Samsung launches the Galaxy S25. Can it win back market dominance with innovative AI features?

On January 22, Samsung Electronics released its latest Galaxy S25 series of smartphones in Silicon Valley. This series of products is equipped with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, uses Google's (GOOGL) AI technology model, and integrates Samsung's own Bixby voice assistant. Samsung also revealed plans to launch a thinner Galaxy S25 Edge model in the first half of this year, aiming to be ahead of Apple (AAPL) to launch the next-generation iPhone.

Samsung hopes to re-attract consumers with upgraded AI functions to cope with the dual competitive pressure from Apple in the high-end market and China brands in the middle and low-end market. Although Samsung took the lead in launching AI smartphones last year, it still failed to regain the champion position in the global smartphone market.

How can Galaxy S25 's AI features improve the user experience?

Samsung emphasizes the practicality and privacy protection of AI technology on the Galaxy S25 series this time.

• Personalized function: "Now Brief" service
  这项功能透过分析用户的个人数据提供即时建议，能显示个性化日历、新闻及室内空气品质（如二氧化碳浓度）。此数据皆储存在手机上，强调保护隐私的原则。
• Multifunctional command support
  用户仅需一条语音指令即可完成多项操作，例如查询即将举办的体育赛事并自动新增至日历。这让手机更贴近用户的日常生活需求，提升便利性。

Although AI features have improved users 'interactive experience, analyst Thomas Husson pointed out that there is still a lack of "killer apps", which may make it difficult for AI smartphones to become the first choice for mainstream consumers.

Why did Samsung replace Exynos with Qualcomm chips?

Another highlight of the Galaxy S25 series is that the entire series uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chips. This is the first time Samsung has completely abandoned its own Exynos chips. There are multiple considerations behind this strategic adjustment:

1. Performance improvement needs
   Snapdragon晶片在效能和稳定性上的表现优于Exynos，有助于提高用户体验。
2. market pressure
   随著智慧手机市场竞争日益激烈，三星可能希望透过高性能晶片提升产品竞争力。
3. Strategic adjustment of chip business
   虽然此次未使用Exynos晶片，但有消息指出三星计划在即将推出的折叠手机中重新采用Exynos晶片。这显示三星仍在尝试平衡晶片业务和手机业务之间的利益。

However, the move also reflects the challenges of Samsung's chip business. In the past, Samsung allocated demand between Exynos and Qualcomm chips to enhance bargaining power with suppliers. The abandonment of Exynos this time may put pressure on its own chip business.

Can the Galaxy S25 Edge beat Apple in the premium market?

Samsung's forecast Galaxy S25 Edge will feature a ultra-thin design and be available before Apple's next-generation iPhone is launched, aiming to attract high-end users who pursue appearance and innovative technology. Samsung was the first to enter the market in the field of folding phones, but recently it has been challenged by China brands, and sales of folding phones have stagnated. Therefore, the Galaxy S25 Edge is seen as an important step for Samsung to re-consolidate its high-end market share.

It is worth noting that Samsung maintained the price range of the Galaxy S25 this time, with the pricing still ranging from US$799 to US$1,299, showing stable confidence in the pricing strategy.

Can Samsung's AI features truly attract consumers?

Although Samsung vigorously promotes AI technology, market experts believe that it is still unknown whether consumers are really willing to pay for AI functions. As Samsung's voice assistant, Bixby has been weak in the past when facing competition with Apple's Siri and Google Assistant. Although the updated Bixby is complementary to Google's AI technology, it still needs to be seen whether it can stand out in the fierce market.