By Edward Lim
How the narrative for smartphones has changed. In recent years, phone makers have been touting camera and more cameras when launching new models.
The winds of change have arrived. At this week’s launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 in Singapore, the speakers did not talk much about cameras and hardware specifications. Instead, the focus was on AI, experiences and the coming Paris Olympics, of which Samsung is an Offfical Olympic Partner.
AI is the IN thing to have and include. Apple announced Apple Intelligence in June. While that has generated a lot of hype and boosted Apple’s languishing stock price, credit must be due to Samsung though as it is not behind Apple. Apple is late to the game. Samsung had already launhced Galaxy AI at the introduction of the Galaxy S24 series back in January 2024.
Nifty AI features
The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 come with some nifty AI features, such as real-time translation (both audio and text), suggested replies and improved photo editing tools. Many of these features are great for travelling or when conversing with people who speak other languages.
With Google Gemini integrated and pre-installed, these new smartphones sport an AI assistant that can help with tasks such as writing, planning and learning. How’s that for trip planning, destination research and tourist attraction discovery?
When in foreign country, converse with the locals by using the inner and outer screens. Engage is a real-time conversation translation in 16 languages and 23 dialects. These include Chinese (Simplified), English (India, UK and US), French, German, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Live Translate now extends to popular third-party apps to allow for real-time translation of phone calls. No more errrs and huhs when on the phone with someone who speaks another languages.
The Auto Zoom for FlexCam feature of the Galaxy Z Flip6 uses AI to automatically detect subjects and adjust framing for hands-free photos. For instance, it will adjust to fit the full bodies for a more complete shot. There’s no longer a need to touch or pinch the screen to fit the subject.
Sketch to Image leverages AI to transform simple sketches into beautiful coloured images with different different styles to choose from. The caveat is that the transformed image will have an AI watermark in the bottom left corner.
The Circle to Search tool has improved from intelligent searching of image, video and text to reading QR codes, translating entire screens of text, and solving math equations.
7 years of software support
These are just some of the AI enhancements that come with the new smartphones. Samsung has commited to provide seven years of software updates to keep up with evolving AI technologies. Just for reference, previous models only have four years of support.
Do bear in mind that most of these AI features require back-end processing on the server so internet connectivity is vital. Make sure to choose a good data plan from a reliable and well-connected service provider when travelling.
And yes, these new features do come at a price. The Galaxy Z Flip6 starts from $1,648 while the bigger Galaxy Z Fold6 costs from S$2,548.
Those interested to be among the early adopters can pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 at Samsung Online Store, Samsung Shop App, Samsung Official Store in Lazada, Shopee and KrisShop, local telcos (M1, Singtel and StarHub), selected consumer electronics and IT online stores (Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City, Harvey Norman), iShopChangi, and ZYM Mobile. Or wait till July 24 to get the products from these stores, if they are still available.
Entelechy Asia 