Skip to main content

4 cheap Samsung phones are getting a top Galaxy AI feature

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55's cameras.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

If you own a Samsung Galaxy A series phone, then look out for a software update very soon that will add Circle to Search, one of the most helpful Galaxy AI features. Initially launched with the Galaxy S24 series, Circle to Search’s name gives away its functionality. Simply circle, highlight, or tap just about anything on the  screen, and the feature uses AI to perform a visual search with Google to get you results.

Circle to Search is all about speed and convenience, as you don’t have to leave an app or even know what you want to search for, so even if it’s an unknown item of clothing or a mystery animal, you can still learn all about it with a simple gesture. The feature is set to arrive on the Samsung Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A54, along with the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A34.

The news comes after rumors spread about Samsung preparing Galaxy AI features for the A Series phones and as part of Samsung’s own commitment to introducing AI features to more people. Speaking about the new software update, Samsung’s president and head of mobile experience, TM Roh, said:

“We are dedicated to bringing best-in-class AI technology to a broader audience, empowering users with the option to work more efficiently, create more freely, and enjoy richer, more personalized interactions with their devices.”

While Circle to Search is part of the Galaxy AI suite, it’s not an exclusive feature, as it’s also available on Google’s Pixel phones, including the new Pixel 9 series. Whether Circle to Search is the only Galaxy AI feature the A Series will get, or if it’s the start of a larger update process, remains to be seen. The A Series will struggle to run the more advanced Galaxy AI features due to its less powerful processors, though.

Once the Galaxy A Series phones have been updated, Samsung will then add Circle to Search functionality to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ tablets. Samsung says it will begin sending the software update out to the A Series phones during August, but does warn that availability may vary by region.

Andy Boxall
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
Your Samsung Galaxy Watch is getting new AI health features
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic, in black and silver.

Samsung has already put AI into your Galaxy smartphone, and its next move is to put it inside your Galaxy smartwatch too. The company will introduce Galaxy AI features to the Galaxy Watch range with the One UI 6 Watch update coming in the near future. The benefits all center around health and fitness.

Galaxy AI on wearables will also be part of the Samsung Health app, which is used to keep track of your health, fitness, sleep, and daily activity. What features will it include? At this stage, the company has detailed six key advancements using Galaxy AI in Samsung Health and One UI 6 Watch.

Read more
A cheap Samsung phone crushed its biggest rival in this camera test
The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55's cameras.

The Samsung Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 are close enough in style, software, and price that you may be questioning which model is the right one to buy; we certainly did in our reviews.

We eventually settled on the cheaper Galaxy A35 being a great purchase as it had some interesting and unexpected advantages over the more expensive Galaxy A55, despite slightly slower performance. But what happens when the camera is most important to you? We decided to find out.
Galaxy camera spec comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A35 (left) and Galaxy A55 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Read more
Check your Samsung Galaxy S22 for a big update right now
The Samsung Galaxy S22 in a purple color.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends

Samsung is finally fulfilling its promise in the post-Galaxy S24 launch era. The company, via an official newsroom post, has confirmed that the generative AI tricks that made its latest flagship phones stand out are now rolling out for the two-generation-old Galaxy S22 series phones.

Read more