Samsung introduced the Galaxy S24 lineup in January this year, along with One UI 6.1. While the phones didn’t carry many significant upgrades over their predecessors, it was One UI 6.1 with its Galaxy AI magic, that made them a lot more interesting. This left users of the older Galaxy flagships, including me, tempted to experience the latest software on their phones.
Last month brought happiness to some users, as Samsung upgraded its 2023 lineup of smartphones and tablets with One UI 6.1. The company also announced that it is working to bring the new One UI with Galaxy AI capabilities to the older devices released in 2022 and 2021. This has finally happened, as Samsung has started rolling out the new One UI 6.1 update for the Galaxy S22 family, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, and some other models from 2021.
S21 and S22 Flagships Have Begun Receiving the One UI 6.1 Update
Samsung had announced last month that it would bring the new One UI 6.1 update with Galaxy AI to some of its older smartphones, foldables, and tablets, starting in May. The month has just started, and the company has already begun the rollout to the users in Korea. Most of the promised smartphones, including the ones from 2021, have been included in the rollout.
The following Samsung Galaxy devices have begun receiving the One UI 6.1 update:
- Samsung Galaxy S22/S22 Plus/S22+/S22 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Samsung Galaxy S21/S21+/S21 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Since the software update is live in Korea, you can expect its global roll-out soon. If you have any of the devices listed above, you should receive a notification automatically once it’s released. Or, you can also manually check for upgrades. To do so, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. There, you’ll see if any update is available for your phone.
The One UI 6.1 Update Introduces a Plethora of AI Features
Debuted with the Galaxy S24 lineup in January this year, One UI 6.1 comes with a host of Samsung’s Galaxy AI tools. These include:
- Circle to Search
- Browsing Assist
- Call Assist
- Transcript Assist
- Note Assist
- Chat Assist
- Photo Editing Suggestions
- Generative photo editing
- Instant Slow-mo
- AI-Generated Wallpapers
Flagships From 2022 Are Receiving The Galaxy AI Goodness
According to SamMobile, the 2023 models are receiving all AI features except for Instant Slow-Mo in the Gallery app. Instant Slow-Mo allows users to tap and hold a video in the gallery to view it in slow motion. Since it requires capable hardware to generate frames in real-time for the slow-mo effect, this might be why these devices aren’t included.
For smartphones released in 2021, however, the presence of AI features is much scarcer. Users of the Galaxy S21 series, Z Fold 3, and Z Flip 3 will only receive one new AI feature: Circle to Search. Interestingly, Google recently announced that it’s bringing Circle to Search to certain Pixel devices too. Smartphones from other brands could also adopt this feature later.
It’s unclear whether Samsung isn’t providing the AI awesomeness to its older flagships due to hardware limitations or if it simply doesn’t intend to offer these features on older devices. What do you guys think?
