Samsung may not bring all Galaxy S24 AI features to older models

Samsung will introduce some groundbreaking new AI features with the Galaxy S24 series next week. The upcoming flagships can translate audio calls in real time, expand photos, move or remove objects from photos and videos, and do much more. These features are part of Galaxy AI in One UI 6.1, the company’s updated custom software. While older Galaxy models will receive the One UI 6.1 update, they may not get all new AI features.

Older Galaxy flagships to miss out on most new Galaxy AI features

New Galaxy flagships usually debut an updated version of Samsung’s One UI. Last year, the Galaxy S23 series introduced One UI 5.1, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 brought One UI 5.1.1. The Galaxy S24 lineup will ship with One UI 6.1. The Korean firm pushes the new versions to older models a few weeks after release. It will be no different this time around, as there is already evidence of Samsung testing One UI 6.1 for several devices.

However, unlike in the past, most of the new features of One UI 6.1 may not make it into the likes of the Galaxy S23 and others. Particularly the new AI features that Samsung has developed for the Galaxy S24. Sources have told SamMobile that the company will only port a select few AI features to older models. The publications can’t confirm the features that are coming, but it appears most will remain exclusive to the new flagships.

This is likely due to the limitations of the chips powering the Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and other Samsung phones that will receive One UI 6.1. The Exynos 2400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors for the Galaxy S24 have superior AI processing capabilities thanks to improved NPU and other changes. They are built with the next generation of mobile AI applications in mind. Older chips may not be capable of handling some new AI features.

Galaxy AI doesn’t completely work offline

While Samsung has built Galaxy AI into the Galaxy S24’s system, some features don’t work offline. For example, the new AI-powered photo and video editing tools work via the cloud and require an active internet connection. Leaks have also suggested that users will get the option to select their generative AI model for some tasks. The options include ChatGPT and Samsung’s in-house solution powered by Samsung Gauss. The Galaxy S24 series arrives on January 17, so it won’t be long before we have all the official details.