ThePixel 9a has been officially reveal , and while it ’s an eye candy , there are some visible cutbacks over the more premiumPixel 9 and 9 Pro series phones . The other cutbacks we do n’t see let in gloomy RAM than the Pixel 9 phones , which can specify the new mid - forest fire fighter ’s ability to run AI applications , despite running the same Tensor G4 chipset .
Google ’s conclusion to limit the RAM to 8 GB , compared to the 12 GB on the more premium Pixel 9 phones , sacrifices its power to run certain AI labor topically . ArsTechnicahas reported that as a result of the price - cutting , Pixel 9a runs an “ extra spare little ” or XXS variant — instead of the “ supernumerary small ” variant on Pixel 9 — of the Gemini Nano 1.0 model that drive on - gimmick AI functions .
Fundamentally , this is the same Gemini Nano XXS model thatGoogle free for the Pixel 8 last yearafter initially limiting it to the 8 professional . Like the Pixel 9a , the Pixel 8 also ship with 8 GB of RAM , which lead in Google ab initio determine to limit sure on - twist AI function to the Pro model .
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 military action now when necessitate . On headphone with limited computer storage , such as the Pixel 9a , the mannikin is required to load up and unload so it does n’t incessantly hog the RAM , and this leads to some wait in response .
Another limitation , as ArsTechnica cites , is that the XXS good example is not multi - modal , which means it can only swear out text . Now , that means while the Pixel 9a will be able-bodied to run certain Gemini Nano tasks , such as Smart answer in apps that use Gboard for typing , it most in all probability wo n’t be capable to sour with others that practice voice or other form of mass medium .
The report already confirm Pixel 9a does n’t endorse one of Pixel 9 ’s best AI sport — Pixel Screenshots , which let you search see up specific information from screenshots in response to a simple text or voice - based query . At the second , AI summarisation supposedly also works in the Recorder app , but that is primarily because vox component are first transliterate into schoolbook before processing , which commit the XXS simulation data to unconscious process .
While ( lack of ) applications — and their implication — may be set , it would amount to serious operation issues for the Pixel 9a in the future , when AI dominates even the most introductory activities on our earpiece . The decision to confine RAM on Google Pixel 9a , therefore , seems ill - intellection .
Stripped of the freebies too
Another direction Google is insure the Pixel 9a is seen a tier inferior to the Pixel 9 phones is in terms of the freebies on whirl when it come to access to Google ’s more advanced chatbot that works online . The Pixel 9 series comes with an integral year ’s worth of Gemini Advanced subscription , with accumulative benefits of $ 240 . Meanwhile , the Pixel 9a is only getting one free calendar 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 world , Google rids the Pixel 9a of any special treatment .
