The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is the latest smartphone to feature Circle to Search, the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered visual inspection feature that the company unveiled at its Unpacked event in January. Although it first appeared on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, this feature has been implemented not only on Samsung smartphones, but also on Google phones. However, the Galaxy S21 FE is one of the few Samsung S series devices that were no longer available.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE search circle
SamMobile reports that the August 2024 security update for the Samsung Galaxy S21 series not only fixes 50 reported critical security vulnerabilities, but also includes a much-anticipated AI-driven feature. After the update, Circle to Search will be available on Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.
This feature allows users to copy text from a selected area, hover over it, and perform a visual search on the web. Users of S-Pen compatible smartphones can use it to select objects and text on the screen. Activated by pressing the Home button or the navigation panel, it allows users to write, point to, or draw objects and text on the screen to perform visual searches.
While the three-smartphone Galaxy S21 series received the feature as part of a larger Galaxy AI update, the S21 FE remained elusive.
Other Galaxy phones with a search circle
Circle to Search debuted with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. Along with the launch of the Galaxy S21 FE, Samsung recently announced support for the A-series smartphones in August, including the Samsung Galaxy A55, Galaxy A54, Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A34. However, it is not clear whether this will be via a software update or if it will be a server-side switch. Also, the company is introducing this feature on two tablets – Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.