Overall Findings
Both Bixby and Siri have strengths and unique aspects. The functionality of each assistant is so different that it’s challenging to compare each in a head to head competition. Still, Bixby seems to excel in the voice command area, while Siri does exceptionally well at detail-oriented tasks. Samsung and Apple are dedicated to updating and improving their digital assistants, so they upgrade Bixby and Siri regularly to accommodate new features. Bixby is available on Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Note10, Note10+, S10e, S10, S10+, Fold, Note9, S9, S9+, Note9, S8, and S8+, as well as a variety of Samsung smart devices. Siri works with iPhones, iPads, the iPod touch, AirPods, the Apple Watch, HomePod, MacBook Pros, Macs with macOS Sierra or later, and Apple TV.
Shortcuts: The Bixby Button Gets the Edge for Uniqueness
Samsung Bixby, introduced in 2017, distinguishes itself from Siri and other rivals with its capacitive Bixby button. While users can pull up the digital assistant with the Hey Bixby voice command, Samsung intended the Bixby button to be the primary mode for engagement. Bixby can be reprogrammed to open other apps, which is a plus for many users. Users can set a single press of the Bixby button to open a different app, while a double press or a long press triggers Bixby. Siri has been around since 2011, and Apple continues to support it with updates and deeper integration in the Apple universe. Siri supports shortcut commands that allow users to give the assistant simple phrases for easier interaction. Siri works with all devices in the Apple ecosystem, which is a plus if you own iPhones, Apple Watches, HomePods, and other devices. While Siri can open an app, the user still has to use the app manually.
Commands: Siri Is Better for Detail-Oriented Tasks
Bixby can execute various smartphone functions, such as setting the wallpaper, closing apps, creating contacts, setting apps to uninstall, and checking for software updates. Bixby works well with third-party apps, particularly when searching for results in apps. Samsung is continually expanding Bixby’s functionality. The smart assistant can now edit photos, send messages, and compose emails on command. On the downside, users have to wake the assistant before they can give a command, and giving Bixby more literal phrases as tasks may cause hiccups in its functionality. Occasionally, Bixby doesn’t respond to voice commands. Siri is faster and more responsive to voice commands and can more easily grasp the context and pull up detailed results for simple requests. Siri provides better and more detailed weather information and can quickly pull up calendars and breaking news as well as send messages and emails. On the downside, since Siri is web-based, it may send users to a web search results page instead of launching an app or executing a function.
Smart Home Integration: Both Work Well in Their Spaces
Samsung has started to integrate Bixby into other devices, including its latest smart TV models and smart refrigerators, giving users a chance to expand their hands-free usage of the smart assistant. Aside from Apple’s product ecosystem, users can use Siri with products that connect to Apple HomeKit via the Apple Home app. Once the products are connected, users can say Hey Siri to control their smart home devices.
Final Verdict
Samsung’s goal for Bixby is for users to be able to do anything with the smart assistant that they can do on their devices via touch. Because of this, Bixby excels at making Samsung smartphones work hands-free, While Siri is ideal for detail-oriented tasks and is entrenched in the Apple device ecosystem, users may find Samsung Bixby to be a more useful smart assistant. You can’t go wrong with either assistant, and your loyalty to Apple or Samsung devices ultimately plays a significant role in your choice.
