Samsung Confirms One UI 6.1 and Galaxy AI Features for Select 2021 and 2022 Devices

Highlights

• 2021 Galaxy models like S21 and Z Fold 3 to receive limited AI features.
• 2022 models including Galaxy S22 and Z Fold 4 to get broader AI capabilities.
• Hardware limits on older chips exclude Instant Slow-mo feature.
• Rollout of One UI 6.1 scheduled for early May, starting in South Korea.

In an unexpected move, Samsung has now verified that certain Galaxy smartphones launched in 2021 and 2022 will get the One UI 6.1 software update as well as a number of Galaxy AI capabilities.

This comes after earlier rumours hinted these devices might miss out on the AI functions.

However, there is a limitation.

The 2021 flagship models, including the Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Z Flip 3, will only have access to a small set of AI features.

These features are likely Google Circle Search and an option called “Magic Rewrite” in the announcement, which seems to refer to Chat Assist.

Chat Assist lets users adjust the tone and style of messages through the Samsung Keyboard.

Meanwhile, the 2022 flagship phones, such as the Galaxy S22 range, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Tab S8 series, will receive a wider range of Galaxy AI functions.

Yet, they won’t get the Instant Slow-mo feature that enables slowing down videos by long-pressing the screen.

According to a community moderator at Samsung Korea, the hardware limitations of the Exynos and Snapdragon chips used in these pre-2023 devices prevent them from supporting Instant Slow-mo.

Here are the devices that will be receiving One UI 6.1 with Galaxy AI features:

2021 Flagships

• Galaxy S21 series
• Galaxy Z Fold 3
• Galaxy Z Flip 3 (Limited Features)

2022 Flagships

• Galaxy S22 series
• Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Galaxy Z Flip 4
• Galaxy Tab S8 series

The software rollout is scheduled for early May, although this timeframe may be specific to the South Korean market.

Samsung has not yet revealed a detailed global rollout plan, so users in other countries might see the update arrive later in May or even after.

FAQs

What new features can Galaxy S21 series users expect with the One UI 6.1 update?

Owners of the Galaxy S21 series, along with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 from 2021, can look forward to a selective set of AI features, such as Google Circle Search and Magic Rewrite via Chat Assist.

These functionalities will enhance message customization directly from the Samsung Keyboard, despite the limited nature of the update due to hardware constraints.

How does the One UI 6.1 update differ for 2022 Samsung flagship devices?

Samsung’s 2022 flagships, including the Galaxy S22 range and the latest Z Fold and Z Flip models, as well as the Tab S8 series, will enjoy a more comprehensive array of Galaxy AI functions.

These enhancements aim to improve user interactions and overall device efficiency, although they will not support the Instant Slow-mo feature.

Why are some devices not receiving the Instant Slow-mo feature?

The omission of the Instant Slow-mo feature in pre-2023 Samsung devices is due to the limitations of the Exynos and Snapdragon processors used in these models.

According to Samsung Korea, these chips do not support the hardware requirements needed to implement this advanced video feature.

When and where is the One UI 6.1 update scheduled to launch?

Samsung plans to begin the rollout of the One UI 6.1 update with enhanced Galaxy AI features in early May, initially targeting the South Korean market.

While a global rollout schedule has not been detailed, users worldwide can expect the update to become available later in May or possibly extending into the following months.

Also Read: Samsung Is Introducing a New Battery Protection Feature in the One UI 6.1 Update

Also Read: One UI 6.1: All You Need To Know About Samsung’s Next AI Frontier