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Gemini can handle supported cross-app requests on a Galaxy phone, but it is not a complete replacement for every Google Assistant feature—and Bixby still has a distinct role in controlling Samsung devices. After a week with Gemini, the useful question is not whether one assistant wins every task, but whether Gemini’s strengths match the things you ask your phone to do.
What I tried during the week
This is a personal account, not a controlled comparison: the week’s experience reflects the prompts tried and the phone’s configuration, not a guarantee of how every Galaxy will behave. The most useful distinction was between asking an assistant to work across supported apps and asking it to control the phone itself.
Gemini’s cross-app ability stood out when a request involved finding information and then using it in another app. Samsung documents workflows that connect services such as Maps, Samsung Messages, YouTube, Samsung Notes, and Samsung Calendar. Those examples show what the integrations are intended to do; they do not guarantee every request will work on every device, software version, or app version. Some actions need permissions or a final confirmation before they happen.
Compound requests also deserve realistic expectations. A 2025 Tom’s Guide reviewer described Gemini as handling much of the Galaxy S25’s assistant activity, but reported occasional stalls and sensitivity to pauses during multi-part commands. That is useful context, not a controlled head-to-head test or proof that the same problems will occur for every user.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Where Gemini and Bixby differ
| What you need | Gemini | Bixby |
|---|---|---|
| Work across apps | Samsung documents supported workflows involving Maps, Samsung Messages, YouTube, Samsung Notes, and Samsung Calendar. Permissions or a final Send confirmation may be required. Samsung support | The cited Samsung materials focus on Bixby as a device agent; they do not establish a comparable set of cross-app workflows. |
| Control Galaxy settings and functions | Gemini can be selected as the default digital assistant, but the cited documentation does not establish that it controls every Galaxy setting or function. Samsung support | Samsung describes Bixby as an assistant for device control and announced a One UI 8.5 beta redesign with natural-language device controls. Availability is limited by rollout and device support. Samsung Newsroom |
| Replace familiar Google Assistant features | Not fully: Google lists examples of features that Gemini does not yet support, including media service providers and Interpreter mode. Google Gemini help | The cited sources do not establish Bixby as a replacement for those Google Assistant features. |
| Availability | Features depend on device, software, region, and carrier. Google promotes Gemini built into the Galaxy S25 series, not as a guarantee of identical functionality on all Galaxy phones. Google Android | One UI 8.5 beta availability is limited to the announced markets and rollout; it should not be assumed to be available on every Galaxy. Samsung Newsroom |
How to set Gemini as your Galaxy’s default assistant
- Choose the digital assistant app: Open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Digital assistant app, then select Google. Samsung notes that available options can vary by device and software version. Samsung’s setup instructions
- Set the Side button, if you want to launch it that way: Assign the button’s long press to Digital assistant, then select Google. The exact options may vary on your phone.
- Try your own routine: Test the cross-app tasks you actually use, including any follow-up action. Check whether the app requests permission or asks you to confirm before sending or saving something.
What could make me switch back
Google says some familiar Google Assistant features are not supported in Gemini. Its examples include media service providers and Interpreter mode, and it advises users to switch back if a missing feature matters to them. Check Google’s current list of Gemini mobile app features that are not supported against your own must-haves rather than assuming Gemini is a drop-in replacement.
Bixby also remains part of Samsung’s assistant plans. Samsung’s February 19, 2026 announcement described a One UI 8.5 beta with natural-language device controls and open-web answers, initially available in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, with broader rollout planned. That is a beta announcement, not confirmation that the redesigned Bixby is available on every Galaxy or in every market. Samsung Electronics COO Won-Joon Choi said the redesign aimed to “enable more natural interactions and intuitive device control, reducing friction in everyday tasks.” Samsung Newsroom, February 19, 2026
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Who should make the switch?
- Try Gemini as your default if your regular requests involve supported Google services or the documented Samsung app workflows, and the features you rely on are available on your phone.
- Keep Bixby in consideration if direct control of Galaxy functions is central to your routine, especially as Samsung rolls out its updated device-control features.
- Check before changing your habit if you depend on a particular Google Assistant feature, use a less common language or region setting, or have an older Galaxy model. Availability can vary by device, software, region, and carrier.
Google promotes the Galaxy S25 series with Gemini built in, but that positioning does not establish that current Galaxy owners need to upgrade. The practical test is whether Gemini works reliably for your own common requests and whether it supports the features you cannot do without.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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