Samsung Brings Google Gemini AI Side Button to Galaxy A-Series with One UI 7: Here’s the Full Device List

Samsung is all set to enhance the user experience on its mid-range Galaxy A-series smartphones by integrating advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. The company has officially announced that a new AI-powered side button feature will be coming to a select list of Galaxy A-series devices via the One UI 7 OTA update, which is scheduled to begin rolling out globally in early May.

One UI 7 Brings Google Gemini Side Button Feature to Galaxy A-Series

This update enables users to summon Google Gemini AI — Google's advanced conversational assistant — by simply pressing and holding the side button on supported devices. This marks a major leap in Samsung’s efforts to integrate more AI features across its device ecosystem, bringing premium AI features even to mid-range users.

In this article, we will cover:

• ✅ What is the new Google Gemini AI side button feature?

• ✅ Which Galaxy A-series models are eligible?

• ✅ When will the update roll out?

• ✅ How does Gemini AI differ from Bixby and Google Assistant?

• ✅ Key capabilities of Gemini AI on Galaxy A-series

• ✅ Final thoughts and what to expect

🔍 What is the Google Gemini AI Side Button Feature?

Samsung is replacing the traditional function of the side key (power button) on select Galaxy A-series smartphones with a much smarter action — summoning Google Gemini AI.

Once the One UI 7 update is installed, users can press and hold the side button to activate Gemini, allowing instant access to a smarter, more contextual AI assistant without having to open an app or navigate through menus.

🧠 Powered by Google Gemini

Unlike Google Assistant, Gemini is designed to be more proactive, conversational, and context-aware. It integrates with Android 15’s on-device AI capabilities and offers significantly deeper functionality, ranging from organizing your schedule to handling messages, searching the web, or even controlling phone settings and apps — all through natural language commands.

📱 Full List of Galaxy A-Series Models Receiving the AI Side Button Feature

Samsung has confirmed that the following Galaxy A-series devices will receive the Google Gemini AI side button with the upcoming One UI 7 OTA update:

• Galaxy A56 5G

• Galaxy A55 5G

• Galaxy A54 5G

• Galaxy A36 5G

• Galaxy A35 5G

• Galaxy A34 5G

• Galaxy A26 5G

• Galaxy A25 5G

• Galaxy A25e 5G

• Galaxy A24

This list includes both recently launched and already available models, ensuring millions of users globally will be able to benefit from Samsung’s new AI upgrade strategy.

🆕 A Mix of New and Existing Devices

It’s important to note that some of these phones — such as the Galaxy A56, A36, and A25e — are yet to officially launch in certain markets, but Samsung has confirmed they will come pre-equipped or receive this update shortly after their release.

🌍 Rollout Timeline: When Will You Get the Update?

The One UI 7 update carrying the AI side button support is expected to begin rolling out globally in early May 2025. As with previous updates, the rollout will be staggered by region and model, starting with South Korea and Europe, followed by India, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

If you own one of the listed devices, you can check for the update by going to:

Settings > Software update > Download and install

Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least 50% battery before installing the update.

🤖 Google Gemini vs. Bixby: What’s Changing?

Samsung’s long-standing AI assistant, Bixby, has been available on Galaxy devices for years. While still supported, Bixby hasn't seen major upgrades recently. With Gemini now integrated into the side button, Samsung is leaning more towards Google’s AI ecosystem.

📌 Key Differences:

The press-and-hold side button action now defaults to Gemini, although users might still be able to reconfigure it to Bixby from the settings if they prefer.

🌟 Gemini AI in Action: Use Cases on Galaxy A-Series

With Google Gemini taking over the side button, Galaxy A-series users will experience flagship-level AI functionality, bringing real-world productivity benefits with minimal user effort.

Here are some exciting use cases:

1. Hands-Free Communication

Ask Gemini to:

• Find a nearby café

• Get directions via Google Maps

• Send the location directly to your contact via Samsung Messages or WhatsApp

You don’t need to touch your phone after summoning Gemini — it handles everything through voice.

2. Daily Planning & Smart Suggestions

Use Gemini to:

• Summarize your calendar events

• Remind you of meetings

• Suggest rescheduling based on traffic or conflicts

3. Text Summarization & Web Search

Gemini can:

• Read and summarize articles or PDFs

• Provide quick answers from the web

• Even perform side-by-side comparisons

This is extremely useful for students and professionals alike.

4. Content Creation Help

Want to draft a message, Instagram caption, or even a short story? Gemini can do it all based on your prompt, helping content creators on the go.

5. Device Control & App Commands

Commands like:

• “Turn on dark mode”

• “Launch Instagram and post a story”

• “Clear background apps”

are now possible with natural voice prompts.

🛠 How to Enable and Use the Gemini Side Button Feature

After installing One UI 7:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Side Key

2. Choose the ‘Press and Hold’ action

3. Select Google Gemini

You can now summon Gemini anytime by holding the side button — even when your phone is locked (based on settings).

🔐 Privacy and AI: What You Should Know

Samsung and Google assure that on-device AI processing is prioritized, meaning your commands and personal data are analyzed on your phone where possible, rather than being sent to the cloud.

Users will also have granular control over permissions and Gemini’s access to apps like Calendar, Contacts, and Messages.

✅ Final Thoughts: AI Side Button Marks a New Era for Galaxy A-Series

With the upcoming One UI 7 OTA update, Samsung is pushing the boundaries of what mid-range smartphones can do. The integration of the AI-powered side button with Google Gemini is a significant step toward making smartphone interaction more intuitive, intelligent, and hands-free.

This update not only reflects Samsung’s commitment to making cutting-edge features more accessible but also highlights the growing partnership between Samsung and Google in the AI space.

Whether you're a student, business user, or casual smartphone user — this update is going to enhance the way you interact with your phone like never before.

📎 Summary

• Samsung introduces a Google Gemini AI side button for select Galaxy A-series devices.

• The feature will be rolled out via the One UI 7 OTA update starting early May 2025.

• Eligible models include A56, A55, A54, A36, A35, A34, A26, A25, A25e, and A24.

• Users can summon Gemini with a long press of the side key.

• Gemini brings advanced AI capabilities, like multitasking, contextual awareness, device control, and more.

• The feature will coexist with Bixby, which may still be available after the update.

Stay tuned to our blog Ask Anything for more Samsung updates, One UI rollout news, and AI feature breakdowns.