No matter how many different ways companies look at the future of AI on smartphones, they all seem to agree on one thing — you have to be able to create images. Every brand, from Apple to Motorola, seems to have its own version of an image generator, complete with its quirks and capabilities. Right now, though, there are two versions with a head start over all the rest — Samsung’s Portrait Studio and Google’s Pixel Studio.
And yes, their names might sound similar, but the two “studios” are as different as Pixar and Dreamworks. Let’s dig into each to see which might be right for you.
Samsung’s Portrait Studio, technically more of an advanced editing tool than an actual image generator, requires an existing image to create a finished product. It launched on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 during Samsung’s mid-2024 Unpacked event with help from Sydney Sweeney, transforming the famous actress into a 3D cartoon version of herself. Currently existing within Samsung’s Gallery app in One UI 6.1.1, you can access it by opening an image featuring at least one human subject, tapping the Photo Assist button, and selecting the Portrait Studio option. You can choose from four styles: 3D cartoon, comic, sketch, and watercolor. However, Portrait Studio only works with humans at the moment and processes one person at a time. Additionally, it defaults to basic colors that match the subject’s colors, limiting flexibility in preserving the background of a specific memory.
Google’s Pixel Studio, on the other hand, is more open and flexible. It operates as a standalone app on Pixel 9 devices, allowing you to describe what you want to create via text and then running it through Google’s Imagen 3 model. While the app is full of sample images and prompts, it’s up to you to type in your desired prompt, select from seven art styles, and see what Google generates for you. Styles include Freestyle, 3D cartoon, video game, cinematic, sketch, anime, and sticker. You can also specify an art movement for more control over your creation. Pixel Studio does not generate humans but can create human-like beings and creatures. It requires specific and detailed prompts for more unique outcomes.
In terms of results, Samsung’s Portrait Studio offers accurate representations of human subjects but limits options and flexibility, while Google’s Pixel Studio provides a wide range of creative possibilities but requires specific prompts and does not generate humans. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your preferences and the type of images you want to create.