bar now

Update, Monday 20 January 2025: More details on the AI ​​package that will be part of the Galaxy S25 family have been revealed ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked launch event on Wednesday, January 22. The team at SamMobile has highlighted a few features they expect to see:

“Several other Galaxy AI features that will debut with the Galaxy S25 have been leaked earlier. These features include AI for homework, music search, improved routines and YouTube annotations. The phones will also reportedly have Gemini integration AI for Now Bar, Samsung Calendar, Samsung Notes and Samsung Reminders.”

Some of these features have already been seen in the beta version of OneUI7, Samsung’s Android flavor and the flagship operating system of the Galaxy range. Samsung introduced some of the Now Bar just before Christmas 2024:

A defining element of One UI 7 is the Now Bar, which gives customization a new meaning by seamlessly integrating your daily actions and most-used apps on your lock screen. Here you will control your entertainment, schedule your best personal workout, get directions to your next meeting or start communicating in other languages.

At the time, it wasn’t clear what AI would be used for Tani Bar. It seems that Google’s Gemini AI will play an important and visible role. If so, Samsung will offer support for Google’s AI system and promote the tight integration of its Galaxy S handsets with the latest AI software.

Final thoughts on Samsung’s AI plans

Samsung took the lead in 2024 by introducing the Galaxy S24 as an AI smartphone. This was rewarded with increased sales and consumer awareness, the ability to define market growth and the ability to set the tone for the cost of AI to consumers. With the launch of the Galaxy S25 family, Galaxy AI could take a giant step forward that will redefine the current model in Samsung’s favor.

Last year, Samsung had a first-mover advantage with consumers and made the most of it. Now, it has a chance to expand that direction and have a material impact on how AI will be integrated, accepted and paid for.

Now read more about Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy AI family launch and release dates…