Samsung recently made an unexpected announcement: certain Galaxy smartphones released between 2021-2022 will receive One UI 6.1 updates with Galaxy AI capabilities, surprising many as earlier speculation suggested these devices might not receive AI functionalities. This came as quite a shock; after speculations had suggested these phones may not receive this capability update at all.
Limited AI Features For 2021 Flagships
However, 2021 flagship models such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3, will only have access to limited AI features.
Enhance AI Features on 2022 Flagships
Conversely, 2022 flagship smartphones including the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Tab S8 series will include an expanded selection of Galaxy AI features; unfortunately they will exclude Instant Slow-mo which enables users to pause videos by long pressing on the screen.
Hardware Limitations Affect Feature Availability
An official from Samsung Korea explained that devices using Exynos or Snapdragon chips made before 2023 do not support Instant Slow-mo due to hardware restrictions.
Here is a breakdown of the devices that will be updated to One UI 6.1 with Galaxy AI features:
2021 Flagships:
- Galaxy S21 series
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 3 (Limited Features)
2022 Flagships:
- Galaxy S22 series
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Tab S8 series
The rollout of the update is expected to commence in early May, although this timeline may be specific to the Korean market. Samsung has not yet disclosed a detailed global rollout schedule, so users in other regions may receive the update later in May or potentially even beyond.
