In the race to launch the next generation of smartphones with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, Samsung Electronics has announced that even some of its older models will support AI capabilities, making affordable refurbished and used models increasingly popular.
Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 earlier this year, marking the beginning of the AI phone era. It announced in late April that it will include AI features in a software update that will also be available for some of its older models.
Samsung initially planned to update the Galaxy AI feature to only the Galaxy S23 and S22 series, as well as the Z Fold 5 and 4 and Z Flip 5 and 4, but recently expanded the upgrade to include some older high-end and mid-grade models.
Unlike Samsung, Apple announced in June that devices that support Apple Intelligence, its AI feature, must be at least the latest iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
Samsung recently expanded Galaxy AI to the S21 series and mid-grade models, including the A55, A54, A35, and A34, as well as the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, through the ongoing Samsung One UI 6.1 software update, according to CNET and Digital Trends.
However, unlike the latest S24, which was released with AI features, older models may not have the same mechanical performance, so only some Galaxy AI features, such as Circle to Search (CTS), will be available depending on the model.
CTS is a feature such as that allows users to circle an item on the screen when they want more information about an item of clothing worn by an actor in a drama or a photo on a website, and the AI will search for it and show results without the need for a separate search tool.
Samsung expects to have more than 200 million mobile devices equipped with Galaxy AI features.
With the expansion of AI support to older models, refurbished or used Galaxy models have become popular on online shopping sites such as eBay, with some sellers selling out.
Samsung Electronics America is also offering a trade-in promotion for officially refurbished Galaxy S23, S22, and S21 series devices through its website. Officially refurbished devices are equipped with a new battery, look and function like new, have the latest software, and come with a one-year warranty.
Consumers have been very pleased with the $300 trade-in reward, regardless of brand or model, as previous trade-in rewards varied widely from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.
For example, the S21 5G 128GB model retails for $449, but you can get it for $149 with a trade-in, and the S22 5G 128GB model ($529) is also available for $229 plus tax and free shipping.
To be eligible for the $300 reward, your trade-in smartphone must be in good working order, with no broken screens, bodies, camera lenses, or charging ports. The battery must be fully charged and the reward is reduced to $75 if the screen is cracked or chipped.
Older trade-in devices can still be sent for free with a FedEx shipping label provided by Samsung.
More information can be found at samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s-series/certified-re-newed-store/buy.
BY NAKI PARK, HOONSIK WOO [park.naki@koreadaily.com]
