The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the pinnacle of Samsung’s flagship smartphone lineup boasting a slick design, impressive performance, and innovative technology that sets it apart from its competitors.
In the sea of smartphones that have flooded markets in recent years you’d be hard-pressed to find something that stands out far above the rest, that was until Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra entered the chat. As the first smartphone to feature on-device generative AI, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is redefining the smartphone concept.
The device comes loaded with a plethora of AI features and functions designed to elevate the user experience but the Circle to Search function was my favourite.
As a self-confessed search-a-holic I knew upfront that the Galaxy S24’s “Circle to Search” functionality would be my favourite feature but what I couldn’t have guessed was just how much I’d love it.
As the first phone to debut this intuitive, gesture-driven functionality with Google, the Galaxy S24 has made history in the world of search. With a long press on the home button, you can circle, highlight, scribble on, or tap anything on your S24’s screen to see helpful, high-quality search results.
Depending on your location, for certain searches, the generative AI-powered overviews can provide helpful information and context pulled together from across the web, and you can ask more complex and nuanced questions.
One of the ways I found this to be useful was while scrolling through social media. I follow a lot of travel influencers and content creators and often see interesting destinations, activities and products in their posts. With the Circle to Search functionality I was able to long press on the home screen to search these items and learn more without having to leave the app. What this means is no more screenshots, reverse image searches or awkward DM’s to get more info on what I’m interested in.
Similarly, I deployed the Circle to Search function from my messages in the middle of a conversation about a possible trip (for more information on the destination), while watching YouTube and even while on a self-drive safari to discover more about the animals I had photographed.
Another feature that deserves a quick mention for frequent travellers is the new AI Live Translate feature. With it you can call any phone, including a landline, and it translates the conversation in real-time in up to 13 languages. For in-person conversations, simply use the Interpreter app.
If you’re in the market for a cutting-edge device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can do, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a top contender that is sure to impress especially if you’re an inquisitive soul like me.
Get up to R10 000 cash back or save R400 per month on contract with the Galaxy S24 Series.
For more on the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s features you can read our comprehensive review here.
We share our favourite ways to use the Circle to Search functionality below.
