Summary
- Some AI features on the Galaxy S25 series may remain exclusive due to hardware requirements.
- Samsung’s AI features split into on-device and cloud-based categories, impacting which devices they will roll out on.
- Lower-end Galaxy phones and mid-tier models might not receive all the AI features with the One UI 7 update.
While Samsung didn’t make huge hardware changes with the Galaxy S25 series, it did pack in several new AI features like Cross App Actions, Now Brief, Now Bar, and more. Since these features were showcased alongside One UI 7, many of us assumed they’d arrive on older Galaxy devices with the One UI 7 update. But that might not be the case, as a Samsung executive has hinted that some AI features may remain exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series.
Read our review
In a recent interview (via Sammobile) published by Samsung Indonesia, Sally Jeong, EVP and Head of Framework R&D at Samsung MX, talked about One UI 7’s development and security concerns with AI. During the interview, Sally was also asked about the role of NPUs and GPUs in powering these new AI features on the Galaxy S25.
Samsung says advanced AI features need powerful hardware
And that’s why not all Galaxy devices will get them
In response, Sally explained that Samsung’s AI features are split into two categories: those that rely on on-device hardware and those that are cloud-based. She specifically mentioned that One UI 7’s “Personal Data Engine”, which powers features like Now Brief, requires advanced chipsets and robust on-device processing. This kind of processing requires high-end hardware, like the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in the Galaxy S25.
On the other hand, features that are primarily cloud-based, like Circle to Search, are easier to roll out across a wider range of Galaxy devices. But for more “deeper AI experiences,” stronger hardware is essential, which means some mid-range or older flagships might miss out, even after upgrading to One UI 7.
Related
6 powerful new One UI 7 features every Samsung user needs to try
The most significant visual change in years
Sally didn’t specify which devices or features would be left behind, but it’s safe to assume that lower-end Galaxy phones and mid-tier models might miss out on some of the AI features Samsung debuted with the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung has only tested One UI 7 on the Galaxy S24 series so far — and that Now Brief hasn’t appeared yet — so it’ll be interesting to see if older foldables or previous-gen flagships get this feature at all.
-
Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 keeps things small without sacrificing power. With a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB of RAM, and all sorts of tools courtesy of Galaxy AI, this is everything you expect from a modern flagship squeezed into a relatively svelte chassis.
-
Samsung Galaxy S25+
The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is the middle offering in the company’s lineup. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset powers it, and it has 12GB of RAM, and either 256 or 512GB of storage.
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra leaves the Note-like design behind for the very first time. With flat edges, curved corners, and a massive 6.9-inch display, this is a modern flagship through and through — and yes, that S Pen is still here too.
