Updated
Updated · TechRadar · Jun 11
TechRadar Urges Samsung to Bring 4 Galaxy S26 Ultra Features to $549 A57
Updated
Updated · TechRadar · Jun 11

TechRadar Urges Samsung to Bring 4 Galaxy S26 Ultra Features to $549 A57

1 articles · Updated · TechRadar · Jun 11

Summary

  • $549 Galaxy A57 misses four Galaxy S26 Ultra software tools that TechRadar's Tom Bedford says should reach Samsung's cheaper phones through future updates.
  • The biggest gaps he highlights are Audio Eraser, phone-wide Search with Finder, Bixby controls that change settings directly, and the AI summary feature Now Brief.
  • $1,299 Galaxy S26 Ultra gets those additions as part of its software-led upgrade over the S25 Ultra, while the A57 already makes expected hardware compromises such as weaker zoom, chipset performance and no stylus.
  • Bedford argues the omitted tools may suit mid-range buyers especially well—particularly broader search, simpler assistant controls and quick daily summaries—even though he found some S26 Ultra features still unreliable or unfinished.

Insights

Amid a global memory crisis, can Samsung's mid-range phones deliver flagship AI features without a massive price hike?
Are smartphone buyers really demanding AI, or is the industry overlooking basic needs like price and battery life?