Google brings Gemini Go to budget Android phones, replacing Assistant Go with AI for 2GB devices

Gemini Go is here to replace Assistant on your Android Go phone

The rollout is happening gradually, so you may not get it right away. Google won't be happy until Gemini replaces all traces of Google Assistant. That even includes the lightweight Assistant Go, designed for lower-end Android Go devices. If you have an Android Go device, it's time to say hello to Gemini Go. In a blog post, Google shared that it's starting the rollout of Gemini Go, a streamlined version of Gemini that will work even on handsets with lower storage capacity. Specifically, this version of Gemini only requires 2GB of RAM. As mentioned earlier, it will replace Assistant Go to provide a more conversational experience. With this rollout, Android Go device owners will be able to use Gemini right on their device. That means you can access the AI without being forced to use the web version as a workaround. You'll be able to start a conversation by holding down the Home button or by pressing and holding the power button. Be aware that you may not see Gemini Go right away. Google is taking its time by releasing the update gradually. As the experience is part of the Google Search app, you can check to see if it's available by heading over to the app's page in the Play Store. If there's an update button, you'll want to tap it to install the latest Google Search app version.

Google Just Brought Gemini Go to Android Phones With as Little as 2GB of RAM

If there's one thing that's frustratingly predictable about the tech industry, it's that the latest and greatest always lands on the most expensive devices first. Budget phone owners are used to being an afterthought. Google is trying to change that, at least when it comes to AI. Google just rolled out Gemini Go, bringing its AI assistant to Android Go devices with as little as 2GB of RAM. For those unfamiliar, Android Go is Google's lightweight version of Android built for budget and entry-level smartphones. Gemini Go replaces Assistant Go and is baked into the Google app, so there's no separate download. A long press of the Home button or Power key launches it. According to Google, it handles the usual assistant tasks like calls, texts, alarms, and calendar events. But it also supports more conversational queries, file and photo uploads, and even mood-based music playback. The rollout is gradual, so not everyone will see it right away. Updating the Google app in the Play Store is the best way to check. Google Is Done Leaving Budget Phones Behind And here's where it gets interesting. Every other major AI player is racing upmarket. Apple Intelligence requires 8GB of RAM. Samsung's Galaxy AI starts with the S24 series. ChatGPT on Android needs a reliable internet connection and has no lightweight mode to speak of. Even Google's own Gemini Intelligence tier now requires 12GB of RAM and a Nano v3 chipset, which excludes the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25. Google is the only company going in both directions at once. That matters because Android Go devices represent a massive slice of the global phone market, particularly in developing regions where budget hardware is the norm, not the exception. We've already seen Google push Gemini into Android Auto and kill off Assistant on Android Auto entirely. This seems like the next logical step.