Apple Intelligence vs Galaxy AI: Best Smartphone AI for You

Artificial intelligence is all the buzz these days, and both Apple and Samsung have designed their own AI to enhance the features of their iPhone and Galaxy smartphones.‍

Apple's Apple Intelligence (expected to release with iOS 18.1) and Samsung's Galaxy AI (available since late January 2024) promise powerful and helpful tools to make smartphones smarter than ever. While they share some similarities, each has a few unique strengths that set it apart.

In this article, we'll compare Apple Intelligence vs Galaxy AI, discussing each system's current and upcoming offerings and how to use them to streamline your daily tasks. We'll also dive into the main differences between the two so you can decide which smartphone AI is best for your needs. Let’s get started.

Why Should I Use Smartphone AI?

In smartphones, AI can simplify your life by helping you automate daily tasks, write and organize messages, and bring additional functionality to your smart devices. 

For instance, when it releases, Apple Intelligence will include an option to automatically organize photos in your library by recognizing faces and locations. Meanwhile, Samsung's AI is already available and can help you remove unwanted objects from your photos with just a few clicks. These features can make your smartphone feel more like a personal assistant than a gadget. 

It also means you can focus on other tasks while your smartphone (or other AI-powered devices) does some of the lifting. 

Apple Intelligence Preview

A beta version of Apple Intelligence, Apple's upcoming AI platform, is expected to be released on iPhones sometime in October alongside iOS 18.1. 

Initially announced at WWDC, Apple Intelligence promises to bring productivity and creative upgrades to select iPhones, iPads, and Macs. These new features include grammar correction, image creation, information summarization tools, and more.

OpenAI's AI chatbot, ChatGPT, is also being integrated into Apple Intelligence. It uses machine learning to generate dialogue and understand human language.

And to keep your data secure, Apple is including several privacy tools in Apple Intelligence to ensure your personal information stays safe on the device. 

While Apple has not confirmed an official release date for Apple Intelligence, the company stated on its website that many features will not be available on day one and will continue to roll out over the course of 2025. 

Here are other key features you need to know about Apple Intelligence:

Writing Tools: 

• To help with your writing, Apple Intelligence will suggest ways to improve your text, emails, and other drafts with "Writing Tools" and its Rewrite and Proofread options. It will allow you to tailor your text to suit a specific audience and correct grammar mistakes. The Summarization feature will automatically summarize text within an app so you can view a more concise version.

Image Creation: 

• With Image Playground, you’ll be able to generate pictures from text prompts, modify existing photos, and even create Genmojis, which are custom emojis based on images of your friends. 
• Also, by using OpenAI's ChatGPT within Apple Intelligence, you can generate pictures simply by typing in a request. 

Advanced Email Management: 

• Apple Intelligence will organize notifications via its Priority Notifications and Reduce Interruptions features. These tools can keep you focused by filtering out non-essential alerts and highlighting the most important updates, like doctor appointments or upcoming meetings.

Transcription and Summarization: 

• If you record a phone call with a loved one using the Phone app or a class lecture using the Notes app, Apple Intelligence will provide transcriptions and summaries of the conversations, helping you quickly review the key points of the topic.

Enhanced Siri: 

• Siri is set to receive a significant upgrade with Apple Intelligence. Siri will be more contextually aware, capable of handling complex queries, and able to follow up on previous requests. Whether scheduling an email or finding a specific photo, next-gen Siri can personalize responses based on your request. 

Apple Intelligence will only work on more recent iPhones like the iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro. If you’re looking for a deal, check out our running list of the best iPhone 16 deals across carriers that’s updated the moment we detect a change. Our iPhone 15 deals page may also be worth a look if you’re interested in the Apple Intelligence compatible Pro models. 

Galaxy AI Preview

Samsung's Galaxy AI is a feature-rich AI system that enhances the functionality of Galaxy devices, including a wide range of the company's smartphones, tablets, and laptops series. It first became available in the Galaxy S24 series, and further expanded with the Galaxy S25 series. 

Thanks to a partnership between Google and Samsung, Google's Gemini AI technology has been integrated into Galaxy AI to add and enhance features like intelligent photo editing and real-time language translation. With Google's Imagen 2 and Gemini Pro AI models, Galaxy AI will also be able to comprehend written commands, use speech prompts to generate responses, and understand objects in photos.

Samsung also made the platform compatible with many older Galaxy products, bringing new life to some aging smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, its more advanced features are exclusive to newer phones, as noted below.

Here are some features that you can experience with Galaxy AI devices:

Photo and Video Enhancements: 

• With "Instant Slow-mo," you can turn standard video clips into slow-motion video, even if you didn't shoot them at the required framerate.
• "Generative Edit" also lets you reposition objects, resize people, and expand backgrounds in photos, making it a versatile tool for photo enthusiasts (and anyone who posts to social media).

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Productivity Tools: 

• Galaxy AI offers tools like "Circle to Search," which allows you to search for anything on your screen by simply circling it with your finger. 
• "Sketch to Image" can turn simple drawings into detailed artwork or even generate realistic versions of sketches you draw on photos. 

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Language and Translation Features: 

• Galaxy AI's "Live Translate" feature helps to break down language barriers by translating voice calls, face-to-face conversations, and text messages into your preferred language — all in real-time. 
• "Samsung Keyboard" also offers AI-powered text suggestions to help your messages match a specific tone, like Professional, Casual, and Social.

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Magic Compose and Photomoji: 

• The "Magic Compose" tool helps you write email messages and texts, which can be helpful when you're unsure how to phrase something. This feature is available on the Galaxy S24 and S25 via on-device processing and cloud processing on older devices.
• "Photomoji" turns objects in your pictures into custom photo buttons that you can send to friends via the Google Messages app, which can add a fun spin to your texts. 

AI in the Car with Android Auto: 

• Samsung devices with Android Auto also benefit from AI updates that make driving safer and more convenient. Features like message summarization and relevant reply suggestions keep you informed without distracting you from the road.

Apple Intelligence vs Galaxy AI: Privacy

As AI technology evolves, it's sparking many conversations about personal data privacy. AI systems rely heavily on large amounts of data to learn and make accurate predictions, but this raises important questions about how that data is collected, processed, and stored — and who has access to it.

One of the biggest worries is the potential for data breaches or unauthorized access to personal information. Here’s what Apple and Samsung have said about how they plan to keep your data safe while using AI:

Apple Intelligence

Apple says it can keep your data secure when using its AI since it largely uses on-device processing, meaning data won't always have to be sent over the internet to complete a task. 

However, when data does need to be sent over the internet, Apple says Private Cloud Compute creates a "private cloud" that can keep your data secure, so much so that even Apple employees can't see it. 

The company has not confirmed whether or not there will be an option to completely turn off Apple Intelligence, though it has provided a similar option for Siri. 

Galaxy AI

Galaxy AI offers extensive AI customization options, like allowing you to choose which AI features are enabled and whether to keep your data local.

In the Settings app, Galaxy AI users can select whether they want the platform to process some or all of the data it needs on the device, minimizing the information sent to the cloud for processing. Galaxy S25 smartphones come with Google's Gemini Nano, an AI model to handle more on-device tasks.

However, some of Galaxy AI's more advanced tasks may require cloud processing. 

Samsung says its direct translation and Edit Suggestions features are mostly processed on the device. Many other features require a network connection to use the cloud.

Apple Intelligence vs Galaxy AI: Compatible Devices 

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is only compatible with select Apple devices. 

It will work with iPhones with the A17 Pro chip or later, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

Apple’s AI will also be compatible with newer iPads and Macs equipped with M1 chips and later.

That means the standard iPhone 15, and any other iPhone made before it, will not receive Apple Intelligence. 

Galaxy AI

One of the benefits of Galaxy AI is its compatibility with many devices. While it remains exclusive to Samsung Galaxy devices, Galaxy AI is available on a range of smartphones, including the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, various Galaxy Tab models, and older devices as far back as the S21 series and Galaxy Fold3 are also supported to various extents. 

That makes Galaxy AI an extremely accessible option for users who want to hang on to their older devices instead of upgrading to use these new features. 

But if you have an older device that isn't compatible with Apple Intelligence or Galaxy AI, Navi can help. 

Our free and unbiased Phone Deal Finder below can show you the best iPhone and Samsung phone deals you qualify for based on your current trade-in and other criteria.

Apple Intelligence vs Galaxy AI: Availability and Cost

Apple Intelligence 

When it is released with iOS 18.1, Apple Intelligence will be available for no extra cost. There’s speculation that Apple might introduce subscription plans in the future, but as of now, Apple Intelligence will be completely free—as long as you don't have to upgrade your iPhone. 

Galaxy AI 

It’s currently free on all compatible Samsung devices, and Samsung promises no charges until the end of 2025.

Samsung has yet to disclose if there will be a fee after this period, so now might be the best time to explore its capabilities.

Which AI Platform is Right for You?

Both Apple Intelligence and Galaxy AI offer impressive features, making smartphones smarter and more capable than ever, but their focus differs. 

Apple Intelligence excels in generative AI tools, enhanced Siri capabilities, and private data processing. At the same time, Galaxy AI provides more comprehensive photo and video editing tools, productivity features, and real-time language translation.

Here's a quick recap to help you decide:

Apple Intelligence Review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Deep Integration: Works across other compatible Apple devices, such as iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS.
• Privacy Focus: Prioritizes on-device processing and secure cloud interactions.
• Generative AI Capabilities: Offers powerful tools for writing, image creation, and more.
• Siri Improvements: Siri is more useful and context-aware.
• Price: Free until further notice. 

Cons:

• Not Yet Released: While Apple Intelligence may launch in October with iOS 18.1, Apple has not officially confirmed a date. Its release could be pushed back further, or the company can opt for a limited release of certain features. 
• Limited Compatibility: While Apple AI will work across its line of iPhones, iPads, and Macs, it’s only available on the newer releases of these devices. Samsung's Galaxy AI has a much larger compatibility list.
• Potential Future Costs: Free for now, but Apple may introduce subscription plans in the future.

Galaxy AI Review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide Range of Features: Comprehensive tools for photo editing, productivity, and translation.
• Google Technology Integration: Benefits from Google's advanced AI tech.
• Free Until 2025: No cost for accessing Galaxy AI features until at least the end of 2025.
• Broad Compatibility: Available on many older and recent Samsung devices, including Galaxy phones, tablets, and laptops, though features may vary per model. 
• Available Now: Samsung released Galaxy AI in early 2024, and according to the company, millions of people have tried it so far. 

Cons:

• Privacy Concerns: Samsung's system relies on both on-device and cloud-based processing, which may raise privacy concerns, though Samsung says data will remain secure. 
• Subscription Likely: Samsung hints that AI features might become subscription-based after 2025.

If you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize privacy and seamless integration, Apple Intelligence might be the better choice for you. Its advanced writing tools, improved Siri, and focus on security are noteworthy improvements.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more versatile AI with powerful photo and video editing capabilities and real-time language translation, Galaxy AI could be the perfect fit. Its integration with Google's AI technologies and the promise of free usage until 2025 are also bonuses.

However, alternative AI platforms like Google's Gemini AI, Microsoft AI, and Meta AI are available on both platforms through the companies' respective apps and are also options for you.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and which ecosystem you are more comfortable with.

Both Apple Intelligence and Galaxy AI represent the cutting edge of smartphone AI technology, ensuring that whichever you choose, you'll benefit from innovative features designed to make your digital life easier and more enjoyable. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple Intelligence better than Samsung AI?

Apple’s AI is all about personalization and privacy, while Samsung focuses on productivity with a mix of on-device and cloud features. For now, Samsung leads in generative AI, but if you value privacy, Apple is the better pick.

Which phones are getting Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence is available on the latest iPhone 16 lineup—that's the standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models—as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

Will Apple Intelligence replace ChatGPT?

No, Apple’s AI will not replace ChatGPT, but will work alongside it. When Siri can’t handle more advanced questions or tasks, it will tap into ChatGPT to fill in the gaps. Whether generating text or creating images, Apple Intelligence will pass the job to ChatGPT when needed.