Galaxy S9 ‘AR Emoji’ feature leaves some ethnic groups disappointed

Aparajita Sharma
March 26, 2018
Google Photos, Oppo, PewDiePie
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Galaxy S9 ‘AR Emoji’ feature leaves some ethnic groups disappointed

‘AR Emoji‘ – a feature that debuted on Galaxy S9 – has been in talks since it was just a rumor, after all it’s Samsung’s answer to Apple’s Animoji. For starters, the functionality basically offers the ability to convert selfies into emojis, giving a personal touch to messaging. That’s fun, isn’t it? Sadly, not for all.

Many users are not happy with the way the ‘AR Emoji’ feature portrays them, missing their basic features like hair or beard. What makes the matter worth highlighting is that users belonging to some specific ethnic groups are feeling ignored because of this.

A quick glance through the following user comments will give you a clear idea of what we’re talking about:

So I just picked up my s9 plus and was excited to use the AR Emoji (only for the s9 platform) I am a black Male with dreadlocks so I was excited to see what this amazing app had to offer but when I applied my face to the app I instantly made me look like 2005 cat Williams now that was no big deal because the app allows you to edit your avatar. . .😑 now that’s when my problem arises the only hairstyle that are remotely black are a pat down for and a curl I mean it’s not like dreadlocks rare in the black community or braids (cornrows) so now if your a black Male you end up looking like some form of drake🙄. You see this kind of stuff on video games all the time like the Sims but I did not take Samsung to be a shallow company like EA. . I hope samsung get back to me or someone who at least understands what I’m going through .. thank you. .

I total agree . I am a black female with natural hair. And there is no hair that is like mine. Not every women has straight hair.. hopefully samsung will have an update soon.

I am so glad that someone wrote this before I did. I’m Hispanic woman with natural curly hair and said to say I did my AR emoji I was excited to see my big curly hair and he was not available in the options to select. I hope they understand that there’s different nationalities and a diverse population that buys their phones and there’s a need for us to feel identified.

Some of the users also took to micro-blogging site Twitter to highlight the same. Take a look at some of the recent tweets:

The beard issue

Apparently, users in general aren’t satisfied the way AR Emoji is handling their beard. Here’s how the complainants word the matter:

I know it’s early, but when you update the AR Emojis please include better beard options! I have a large beard, but the only option is a very light 2-day scruff. Without my beard, the AR Emoji looks nothing like me. Thanks!!

I have midsized full beard and it’s the same with me… was googling how to get a beard for ar emoji and came across this!

Il admit it I’m a bit of a Samsung fanboy, just came from S8+ to S9+.

Ar Emoji is the single worst thing I’ve ever experienced from Samsung…

It can’t handle beards it literally took a picture of the hair around my lips and a random picture of the middle of my forehead and pasted it into a predefined character, also certain hair colours only seem to be available in fluorescent…

When I try to make facial expressions the lips just flap around like a dog’s got his head out the car window…

Bad move Samsung, I’m not opposed to having it but it needs some serious work.

+1. Was really disappointed that it did not pick my ~2cm thick beard and instead created a guy who looks like a teenager with first facial hair sprouting (and only around the mouth). Mouth moves in its own way and makes the avatar look retarded. Tongue is not functional at all. It’s not able to reproduce any facial expressions I make. Meh. There’s too little hair & glasses to choose from and only a few colors available. Currently AR Emoji is pretty limited and useless to me personally. The avatar does not resemble me at all.

Final words

While the beard problem can be treated as a general issue, ethnicity ignorance (if we can call it that) is a far more serious concern. We’re hopeful that is not the kind of experience Samsung aimed to provide to its users. We hope the company updates AR Emioji with features whose absence is currently being complained about.

Do you agree with the observations that we have highlighted in the story? Let us know your thoughts in comments below.

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Aparajita Sharma

Aparajita Sharma

I am an investigative-tech-journalist who loves all things technology. My articles have been referred to by some of the top news publications like Forbes, The Next Web, The Verge and more. As a founding member of PiunikaWeb, I am nurturing this firstborn with my journalistic writing, authorship and sharp-eyed expertise. And not to miss, the hidden psychologist (thanks to my educational background) also comes to play occasionally. Got a tip or leak to share? You can find me on Twitter (@AparajitaShar15) and FB. Tech-enthusiasts working together should be more fun.