Samsung Galaxy S25 Gives Users a Choice: Bixby or Google Gemini as Default Assistant

Summary:

• The Galaxy S25 series allows users to choose their default voice assistant.
• Gemini is now set as the default assistant, but Bixby remains available for those who prefer it.
• The phone intelligently activates the most suitable assistant based on the task.

Bixby is no longer the leading digital assistant on Samsung’s flagship devices. With the new Galaxy S25, Samsung has made Gemini the default voice assistant, giving users the ability to summon Google Gemini right from the power button. This marks a significant shift in Samsung’s assistant strategy, as Bixby has been the default assistant since 2017. While Gemini takes the spotlight, Samsung assures users that Bixby isn’t going anywhere and will continue to serve as a key part of the ecosystem.

Samsung emphasizes that the Galaxy S25 is designed to use the most appropriate assistant for the task at hand. For example:

• If you’re searching for a restaurant, Gemini will activate because it’s optimized for search functions.
• If you ask to add an event to your Samsung Calendar, Bixby will handle it since it integrates naturally with Samsung’s first-party apps.

In an email to Android Authority, Samsung explained:

“Gemini and Bixby can both be activated depending on the use case / what is being asked. Gemini and/or Bixby is activated depending on what you ask your device to do. For example, if you’re looking for a restaurant – Gemini will be activated because it’s a search function, but if you ask to add something to your Samsung Calendar, Bixby will activate because it’s a Samsung app.”

A Look Back at Bixby’s Journey

Samsung introduced Bixby in 2017, aiming to compete with Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri. Bixby even had a dedicated button on some older Galaxy phones to encourage adoption. However, despite Samsung’s efforts, Bixby never achieved the same popularity as its competitors.

Now, with the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung is taking a new direction by setting Gemini as the default assistant, signaling a shift toward the platform’s broader appeal and functionality.

Galaxy S25 Series: What’s New

The Galaxy S25 series comes packed with features and hardware upgrades, making it one of Samsung’s most exciting flagship launches yet. Here’s what you can expect from the lineup:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

• Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC
• 12GB RAM and 256GB+ of storage
• 6.7-inch QHD+ display
• 50MP camera
• 4,900mAh battery
• ProScaler for enhanced QHD+ performance
• UWB connectivity

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

• Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC (overclocked)
• 12GB RAM and 256GB+ of storage
• Embedded S Pen support
• 6.9-inch QHD+ display
• 200MP main camera with 100x Space Zoom

Samsung Galaxy S25

• Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC
• 12GB RAM and 256GB+ of storage
• 6.2-inch FHD+ display
• 50MP main camera
• Focus on AI features and Gemini integration

Gemini’s Expanding Features

With the Galaxy S25, Gemini gains new capabilities, including the ability to “chain” actions across apps like Google Maps, Messages, and more. This feature enables seamless multitasking, such as sending directions to a friend while navigating to a location.

Good news for fans of Samsung’s first-party apps: Gemini extensions will soon support Samsung’s Reminders, Calendar, Notes, and Clock apps. These integrations will also be available on older Samsung models, bringing advanced functionality to a broader range of devices.

Bixby’s Role Moving Forward

Although Gemini now takes center stage, Bixby remains a part of Samsung’s ecosystem. It will continue to support Samsung apps and provide backend functionality for other AI experiences. For users who rely on Bixby for tasks like controlling SmartTag devices or managing smart home systems, it’s reassuring to know that Bixby isn’t going away.

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s decision to make Gemini the default assistant reflects a shift toward a more versatile and feature-rich assistant experience. While Bixby continues to serve its core users, Gemini offers broader capabilities and deeper integration with Google’s ecosystem. Ultimately, giving users the choice to select the best assistant for their needs is a welcome change.

Which assistant will you choose on your Galaxy S25? Let us know in the comments!