The recently unveiled Google Pixel 9a, while visually appealing, features some notable compromises compared to its premium counterparts, the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Beyond the obvious hardware differences, a key limitation lies in the Pixel 9a’s reduced RAM, impacting its ability to fully utilize the powerful Gemini AI capabilities offered by the Tensor G4 chipset.
Google’s decision to equip the Pixel 9a with 8GB of RAM, compared to the 12GB found in the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, has direct consequences for its on-device AI performance. As reported by ArsTechnica, this cost-cutting measure necessitates the use of an “extra extra small” (XXS) variant of the Gemini Nano 1.0 model. This contrasts with the “extra small” variant utilized in the Pixel 9, effectively limiting the scope of AI functionalities on the 9a.
This Gemini Nano XXS model is the same version Google introduced for the Pixel 8 (also with 8GB RAM) after initially restricting it to the Pixel 8 Pro. The larger RAM capacity in the Pixel 9 and 8 Pro allows the Gemini Nano model to reside persistently in memory, ensuring instantaneous responsiveness. Conversely, the Pixel 9a’s limited RAM requires the model to load and unload dynamically, resulting in noticeable delays in AI-driven tasks.
Gemini Live running on Google Pixel 9a.
Furthermore, the XXS model’s lack of multi-modal capabilities restricts it to text processing. While the Pixel 9a can handle certain Gemini Nano functions like Smart Replies within Gboard, it’s excluded from features leveraging voice or other media. This notably impacts the availability of Pixel Screenshots, a prominent AI feature on the Pixel 9 that allows information retrieval from screenshots using text or voice queries. While AI summarization currently functions within the Recorder app, this relies on the transcription of voice data into text, enabling the XXS model to process the information.
While the current impact on applications might seem limited, this RAM constraint could pose significant performance challenges for the Pixel 9a as AI integration expands within mobile devices. The decision to limit RAM appears shortsighted, potentially hindering the phone’s future capabilities.
Reduced Gemini Advanced Trial Further Differentiates the Pixel 9a
Another distinction between the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9 series lies in the access provided to Gemini Advanced, Google’s more sophisticated online chatbot. While the Pixel 9 series offers a full year’s subscription to Gemini Advanced (a $240 value), the Pixel 9a receives only a one-month trial.
This limited trial period further diminishes the Pixel 9a’s perceived value, as this one-month access is available to all users regardless of their device. Effectively, the Pixel 9a receives no preferential treatment in this regard.
