Samsung has started updating older Galaxy phones with One UI 6.1. This update adds new Galaxy AI features, once exclusive to the S24, to Samsung’s flagship devices from 2021 and 2022.
Taurn Vats on Twitter/X and SamMobile have noticed that the rollout has started in Korea. It is expected to reach other regions soon, with India likely to follow. The update will be available for the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Z Flip 3.
The Galaxy S22 series, along with the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, are receiving nearly all of Samsung’s latest AI features.
These include Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist, and generative image editing. However, the Instant Slo Mo camera feature is not included, probably due to insufficient processing power.
According to SamMobile, the oldest models, including the Flip 3, Fold 3, and Galaxy S21 series, will only receive the Circle to Search feature.
This could be due to hardware restrictions. Alternatively, Samsung may be reserving some features for newer models to encourage customers to purchase new phones.
I previously noted that updating older phones with advanced new features is good because it introduces users to the AI tools Samsung is adding to its TVs and home appliances. However, there’s a concern that this could reduce the value of its high-priced, cutting-edge AI technology.
Samsung may set boundaries for its mid-range phones, such as the new A55 and A35 models.
The A55’s Exynos 1480 chipset is more recent than the Galaxy S21’s Exynos 2100 processor, but their CPU performance is quite similar. Since Circle To Search seems to be a refined version of Google Lens, which older Android phones can use, these mid-range devices should be capable of running it.
Which devices receive the update and the features it includes will be key topics in the Galaxy AI discussion this year. It seems Samsung is still shaping its AI approach across its various products.
There might be a division into two groups of Samsung devices: those with more features and those with fewer. This could affect their pricing and resale value.
Following the announcement of the One UI 6.1 update, some users of the S21 have already expressed dissatisfaction about missing out on AI-driven image editing tools. This dissatisfaction could grow in the coming months.
