Phones - If you opt out of an AI subscription, you just have a normal phone no better than an S20

[jplumber]

Just saying, if you got the S25 Plus or Ultra, did you know that at the end of 2025, you have to pay for the AI by a monthly subscription? I can't find a price for the subscription, but it's got to be around £20.00 or maybe more. So, if you opt out of the subscription, you just have a normal phone. The S25 will be no better than an S20.

[Glenntech]

You do get a lot of AI features for free.
It's the AI premium that's chargeable
If you go into the Google One app. You will see how much it costs for the premium features
The S25 series devices have a lot of AI features that you don't pay for, so it's a lot different to the S20

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @jplumber 

This was touched upon in the Unpacked event. 

AFAIK the particulars isn't known at this time. 

[Sonora]

Samsung hasn't specified which Galaxy AI features it will start charging for next year and especially did not mention anything about the price anywhere. 

Google is more direct and unequivocally said that Gemini Advanced is free for S25 users for 6 months from activation, and the promotion can be used until February 2026

[johnz237]

Yes, I did know this—always read the fine print when dedicating your money. I did know this, but it's not set in stone. It's like all brands; there will be free options and paid versions depending on your needs.

"Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties."

"https://www.samsung.com/levant/galaxy-ai/"

[Sonora]

But Gemini is the one that is deeply integrated into the S25 series, so you might find that half of the features don't work without a subscription. 🫠🤭

[GoanGeek]

I have a plan.

There are many free AI options available.

If it really matters to you subscription is the way.

Samsung phones will still have some built in AI ( atleast for the new devices)

Lastly follow the trend and upgrade every year.

Samsung does one of the best preorder deals with trade-ins. 😊

Throwaway Tip.
Get an Old Nokia phone and live a monks life ( I may be considering this 😊)

[Joeeye]

Suddenly AI is the "only" reason we upgrade each year, so the fact that AI in android has been pushed for over 12 years in Android means these phones are no better than the Galaxy S4 actually.

[jplumber]

Yes correct I subscribe to Microsof 365 and ues copilot as I write fiction books all my books are top sellers and copilot can rewrite a lot of my paragraphs so no need for a proof writing and I ues it on my s20

[Joeeye]

You do realise that is one very narrow view of why one would upgrade a phone. In case you didn't quite catch my point here, AI is but 1 small reason to upgrade.