Samsung expands its AI phone lineup, launching a $300 entry-level 5G Galaxy model.

Samsung has released three new 5G Galaxy A series models, Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26, equipped with AI functions for the first time. The starting price for the Galaxy A26 is $299.99, with AI functions including AI image editing and Google's "Search with Lens" feature. Priced at $499.99, the Galaxy A56 also adds night scene photography enhancement and "Best Face" feature. Just a few days before Samsung introduced more powerful budget devices, Apple released the $599 iPhone 16e, providing a cheaper entry point for consumers interested in their ecosystem. For both companies, the new models represent efforts to attract more users as all AI developers are investing heavily in expanding their reach. Samsung is integrating its own AI tools with those of Alphabet Inc.'s Google, the designer of the Android operating system for Samsung phones. On the other hand, Apple is developing its Apple Intelligence suite, although it also utilizes components from external suppliers - such as OpenAI's ChatGPT in the US and Alibaba in China.