I've been using an iPhone for years and won't be switching to Android anytime soon. But due to the nature of my work, I stay on top of everything happening in the Android ecosystem. Samsung's Galaxy S variant tops this list.
Galaxy S rumors usually detail upcoming undisclosed flagships long before Samsung announces the phone. The same may happen with the Galaxy S24 series. A new Korean report has added more information about the upcoming series, saying that the Galaxy S24 will be priced in line with the Galaxy S23.
While I have no intention of buying any of the three Galaxy S24 phones, I find the advertised prices very attractive. It's not like Apple is under pressure to sell the iPhone 16 at a competitive price. This version of the Galaxy S is unlike anything we've seen.
Samsung will ship the phone with its own AI software, and smart AI capabilities don't come cheap. Keeping the price of the Galaxy S23 series unchanged means Samsung will either offer free AI features or find another way to get users to pay.
AI like ChatGPT cannot be free.
I've said before that I'm willing to buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max next year if it's the iPhone that gives me the best native AI experience. Apple is working on its own ChatGPT competitor, which is expected to be included in iOS 18. Apple is rumored to offer AI features on some devices, though other features may require a connection to Apple's servers.
Thing is, I'm willing to pay for creative and personal tests of intelligence at home. I know this kind of software can't be free, and I don't want a private AI creator that I'll pay for through advertising, and that's the story of Google Gemini.
Currently, if you want to access the best of ChatGPT, you must purchase a ChatGPT Plus subscription for $20/month.
For personal AI, you have the $799 phone-free Humane Ai PIN, which covers communication costs and unlimited, seamless access to the AI through the same company's must-have cellular service. I'd be surprised if people buy it. And it has nothing to do with price.
Galaxy S24 Price Rumors
Back to the Galaxy S24, there is no doubt that it will be Samsung's first AI phone. Samsung is really trying to make the best AI phone you can buy.
Also, you can't bring Samsung Gauss and the amazing live call translation feature and these AI tricks to the Galaxy S24. This translation feature must be available on all devices.
Note that other AI features available on the Galaxy S24 series have been leaked.
Implementing this AI will cost some money, and Samsung will have to find a way to charge users. The Galaxy S24 will not cost.
According to a report by Korean media outlet Hankyung, Samsung has frozen the price of the Galaxy S23 for the upcoming series. The fact is that sales of the Galaxy S24 will increase by 10% compared to the flagship in 2023. Samsung is said to be looking to make a comeback in the smartphone market, and to do so, it needs to maintain competitive pricing.
Galaxy S23 prices start at $799.99 in the US. The Plus version starts at $999.99, while the cheapest Galaxy S23 Ultra costs $1,199.99. This is the starting price, of course. About a year after the phone's launch, you can get better deals. But we'll probably have to wait for the Galaxy S24 to decide.
If the report is true, Samsung isn't factoring AI costs into the Galaxy S24's price. Recent rumors suggest that Samsung is considering an AI subscription service.
What will Apple do?
I also wonder what Apple is doing in response. Apple can't stay out of the ChatGPT race for long. The iPhone 16 series of devices will have artificial intelligence functions. I expect the iPhone 16 Pro models to provide the best possible platform for iOS AI features.
Therefore, Apple must find ways to monetize its AI software. This could be an increase in the price of an iPhone or other subscription Of course, this is all speculation. But competition will play a role in Apple's decision. So I think this Galaxy S24 price discussion is exciting.
