Samsung A56/A36: Forerunners of AI Phone Democratization? A Deep Dive into Samsung's Mid-to-Low-End AI Strategy

Samsung A56/A36: Forerunners of AI Phone Democratization? A Deep Dive into Samsung's Mid-to-Low-End AI StrategyThe recent launch of the Samsung S25 series in China, featuring AI capabilities, marked a unique entry of a foreign AI phone into the domestic market. However, the high price point of the S series raised questions about the reach of Samsung's AI ecosystem

Samsung A56/A36: Forerunners of AI Phone Democratization? A Deep Dive into Samsung's Mid-to-Low-End AI Strategy

The recent launch of the Samsung S25 series in China, featuring AI capabilities, marked a unique entry of a foreign AI phone into the domestic market. However, the high price point of the S series raised questions about the reach of Samsung's AI ecosystem. To address this, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and A26, among others, in the mid-to-low-end segment shortly before MWC 2025, with the A56 and A36 both boasting "AI" features. However, Samsung's interpretation of "AI" differs from other brands, prompting a closer examination of its AI strategy.

Configuration Analysis: Modest Hardware, AI Functionality First

The Samsung A56 utilizes Samsung's in-house Exynos 1580 chip, offering 8+128GB and 8+256GB storage options. The availability of a Snapdragon variant remains unclear. It features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz maximum refresh rate, although the minimum refresh rate is unspecified. The camera setup comprises a 50MP+12MP+5MP triple-lens system, with the 5MP macro lens appearing somewhat outdated. Notably, the A56 innovates with its camera module design, integrating the three lenses within a single, unified black area.

The A56 also boasts IP67 water and dust resistance and a 5000mAh battery, but lacks wireless charging. The A36 largely mirrors the A56's specifications, but uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, starts with 6GB of RAM, and offers a shorter six-year system security update lifespan (until 2031). The A56 starts at $499, while the A36 starts at $399.

"Awesome Intelligence": A Different Interpretation of Samsung AI

Samsung's press release highlights that the A56, A36, and A26 support Awesome Intelligence. However, this differs from the Galaxy AI system used in the S series. Awesome Intelligence provides basic AI features such as the One UI 7 AI interaction system, Google's Circle to Search functionality, and object eraser. Additionally, the A56 uniquely offers a "Best Expression" feature, synthesizing the best expressions from multiple photos. Therefore, the Samsung A56 "supports AI, but not fully Galaxy AI."

Lowering the Barrier to Entry for AI Phones: A Converging Strategy with Apple

In the fiercely competitive Chinese smartphone market, unless the price of the A56/A36 in China deviates significantly from the global price, sales may be challenging. However, globally, the market positioning of the Samsung A56/A36 is clear: lowering the barrier to entry for AI phones. Samsung previously restricted Galaxy AI functionality to high-priced flagship models, likely due to Galaxy AI's reliance on local computing power. However, domestic manufacturers have demonstrated that local + cloud or purely cloud-based AI functionality can equally satisfy user needs.

The Samsung A56 series aims to lower the accessibility threshold for AI features, allowing more users to experience Samsung's AI capabilities. This aligns with Samsung's global strategy; in 2024's global smartphone sales rankings, Samsung secured four spots in the top ten with the A15 5G, A15 4G, S25 Ultra, and A05, indicating its market share largely stems from mid-to-low-end phones.

Separating some AI functions reliant on external computing power from Galaxy AI and introducing "Awesome Intelligence" is an effective way for Samsung to expand its AI reach, enhance user experience, and improve AI perception. While replacing Galaxy AI with Awesome Intelligence might feel like a sleight of hand, it's arguably the optimal approach in practical use cases.

It's noteworthy that this strategy of hardware compromises and using mid-range phones to lower the AI barrier isn't unique to Samsung. Apple's iPhone 16e and Google's Pixel A series employ similar tactics to expand their AI ecosystems. This suggests that "AI downscaling" is a significant trend in the 2025 smartphone market.

Democratization of AI Phones: Domestic Manufacturers Taking the Lead

Compared to overseas brands, Chinese manufacturers are making faster progress in democratizing AI. The intensely competitive Chinese market pushes manufacturers to utilize chips previously reserved for near-flagship models in their mid-range phones. This "leapfrogging" approach lowers the price barrier for advanced voice assistants and AI image editing, and with government subsidies, some AI phones are available for under 1300.

This success is attributed not only to domestic brands but also to Chinese AI companies. The emergence of AI companies like DeepSeek has resulted in more lightweight Chinese AI algorithms in terms of computing power and resource consumption. Coupled with the cost advantages of a localized supply chain, even mid-to-low-end models can now incorporate AI features.

However, this reliance on cloud computing instead of local processing power remains controversial. If a "phone + app + cloud computing" setup qualifies as an AI phone, then any connected device could be considered one.

Regulation and Future Outlook for the AI Phone Industry

Currently, the AI phone industry lacks unified standards, with brands setting low thresholds for AI phone definitions, leading to market confusion. Although "AI labeling" is widespread, cloud-based AI functionality is gradually driving industry innovation. In the future, as industry standards are established and technology matures, these pioneering models might be seen as cornerstones of AI development.

The upcoming MWC 2025 will showcase the AI strategies of more manufacturers, including Realme, Meizu, Xiaomi, and Honor, all set to release new products. This indicates continued robust growth in the AI phone market.

In conclusion, the launch of the Samsung A56/A36 signifies a crucial step in Samsung's journey toward democratizing AI phones. While "Awesome Intelligence" differs from Galaxy AI, it effectively lowers the barrier to entry, allowing more users to experience the convenience of AI. In the future, industry standardization and technological advancements will further promote the widespread adoption of AI phones, ultimately achieving AI democratization. However, defining AI phones and balancing local and cloud computing remain key challenges for the industry.