Google Pixel 9a Features Downsized Gemini AI Model Due to RAM Constraints

Meager 8GB of RAM forces Pixel 9a to run "extra extra small" Gemini AI

Google can't make a move in 2025 without veering into the realm of generative AI, and the release of the Pixel 9a is no exception. Curiously, the AI experience on this phone may not match what you've seen from the company's high-end smartphones. Google has confirmed to Ars that the phone's lower memory prevented it from implementing the full suite of Pixel AI features. You can still talk to Gemini by holding the power button or opening the Gemini app, but the on-device Gemini Nano model has seen a downgrade on the 9a. Google's approach to AI has changed substantially since the Pixel 8a launched, with some of the Pixel 9's hallmark features relying on local AI processing through the smartphone-optimized Gemini Nano. The Pixel 9a has it, but it's smaller than the Gemini Nano model on other Pixel 9s. For reasons unknown, Google does not call it Gemini Pico -- it's Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS (extra extra small). The Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold all run Gemini Nano XS (extra small). The Pixel 9a has less RAM than the flagship Pixels, which standardized on 12GB largely to provide Gemini Nano with reserved memory without impeding performance. However, the Pixel 9a still just has 8GB of memory, which is a problem for local AI processing. This is the first Google phone to ship with a new super-small AI model. It saves on resources but can't support some of the best Pixel AI features. This is a familiar problem for Google, which initially disappointed Pixel 8 owners last year when it said Gemini Nano wouldn't come to that phone. Google reversed course several weeks later and released Gemini Nano as a developer preview despite the phone only having 8GB of RAM. Google confirms this preview was the first appearance of the XXS Gemini AI that now runs on the Pixel 9a out of the box. To make Gemini Nano run well on a device with 8GB of RAM, Google had to make some sacrifices. On the more minor side, Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS doesn't run continuously in the background, unlike the flagship Pixels. The Pixel 9a only loads Gemini XXS (and eats into your RAM) when the model is needed, which might make some features a bit less responsive. A more serious drawback is the lack of multimodality -- Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS is text-only. We have confirmed that the more limited Gemini Nano XXS means you won't get Google's Pixel Screenshots app on the Pixel 9a as it cannot process images. On the flagship Pixels, this app collects all your screenshots and runs them through Gemini Nano on-device. This creates a searchable database of the content in your screenshots -- it's definitely one of the most useful applications of generative AI on mobile, so it's a bummer to lose that on the 9a. Call Notes, a feature that uses local AI analysis to create summaries of a phone conversation, is also unavailable. This feature requires audio processing, which Gemini Nano XXS cannot do. We also suspect but cannot confirm that phone call scam detection, which was announced for Pixels this month, won't be included in the 9a. There are, however, some AI features that unexpectedly work just fine. Google says the Pixel 9a still supports Recorder summaries because the AI doesn't work directly on the audio. The app creates transcriptions without relying on Gemini, and then the text-only Gemini Nano XXS creates summaries from the text. These AI differences aren't transparent in the slightest, and Google doesn't call out missing features on the product page. There is no way to interact directly with Gemini Nano on the Pixel -- it's only there to power select features as dictated by Google. So the 9a's AI limitations are still hazy. We have not yet been able to confirm with Google all the AI features that are missing on this phone, so it may take hands-on testing to get the full picture. A-series divergence Google's A-series Pixels have always been a very good value, offering the same lengthy software support and low bloatware as Google phones that cost hundreds of dollars more. The move to its custom Tensor system-on-a-chip in 2021 also allowed Google to use the same high-end processor in its budget phones, making them an even better deal. The budget Pixels have gotten so good in recent years that it has become increasingly difficult to recommend the base model flagship Pixels. For its part, Google says the Pixel A-series and flagship lines are equally popular with buyers. The flourishing of AI on mobile could change the equation, if, as Google contends, AI features will be key in the future. The Pixel 9a is the first A-series release that loses major software features compared to the flagship phones. Granted, the deficiency is limited to AI, which may not matter to everyone. If you tend to ignore or outright avoid Gemini and generative AI, you may not mind that the Pixel 9a doesn't have the more powerful model. On the other hand, you can't totally avoid AI anymore, and having the processing happen locally is better from a privacy standpoint than sending all your data to the cloud. Even if you don't seek out AI, you could benefit from the bigger model on the flagship Pixels as Google continues to expand its AI features. After all, you could theoretically use a new Pixel phone for seven years with Google's generous support policy. There's no telling where Google's AI aspirations will take it by 2032, but on-device AI will be part of it.

The Pixel 9A's version of Gemini is missing a few features

Emma Roth is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. The Google Pixel 9A may have the same Tensor G4 chip as its more expensive counterparts, but it comes with a text-only version of Gemini AI. Google confirmed to Ars Technica that the Pixel 9A doesn't have access to certain features, like the AI-powered Pixel Screenshots app, because of the phone's lower 8GB of memory. Unlike the Gemini Nano XS model that comes with the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Pixel 9A has an even smaller on-device AI model: Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS, according to Ars Technica. For comparison, the Pixel 9 comes with 12GB of RAM, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro Fold have 16GB. On the Pixel 9A, Gemini Nano XXS only runs when needed, and doesn't operate in the background, Ars Technica says. Along with Pixel Screenshots, which uses AI to make your screenshots searchable, Ars Technica also confirmed that the Pixel 9A doesn't support Call Notes, a feature that generates AI summaries of phone calls. It can still provide summaries of audio from the Recorder app, however, since it relies on transcriptions. Last year, Google only added Gemini AI to the Pixel 8 Pro - not the Pixel 8 - but later launched it on the midrange device following user complaints. The model used on the Pixel 8 is Gemini Nano XXS, Google tells Ars Technica.

Pixel 9a buyers aren't getting any special AI perks from Google

Without a paid $20/month subscription, users won't have access to features like Gemini Live's full capabilities. AI is the big focus for Google and all other phone makers in 2025, and the Pixel 9a is no exception While Google's promo material loves to showcase all the cool things AI can do on the Pixel 9a, not all of those features will be available to you unless you pay up. Unlike the Pixel 9 Pro, which comes with a full year of Gemini Advanced (a $240 value), the Pixel 9a only includes a single free month. And that's not even a Pixel 9a-specific perk -- Google is giving the same one-month trial to everyone who signs up for Gemini Advanced. To be fair, you can still get a lot of use from Gemini on the Pixel 9a. The free version of Gemini still works as your default assistant and includes Gemini Live, which lets you chat with it more naturally. However, the more powerful AI tools are locked behind the Gemini Advanced paywall. That includes features like a more advanced language model with a much larger memory, AI-powered tools in Google Workspace (like Help Me Write in Gmail), and even the ability to analyze large files or execute Python code within chats. While Gemini Live is now available to free-tier users, its latest trick, which is letting you share a video or screen recording and ask Gemini questions about it, is exclusive to paying subscribers. In other words, even if you see Google advertising these features on the Pixel 9a, you'll need to cough up some cash to actually use them. This trend isn't unique to Google, either. Other manufacturers, including Samsung, have been aggressively promoting AI capabilities while hinting at future paywalls. Samsung's Galaxy AI features, for example, are only guaranteed to remain free until the end of 2025. For now, the Pixel 9a still offers good value for what it is -- an affordable entry into the Pixel experience with some AI perks included. But the writing is on the wall: AI is becoming a subscription service, and sooner or later, we'll all have to decide whether it's worth paying for.

Here's why the Pixel 9a is missing some of the Pixel 9's best AI features

This imposes some usage limitations, and could also slow down Gemini access. Modern AI models are getting more capable every day, and that we're able to run some of them on hardware as portable as our phones feels like a small miracle. Their power comes at a cost, through, and that frequently means some hefty memory demands -- that's exactly why Google's push to transition everyone from Assistant to Gemini will only spare users whose phones have the very least RAM. Today Google announced its latest affordable flagship, the Pixel 9a, and it turns out even this handset is making some sacrifices when it comes to AI and memory constraints.

Google Pixel 9a's Gemini experience isn't as powerful as its siblings

Google Pixel 9a unboxing video hits YouTube before the big reveal Summary The Pixel 9a has a downgraded Gemini AI model, using Gemini Nano XXS instead of XS due to RAM limitations. The on-device Gemini Nano XXS doesn't run continuously like other models. Gemini Nano XXS on Pixel 9a can only process texts and lacks multimodal capabilities. After months of leaks, Google officially unveiled the Pixel 9a. While the new mid-range Pixel features a different design from the rest of the Pixel 9 series, it still shares some key internals, including the Tensor G4 chipset. However, if you were expecting the same on-device Gemini AI experience as the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, that's not the case. Related The Google Pixel 9a is already more affordable at Best Buy Score a $100 gift card Posts According to Ars Technica, Google has equipped the Pixel 9a with a downgraded version of on-device Gemini AI. While on-device Gemini has been a key feature of Pixel phones since the Pixel 8, the Pixel 9a runs a much smaller model called Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS (extra extra small). Meanwhile, all other Pixel 9 models use the more powerful Gemini Nano XS model. The main reason for this downgrade is RAM limitations. The Pixel 9a ships with 8GB of RAM, the same as last year's Pixel 8a, while the Pixel 9 starts at 12GB, and the Pixel 9 Pro models go up to 16GB. The extra RAM in the higher-end models allows them to run the full Gemini Nano XS model without issues, but the lower RAM on the Pixel 9a forced Google to scale things down. 8GB RAM just isn't enough for full on-device Gemini features Close To make on-device Gemini AI work on the Pixel 9a, Google had to make some sacrifices. Unlike on other Pixel 9 models, where Gemini Nano runs in the background at all times, the Pixel 9a requires the model to be loaded every time it's needed. This not only eats up RAM but could also slow things down a bit. Another key difference is that Gemini Nano XXS only works with text. This means some of the multimodal AI features found on other Pixel 9 models, like Pixel Screenshots, which extracts text from images, and Call Notes, which generates on-device call summaries, aren't available on the Pixel 9a. Recorder summaries will still work, though, since the app converts speech to text first before using Gemini Nano to process it. This might be one of the reasons why Pixel 9a doesn't support Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes. Beyond the downgraded AI model, the Pixel 9a also misses out on the new Exynos 5400 modem found on the rest of the Pixel 9 series. Instead, it ships with the older Exynos 5300 modem from the Pixel 8a, meaning cellular performance may not see any major improvements. We're still testing this, so we'll have a better idea soon. Despite these cutbacks, the Pixel 9a still looks like a solid mid-range phone. Google has kept the price the same as last year's model, and the Pixel 9a actually has the biggest battery in the entire Pixel 9 series. Whether the lack of a more powerful on-device Gemini model makes a noticeable difference in daily use remains to be seen. Google Pixel 9a The Google Pixel 9a ditches the camera visor design from the Pixel 8a, opting for a flatter back. It features a huge 6.3-inch display, which is brighter than the previous generation and is powered by the new Tensor G4 chipset. Google has also packed in the largest battery ever in a Pixel device. This might just be the best $500 smartphone we've seen yet in recent years. $500 at Google Store

Pixel 9a's on-device AI isn't as good as the Pixel 9 -- here's what's different

Google has finally unveiled the Pixel 9a. Like other A-series Pixels, the Pixel 9a offers many of the same features as the flagship Pixel 9 but with a much lower price tag. That includes access to Gemini AI, but those of you expecting the same Gemini experience as Pixel 9 will be disappointed. As reported by Ars Technica, Google has released the Pixel 9a with a weaker version of the on-device Gemini Nano. Specifically, while the rest of the Pixel 9 series uses Gemini Nano XS (Extra Small), the Pixel 9a runs Gemini XXS. Why? Apparently, it's all down to RAM limitations and the fact the Pixel 9a comes rocking 8GB of onboard memory. While Google upgraded the Pixel 9's RAM to 12GB, specifically to enhance the phone's on-device AI prowess, the Pixel 9a was clearly not so lucky. On-device AI needs a lot of resources to run correctly, and having enough memory is a key part of making that work. Lack of RAM in older iPhones is also the reason why Apple Intelligence wasn't available on anything older or less powerful than an iPhone 15 Pro. So it shouldn't be a surprise that the Pixel 9a's 8GB of RAM, the same amount as the Pixel 8a, affects its ability to run the same on-device AI models as the Pixel 9. One of the big differences between Gemini Nano XS and XXS is that Gemini XS always runs in the background. Meanwhile XXS on Pixel 9a has to be loaded up every time it's needed. That prevents the model from needing a continual stream of memory. The obvious downside is that loading the software from scratch every time means XXS won't run as quickly or efficiently. More importantly, though, is the fact that Gemini XXS isn't multimodal -- and only works with text. Ars Technica notes that this means certain features, like the Pixel Screenshots app, won't be working since the on-device AI isn't able to process images. Similarly, Call Notes, which analyzes your phone calls to create a summary of the conversations, is also reportedly unavailable. While the Pixel 9a still seems like excellent value at $499, especially compared to the $599 iPhone 16e, compromises still have to be made to achieve that price tag. Gemini Nano XXS is just one, as is the fact that the phone reportedly has the same Exynos 5300 modem as the Pixel 8a. The Pixel 9a also comes with a few more of the traditional A-series compromises. The design is less durable, particularly with the older Gorilla Glass 3 display, and the ultrawide camera is limited to 13MP instead of 48MP. Wired and wireless charging speeds are noticeably slower than the Pixel 9. As we get closer to the phone's April release, we'll have more in-depth opinions about the Pixel 9a in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out our Pixel 9a hands-on for initial thoughts about the new phone.

The Google Pixel 9a's AI has a RAM problem

The Google Pixel 9a in many ways looks to be an impressive phone, but its launch hasn't gone as smoothly as Google might have hoped. First, sales of the phone were delayed due to a "component quality issue", and now we're learning that its AI capabilities aren't quite as good as we'd hoped and expected. You see, Google has confirmed to Ars Technica that the Pixel 9a uses Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS for on-device AI, rather than the Gemini Nano XS used by the rest of the Google Pixel 9 series. That 'XXS' stands for extra extra small, so it's a smaller model than the extra small one used by the rest of the Pixel 9 line. That's quite a big downgrade, as it means the Google Pixel 9a isn't capable of all the same AI things as its siblings. Notably, Gemini Nano XXS is text-only, which means that - since it can't process images - it can't run the likes of Pixel Screenshots (an app that creates a searchable database of the content in your screenshots). The Google Pixel 9a also can't use Call Notes - which on other Pixel 9 models provides summaries of phone calls - as this requires audio processing skills that Gemini Nano XXS doesn't possess. Ars Technica notes though that summaries of recordings on the Recorder app will still work, as that app creates a text transcription without using AI, and then Gemini Nano XXS works on that text. And AI tasks that run in the cloud will still be present, as Gemini Nano XXS is just for on-device processing. In theory then Google could one day offer cloud processing for the above missing features to enable them here, but there's no indication that this will happen, and it would make these features less private than they are now. Even where Gemini Nano XXS does get the job done, it may be slower than Gemini Nano XS, as the Pixel 9a will only load it when needed, whereas the other Google Pixel 9 models run Gemini Nano XS in the background all the time. A RAM issue So this all sounds like quite a downgrade, but perhaps an unavoidable one, as the Google Pixel 9a only has 8GB of RAM, and according to Google there's at least 12GB needed to run Gemini Nano XS. Equipping this phone with an extra 4GB would have likely pushed the price up, and made it less differentiated from the standard Pixel 9, so it's understandable that Google made this compromise. As Ars Technica notes though, Google doesn't call out the missing features on the phone's product page, so it's easy to imagine buyers simply assuming the Pixel 9a would have all the same AI capabilities as the Pixel 9. It's reminiscent of how Google doesn't always highlight when some Pixel features are only available in the US, and it can lead to disappointed buyers. So that's unfortunate. Still, from its flagship-level chipset to a new camera and a big battery, the Google Pixel 9a still has a lot going for it. We'll let you know how well it all comes together once we've put the phone through a full review. You might also like

Cost-cutting strips Pixel 9a of the best Gemini AI features in Pixel 9

The Pixel 9a has been officially revealed, and while it's an eye candy, there are some visible cutbacks over the more premium Pixel 9 and 9 Pro series phones. The other cutbacks we don't see include lower RAM than the Pixel 9 phones, which can limit the new mid-ranger's ability to run AI applications, despite running the same Tensor G4 chipset. Google's decision to limit the RAM to 8GB, compared to the 12GB on the more premium Pixel 9 phones, sacrifices its ability to run certain AI tasks locally. ArsTechnica has reported that as a result of the cost-cutting, Pixel 9a runs an "extra extra small" or XXS variant -- instead of the "extra small" variant on Pixel 9 -- of the Gemini Nano 1.0 model that drives on-device AI functions. Recommended Videos Fundamentally, this is the same Gemini Nano XXS model that Google released for the Pixel 8 last year after initially limiting it to the 8 Pro. Like the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 8 also shipped with 8GB of RAM, which resulted in Google initially deciding to limit certain on-device AI routines to the Pro model. Please enable Javascript to view this content The larger RAM on the Pixel 9 phones, as well as the older Pixel 8 Pro, allow the Gemini Nano model to occupy a part of the RAM. This allows it to run persistently and spring into action immediately when needed. On phones with limited memory, such as the Pixel 9a, the model is required to load and unload so it doesn't continuously hog the RAM, and this leads to some delay in responses. Another limitation, as ArsTechnica cites, is that the XXS model is not multi-modal, which means it can only process text. Now, that means while the Pixel 9a will be able to run certain Gemini Nano tasks, such as Smart replies in apps that use Gboard for typing, it most likely won't be able to work with others that use voice or other forms of media. The report already confirms Pixel 9a doesn't support one of Pixel 9's best AI features -- Pixel Screenshots, which let you search look up specific information from screenshots in response to a simple text or voice-based query. At the moment, AI summarization supposedly also works in the Recorder app, but that is primarily because voice element are first transcribed into text before processing, which gives the XXS model data to process. While (lack of) applications -- and their implications -- may be limited, it would amount to serious performance issues for the Pixel 9a in the future, when AI dominates even the most basic activities on our phones. The decision to limit RAM on Google Pixel 9a, therefore, seems ill-thought. Stripped of the freebies too Another way Google is ensuring the Pixel 9a is seen a tier inferior to the Pixel 9 phones is in terms of the freebies on offer when it comes to access to Google's more advanced chatbot that works online. The Pixel 9 series comes with an entire year's worth of Gemini Advanced subscription, with cumulative benefits of $240. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9a is only getting one free month. What's a little demotivating about the Pixel 9a's one free month of access is that the trial period applies to anyone who wants, irrespective of their devices. So, in reality, Google rids the Pixel 9a of any special treatment.

The Google Pixel 9a is missing a crucial life-saving feature

Launched earlier this week, the Pixel 9a packs Pixel 9's magic in a condensed, more affordable form. With a lower price, though, the Pixel 9a loses some perks of the more premium Pixel 9 phones, including some defining Gemini AI features. Despite running the same Tensor G4 chipset as the Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro, the Pixel 9a loses on a life-saving feature: satellite-based SOS functionality. Google confirmed the lack to Android Authority, validating you won't be able to call or text in cases you get stranded without network -- as you would be able to with the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and the 9 Pro Fold phones. Google offers these services on premium Pixel phones in the U.S., Canada, UK, and parts of Europe. Recommended Videos Why Pixel 9a lacks satellite SOS connectivity The reason behind Google skipping satellite connectivity from the Pixel 9a is an older modem. Unlike the Pixel 9 series, which uses the newer and more advanced Samsung Exynos 5400 modem, the 9a uses the previous generation Exynos 5300. The newer modem is what enables 5G non-terrestrial networking (NTN) that is used to connect with low-orbit communication satellites when cellular network is absent. Please enable Javascript to view this content Meanwhile, the older Exynos 5300 modem is what we have seen on previous phones such as the Pixel 7 and 8 series. Notably, these phones also suffered with poor cellular reception, irrespective of carriers or location, as well as heating issues due to the modem. It's unclear if Google has worked around the issued while deploying it in the Pixel 9a. While Google sent an update addressing the issue on Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 phones in April last year, they resurfaced in June for certain users. We hope that's not the case with the Pixel 9a but will know better when we have the device for testing. While Google's modem situation may appear similar to the iPhone 16e -- another stripped down version of a premium, the $600 iPhone comes with satellite connectivity with Apple's in-house C1 modem. More interestingly, even while the modem doesn't support mmWave 5G spectrum, it doesn't fall far behind the iPhone 16 in network speeds in most testing scenarios.

Google's Pixel 9a Misses Out on a Couple of Pixel AI Features

Google's budget phone for the masses, the Pixel 9a, will retail at $499 when it launches in April. That's a full $100 less than the iPhone 16e and $300 less than the Pixel 9. Even so, the 9a has many of the same features as the Pixel 9. It carries over the same Tensor G4 chip, and promises to feature most of the Pixel 9's AI suite. Most, but not all. Ars Technica is now reporting that the Pixel 9a will be missing some crucial AI features at launch. That's because the Pixel 9a features 8GB RAM, while the Pixel 9 has 12GB RAM, and the Pixel 9 Pro models feature 16GB RAM. While the Pixel 9a comes with on-device Gemini Nano, Ars Technica confirmed with Google that it's going to be using the Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS ("extra extra small") model. This is the company's lightest available model, and the one that runs on the Pixel 8. The rest of the Pixel 9 series phones, by comparison, all run the Gemini Nano XS (extra small) model. While you can still use Gemini AI on Pixel 9a using the power button, being limited to the XXS model means it will lack some of the Pixel line's tentpole AI features. The 8GB RAM is not enough to run the Gemini AI models in the background, and the XXS model is text-only. Because it can't run in the background, and it can't process images, it therefore can't support features like Pixel Screenshots app, which require image processing in the background. It also won't support Call Notes, a feature that uses audio analysis to provide on-device AI summaries of phone conversations. Additionally, it's possible that the Pixel line's newly announced spam detection feature might not be available on the Pixel 9a, but that's not confirmed as of yet. Luckily, the Recorder app will still work, because the app creates a transcript first (not using Gemini AI), and then uses AI on the transcribed text, something that Pixel 9a can pull off. That's all we know so far. More details on what works and what doesn't will only be available once the Pixel 9a is available in the wild, sometime in April. With this Pixel 9a release, the gap between the flagship Pixel and the budget Pixel is widening. Luckily, it's limited to AI features for now. If you don't intend to use these on-device AI features, you won't feel the pinch.

Less RAM on Pixel 9a Means Less AI Features

We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods. More info. Due to the Pixel 9a's shipping with 8GB RAM, instead of the 12GB or 16GB of RAM we saw with the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup, Google had to ship a smaller model of Gemini AI with the device. For the people who track this stuff, it's important to note, because with this smaller model comes less features. Confirmed to Arstechnica, the Gemini model that ships with Pixel 9a is labeled as Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS, with the XXS standing for extra extra small. The more expensive Pixel 9 models have Nano 1.0 XS, capable of the features we're all now familiar with, such as Pixel Screenshots (image processing), as well as continuously running the background. Missing Features: This is where the smaller XXS model differs from XS. To help conserve the 8GB of onboard memory, Gemini does not run in the background on the Pixel 9a and it does not ship with Pixel Screenshots, as the XXS model cannot process images. Call Notes, another Google feature that uses on-device AI to create phone conversation summaries, is also unavailable, with the XXS model also unable to process audio. Noted is the presence of Recorder summaries, as Gemini doesn't specifically work on the audio. Instead, the app creates transcriptions of the audio, then the on-device Gemini XXS creates summaries of those transcripts. That's a nice workaround. Takeaway: In 2025, when a lot of "budget" phones are shipping with lots of RAM, like those from OnePlus and Nothing, it's somewhat sad that the Pixel 9a ($499) ships with only 8GB. No, it's not the end of the world and we still expect this device to run smoothly, but it almost seems like it would have been more efficient to toss in the 12GB. It's probable that Google had a target price and profit goal to hit with this device, but now we have to talk about what features this phone is missing compared to a standard Pixel 9. That's suboptimal for the marketing department.

Pixel 9a May Miss Out on These AI Features Due to RAM Constraints

The phone reportedly misses out on Pixel Screenshots and more AI features Google Pixel 9a debuted on Wednesday as the latest addition to the company's affordable "a" series lineup. To achieve a lower price tag, the phone sacrifices some of the features seen in the flagship Pixel 9 models. While the Pixel 9a still offers artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities powered by Google's large language model (LLM), a report suggests that a lower 8GB RAM forces the handset to run a smaller version of Gemini Nano compared to its flagship counterparts. The Google Pixel 9a is powered by the same Tensor G4 SoC as other Pixel 9 models but with a lower 8GB of RAM. Due to this limitation, the Mountain View-based technology giant has implemented a new LLM to power the phone's AI features. Google reportedly confirmed to ArsTechnica that the new Pixel 9a runs Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS (extra extra small) LLM in a bid to save resources and mitigate issues related to local AI processing due to memory constraints. Unlike its flagship counterparts, the LLM does not continuously run in the background on the Pixel 9a. Instead, the phone only loads it when required. The report adds that this may cause some features to be a bit less responsive. However, a more concerning factor is that the LLM does not have multimodality, meaning it can only process text-based commands. As per the report, this raises doubts over the availability of several multimodal features such as the Pixel Screenshots app, which is claimed to be unavailable on the phone. The app, launched alongside the Pixel 9 series last year, retrieves information from stored screenshots on the device and provides the user with query responses. The report suggests it may not be available on Google's latest affordable handset. Another notable omission is Call Notes, which is an AI-powered feature leveraging Gemini Nano to automatically generate summaries of calls. Since it requires audio processing, the feature may not be available on the Pixel 9a. While the aforementioned features may be missing, one that will indeed be available on the handset is Recorder Summaries. As the name suggests, the feature transcribes audio recording and provides a summary of the same. However, it is important to note that none of the features that are reported to be missing on the Google Pixel 9a have been officially confirmed as such by the company.

Pixel 9a doesn't have Pixel Screenshots, Call Notes, and Satellite SOS

Google introduced the Pixel 9a smartphone earlier this week with a new design, and the company said that it retains several AI features from the Pixel 9 since it runs Gemini Nano model on the device. Even though it has Gemini Nano, the version is Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS (extra extra small) compared to Gemini Nano XS (extra small) on the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold all run. Google has now confirmed that the phone doesn't have the Pixel Screenshots feature that was introduced with the Pixel 9. This organizes and recalls screenshots by analyzing content, including links and summaries, for easy retrieval. Google says that this is due to 8GB of RAM in the Pixel 9a, since it needs at least 12GB of RAM to provide Gemini Nano with reserved memory without impeding performance. Call Notes features that offer a summary and transcript of calls with on-device processing for tracking conversations will also not be available on the Pixel 9a due to the Gemini Nano XXS which only runs when needed and not continuously like the Nano XS. Google introduced Satellite SOS for Emergencies in the Pixel 9 that enables emergency calls via satellite without cellular service in select countries free for the first two years. It was launched in the U.S. initially, and earlier month with the March 2025 Pixel feature drop Google expanded Satellite SOS to Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and Canada. This feature is powered by Exynos 5400 Modem from Samsung, which has has support for 5G non-terrestrial networking (NTN), allowing devices to connect to low-earth orbit satellites. The Pixel 9a still uses the Exynos 5300 modem from the Pixel 8 series, so it doesn't have the feature.

Google Pixel 9a lacks some AI features found in rest of Pixel 9 models, here's why

However, the Pixel 9a runs on a smaller AI model called Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS. Google has made AI a core part of its Pixel experience, but not all models get the same treatment. The newly launched Pixel 9a comes with a toned-down version of Google's AI, missing some key features found in the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup. The reason? Hardware limitations -- specifically, its lower RAM capacity. Keep reading for the details. Unlike the flagship Pixel models with 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a has only 8GB. Google has confirmed to Ars that this memory difference prevents the phone from running the full suite of Pixel AI features. While users can still access Gemini, Google's AI assistant, via the power button or the Gemini app, the on-device AI model has been scaled down. Google's high-end Pixel 9 models run Gemini Nano XS. However, the Pixel 9a runs on a smaller version called Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS. This extra-small AI model consumes fewer resources but also lacks some capabilities. One of the biggest drawbacks is that Gemini Nano XXS does not support multimodal processing -- it can only handle text, not images or audio. In comparison, the flagship Pixels use Gemini Nano to process various types of data, enabling advanced AI features. Also read: Google Pixel 9a with bigger display, upgraded camera launched in India: Check price, availability here Because of the limited AI model, the Pixel 9a lacks some of Google's AI-powered features. For instance, it does not include the Pixel Screenshots app, which uses AI to analyze and create a searchable database of screenshots. Also, the phone lacks the Call Notes feature, which generates summaries of phone conversations using AI. Additionally, the phone may not support the new AI-powered scam detection feature for calls, although Google has not officially confirmed this. Also read: Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Price, camera, design, specifications and more It's important to note that despite these limitations, some AI-powered features remain intact. The Pixel 9a still supports Recorder summaries, as they rely on text-based processing rather than direct audio analysis. The Recorder app first transcribes audio into text, which is then summarised by Gemini Nano XXS.