Samsung Electronics has unveiled its newest Galaxy S25 smartphones, powered by Qualcomm’s chips and Google’s artificial-intelligence model. The company aims to regain market share with upgraded AI features, hoping to boost sales against Apple and Chinese rivals.
The new phones use Gemini, Google’s default AI engine, and feature Samsung’s upgraded in-house voice assistant, Bixby. The two tools complement each other, playing key roles in Samsung’s diverse product line, from mobile phones to TVs and home appliances.
Analysts say differentiating Bixby will be a challenge for Samsung, but AI features could create a halo effect around the brand. The Galaxy S25 will offer a more personalized AI experience, with features like “Now Brief” that make recommendations based on personal data stored on the phone.
Samsung used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for the entire Galaxy S25 lineup, ditching its own mobile chip Exynos in favor of this new option. This move is expected to have an impact on Samsung’s chip business, as it counts its mobile division as a major customer.
The company’s decision not to use its own chips in the new model has raised questions about its strategy. A person familiar with the matter said Samsung will continue to use Exynos in its foldable phones later this year.
The Galaxy S25 series’ sale is crucial for Samsung, as its foldable phone sales have been stagnating due to challenges from Chinese companies. The company’s fourth-quarter profit missed estimates by a large margin, largely due to chip development costs and rising competition in the smartphone market.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/samsung-unveils-galaxy-s25-phone-with-qualcomm-chips-enhanced-ai-features-2025-01-22