Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could finally challenge Apple’s Satellite lead. The smartphone has recently been certified by the CQC authority in China. The document suggests key information about the device including charging support.

Satellite connectivity support is finally coming in Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (via IceUniverse). It’s a pretty useful feature, which may become a boon when you are in need of help but have no network coverage to reach emergency services.

Google’s recently launched Pixel 9 series also supports satellite messaging features. It seems Samsung was waiting for Google to adopt the technology. Now, certification of an alleged S25 Ultra indicates at arrival of Samsung’s Satellite SOS tech.

Apple, with iPhone 14, introduced the Satellite SOS functionality. Huawei has also introduced various features through Satellite communication. The Chinese phone maker expanded the feature across devices including smartwatches.

Galaxy S25 Ultra design:

Yesterday, we got our first look at the Galaxy S25 Ultra courtesy of Onleaks. The smartphone features slightly rounded corners and iPhone-like flat frame. The camera ring design is in question, which may vary from the leaked renders.

Apple’s Satellite SOS tech:

With Emergency SOS via satellite, if an Apple user cannot reach emergency services because no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage is available, an easy-to-use interface appears on the iPhone to get the user help utilizing a satellite connection.

Starting with iPhone 14, the US tech giant brought Satellite SOS to new iPhone models including the iPhone 16. Samsung was facing criticism over neglecting such a feature that become a basic functionality in flagship phones nowadays.

45W wired charging:

Samsung’s 45W charging tech will continue to debut in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The company is not considering to boost the charging speed on its next flagship. It shows the commitment to offer a reliable experience without thinking about the race of Watts.

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 are now available to purchase in over 100 countries globally. The new foldables run One UI 6.1.1 software, packing a lot of new Galaxy AI features and improved functions.

The July Unpacked was so thrilling given Samsung’s next frontier for Galaxy AI, powered by One UI 6.1.1. The software fuels a range of AI features and tools to maximize the large screen and significantly enhance productivity across devices.

Samsung One UI 6.1.1 Galaxy AI Features List

Note Assist

Samsung Notes app added the Note Assist feature with One UI 6.1 earlier this year. The latest upgrade brings in-built transcript and PDF Overlay Translation.

• A newly embedded transcript feature enables transcription, translation, and summarizing of voice recordings directly in Notes.
• Texts in PDF files can be translated and overlaid perfectly through the PDF overlay translation feature in Notes and it even supports text in images and graphs.

Samsung Keyboard

Samsung has also up-leveled its native Keyboard app with a new Composer feature.

• It can generate suggested text based on simple keywords for email and supported social media apps.
• For social media, the Composer creates text that reflects your tone by analyzing previous posts.

Samsung Gallery

Samsung’s Gallery and Notes app integrated a cool Generative AI feature called Sketch to Image. Paired with the S Pen, it takes your creativity and inner artist to a whole new level, you must try it out.

• Sketch to Image lets you create more sophisticated art pieces by generating image options when you simply sketch or draw on the photos in Gallery or Notes.

Samsung x Google

Google has updated the Gemini App for Samsung Galaxy devices. The optimized version is fully integrated into the new Galaxy Z series.

• By simply swiping the corner of the screen or saying, “Hey Google”, you can bring up Gemini’s overlay and get help with writing, learning, or planning.
• Gemini is combined with your favorite Google apps to make it easier to organize a perfect travel itinerary through real-time flight and hotel booking information.
• You can even get detailed info about a YouTube video using the multi-window split-screen to ask questions to Gemini overlay.
• If you are curious about who the artist is in the video, just long-press the home button and circle, highlight, or tap on the screen — and Circle to Search will offer instant search results.

Interpreter

Galaxy AI’s upgraded Interpreter brings a new conversation mode for a dual-screen form factor. It enables both parties to conveniently view translations on the main and cover screens.

Live Translate

Samsung also enhanced Live Translate and it’s set to extend beyond Samsung’s own native calling app to a selection of popular third-party apps such as WhatsApp and Google Meet.

Photo Assist, Photo Studio, and Instant Slow-mo

• Samsung Gallery features even more smart Photo Assist for foldable phones that helps you to effortlessly create professional-grade content.
• Portrait Studio creates a variety of different portrait styles such as 3D avatars, cartoons, or watercolors for more creative possibilities.
• Instant Slow-mo lets you instantly slow a video by generating additional frames while maintaining a smooth viewing experience.

Suggested replies

Consumers will benefit from Suggested replies features. Powered by AI capabilities, it analyzes your latest messages to suggest relevant responses that you can use without any modification.

Photo Ambient

Based on time and weather conditions, Photo Ambient ensures changing the wallpaper in real time. Galaxy users can also create a unified look and feel with suggested screen layout options such as moving the clock and changing the frame color.

Auto Zoom

On the Galaxy Z Flip 6, the FlexCam function added a new Auto Zoom feature. It finds the best framing for your shot by detecting the subject and zooming in and out.

In early September, Samsung announced the expansion of One UI 6.1.1 to older devices. Flagships including the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series get most of the new features debuted in One UI 6.1.1.

Samsung is under threat from triple fronts including OLED, strikes, and espionage. China’s BOE could surpass Samsung D by 2028, Indian workers are on strike at production fab demanding a wage increase, and an ex-exec arrested in an espionage case.

BOE’s OLED ambitions: Threat to Samsung’s dominance

By 2028, Chinese display maker BOE could surpass Samsung Display due to its 8.6-generation IT OLED production line (B16). China’s share of global display production capacity is expected to rise from 68% in 2023 to 74% in 2028.

Samsung’s Indian operations hit by strikes

Samsung workers of the Sriperumbudur, Chennai plant are demanding higher wages through their labor union. It is being reported that the union refused to show up for work after negotiations with the management hit a snag.

Ex-Samsung exec arrested in massive espionage case

An ex-Samsung executive has been arrested, Seoul Metropolitan Police announced yesterday. The executive is arrested alongside his colleague for allegedly stealing semiconductor technology to establish a company in China.

A police official stated, “This case has shaken the foundation of economic security by attempting to produce semiconductors with domestic technology through direct collaboration between a former executive of a domestic semiconductor company and a local Chinese government, leading to a potential weakening of national competitiveness.”