For years, the smartphone was defined by specs: more RAM, better cameras, faster processors. But in 2026, that definition is officially outdated. We’re entering a new era — the smartphone is no longer just “smart.” It’s becoming an AI platform.
To discuss this, this is an excerpt of a Q&A with Ryan Mule, Product Manager for the Mobile Experience Division at Samsung Electronics East Africa. He explores how on-device AI is specifically solving real-world challenges for students, entrepreneurs and businesses across Kenya.
Q. Samsung has been a household name in East Africa for decades. In the context of 2026, how do you define the brand today?
A: At Samsung, we are more than just a device manufacturer; we are a pioneer of experiences. Our DNA is rooted in “Meaningful Innovation.” In East Africa, this means creating technology that doesn’t just look good on a spec sheet but solves real-world challenges. Whether it’s a student in Nairobi using Galaxy AI to translate research or a business in Dar es Salaam securing their data, we are the bridge between human potential and the digital future. We are the brand that brings the “future” into the palm of your hand, today.
Q: We’ve moved past the era of “smart” phones into the era of “AI” platforms. How has this evolution changed the way we use our devices?
A: The shift has been profound. We have moved from reactive technology (the phone waits for you to tell it what to do) to proactive intelligence. Initially, AI was tucked away in the cloud. Today, Samsung has brought AI on-device. This evolution means your smartphone now understands context. It isn’t just about a better camera; it’s about a camera that understands the lighting of a Serengeti sunset and adjusts in real-time. In the business world, it’s the shift from manual note-taking to AI-driven summaries that allow teams to focus on strategy rather than administration.
Q: Samsung often speaks about “Democratizing AI.” What does this look like in practice for the East African market?
A: Democratization means AI is not a luxury for the few; it is a tool for the many. We achieve this through a two approaches; Our custom-built NPUs (Neural Processing Units) are integrated across our lineup, ensuring that even our mid-range devices can handle complex AI tasks without lag. We’ve integrated AI into the features people use most. For example, the Circle to Search; which showcases information instantly without switching apps, Live Translate: Breaks language barriers for cross-border trade in East Africa, and Transcript Assist: which turns long meetings into actionable insights instantly. By bringing these features to the Galaxy A-series as well as the Z and S-series, we are ensuring that advanced computing is accessible to a vibrant, growing population of digital natives in this region.
Q: How is Samsung’s AI platform specifically enhancing operational efficiency for businesses?
A: Efficiency is the currency of success for the modern East African enterprise, and Samsung’s AI platform acts as a sophisticated “Digital Assistant” designed to empower everyone. Through the integration of Galaxy AI, we facilitate seamless communication with real-time translation for international partnerships, while driving operational excellence through automated workflows that learn user patterns to intelligently optimize performance and battery life. Additionally, we are democratizing innovation by providing creative teams with high-quality tools to generate and edit professional content on the move, significantly reducing the reliance on expensive external hardware and ensuring that businesses can remain agile, productive, and connected from anywhere.
Q: As AI becomes more integrated, data privacy is a major concern. How does Samsung Knox protect this AI-driven ecosystem?
A: Security has always been a fundamental pillar rather than an afterthought. This is anchored by Samsung Knox, our military-grade security platform that delivers comprehensive protection from the hardware chip level up to the cloud. Recognizing that data is a user’s most valuable asset in an AI-driven era, Knox safeguards information through on-device processing, ensuring that sensitive data remains private and never has to leave the phone. This protection is further amplified by Knox Matrix, which establishes a “web of trust” across your entire ecosystem of Samsung devices to preemptively neutralize threats, while our Privacy Dashboard provides users with total transparency and command over their data. By giving you the power to choose how your information is used for AI modeling, we ensure that the benefits of open collaboration and innovation never come at the expense of your personal privacy.
Q: Looking ahead, how will the role of the smartphone change as AI continues to mature over the next few years?
A: We are moving toward a reality where the smartphone is no longer just a tool, but a proactive life companion. In the very near future, your device won’t just wait for your input; it will understand your lifestyle to anticipate your needs. Imagine a phone that recognizes you’re in a high-pressure meeting and automatically silences non-urgent notifications while drafting brief summaries of missed calls. We see the smartphone becoming the central system of a user’s digital life, seamlessly connecting your home, your work, and your personal health through a single, intelligent interface that learns and grows with you every day.
Q: With all these advancements in mind, what can Samsung fans in East Africa look forward to as we move into the first quarter of the year?
A: At Samsung, we never stand still. While our current lineup has already redefined the mobile experience, we are currently preparing for our next Galaxy Unpacked milestone. This February, we invite our customers to look closely as we unveil the next evolution of the Galaxy S-series. Without giving too much away, I can say that what’s coming next month will push the boundaries of “on-device AI” even further, think even more sophisticated privacy features, unprecedented processing power for creators, and a design that feels as intelligent as the software inside it. It’s not just a new phone; it’s the next chapter of the AI revolution, and it starts here in February.
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