Bixby App Explained: What It Is and Should You Use It

If you’ve noticed the Bixby app on your Samsung Galaxy phone—or heard about Bixby Voice and Bixby Vision—you might be wondering what it really does and whether it’s worth using. I’m Rana, and I’ve been testing Bixby on my Galaxy devices and researching official Samsung sources to give you a clear picture. This guide is for anyone who owns a Samsung device and wants to understand its built-in assistant.

What is Bixby?

Bixby is Samsung’s virtual assistant. It first launched in 2017 and is built into most Galaxy phones, tablets, smart TVs, and some Samsung appliances. If you’ve used Google Assistant or Siri, Bixby is similar but designed to work specifically with Samsung’s ecosystem.

Key Features of Bixby

• Bixby Voice
  You can activate it by saying “Hi Bixby.” It lets you make calls, send texts, set alarms, control settings, and even manage smart home devices without touching your phone.
  
• Bixby Vision
  This uses your camera. Point it at text to translate instantly, scan QR codes, identify objects or landmarks, and get product information online. I’ve personally used it for translating signs while traveling, and it works surprisingly well.
  
• Bixby Modes & Routines
  These automate tasks on your device. For instance, saying “Good Night” can turn on Do Not Disturb, lower brightness, and set an alarm. I use it to switch my phone to night mode automatically, which saves a few taps every evening.
  
• Device Integration
  Because it’s built by Samsung, Bixby connects across the Galaxy ecosystem—phones, earbuds, TVs, and even smart fridges. Commands like “Turn off my living room TV” work seamlessly if your devices are linked.
  

Recent Updates

In 2025, Samsung added smarter features on its TVs. You can now search content by voice, identify actors in shows, and even control connected devices while the TV is off. Samsung is also partnering with Google to integrate Gemini as an alternative assistant, which might affect Bixby’s future role.

Should You Use Bixby?

Here’s a practical breakdown based on my experience and feedback from other Samsung users:

• ✅ Useful if you’re fully invested in Samsung devices.
  
• ✅ Great for automation and smart home control.
  
• ✅ Bixby Vision is convenient for travel and accessibility tasks.
  
• ❌ If you already use Google Assistant, Bixby may feel redundant.
  
• ❌ Some features are less polished compared to competitors.
  

Video Guide:

My Take

I use Bixby mainly for automation and Bixby Vision. It saves small amounts of time daily, especially when traveling or managing multiple Samsung devices. If you rarely use your phone for hands-free tasks, you may not need it.

FAQs