Samsung Aims to Become Global AI Leader by 2025, But It's a Pipe Dream

In today's increasingly competitive technology industry, the senior leadership of Samsung Electronics stated in their New Year address that their goal is to become the undisputed leader in device artificial intelligence (AI) by 2025. However, this ambitious declaration raises questions about whether Samsung is engaging in self-delusion, as its actual strength and progress in the AI field are still insufficient.

Samsung's foray into AI began with the launch of the Galaxy S24 series last year, which marked the first time AI was positioned as a core marketing strategy. This was followed by the release of new devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, which further expanded its AI capabilities. The upcoming Galaxy S25 series is also set to introduce more AI innovations. However, despite Samsung introducing some AI features in the market, it has not developed its own powerful AI models, making its AI strategy seem inadequate.

Firstly, Samsung's Galaxy AI is actually a mix of various technologies that rely on Google's technical support. For instance, the "Circle to Search" feature used on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is based on Google's AI technology. Additionally, the Galaxy S25 may come equipped with Google's Gemini Advanced, highlighting Samsung's shortcomings in AI technology and its reliance on external partners, indicating that it has yet to achieve true competitiveness.

Secondly, although Samsung was one of the early adopters of AI applications in mobile devices, it is not the only player in the market. Google is also heavily developing AI in its Pixel phones and Android system, while Apple has introduced Apple Intelligence on its iPhones, presenting a more advantageous vision. Apple's AI system offers better privacy protection and data processing on user devices, whereas Samsung's Galaxy AI falls short in this regard.

Finally, for Samsung to achieve its ambitious goals in the global AI competition, it will likely require years of effort. Relying on partner AI technologies and merely selling devices that can run third-party AI programs will not meet the standards of becoming the "undisputed leader." To establish a foothold in the future AI market, Samsung needs to independently develop more advanced AI technologies rather than solely relying on the achievements of other tech giants.