Google's ai push faces reality check: affordable phones left behind?

Google’s recent I/O keynote was brimming with promises of AI-powered experiences across Android, but a significant caveat emerged: these advanced “Gemini Intelligence” features are slated for a select few flagship devices, leaving a vast swathe of users in the cold. The hardware demands are steep, a fact Google conspicuously omitted from the fanfare.

Mediatek's dimensity 8550 offers a glimmer of hope

While older devices are unlikely to ever see Gemini Intelligence, a new chipset from MediaTek could potentially democratize access to Google’s AI ambitions. The company quietly unveiled the Dimensity 8550, the successor to the Dimensity 8500 found in phones like the Poco X8 Pro 5G and the recently released Motorola Edge 70 Pro. The changes are largely incremental, but one addition is particularly noteworthy: an LLM Booster, enabling support for Google’s Gemini Nano v3 AI model.

The key to unlocking Gemini Intelligence lies in a processor equipped with both an AI Core and Gemini Nano v3 support. Prior to the Dimensity 8550’s arrival, only a handful of flagship chips met this requirement. This exclusivity has effectively limited Gemini Intelligence to a small group of high-end devices, including the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, Pixel 10 phones, and OnePlus 15. Even more recent flagships like the Pixel 9 series and Galaxy Z Fold 7 are stuck with Gemini Nano v2, likely missing out on the latest AI enhancements.

The RAM Requirement: A Potential Hurdle

However, the path to wider Gemini Intelligence adoption isn’t entirely clear. Google’s requirements extend beyond just the chipset; 12GB of RAM is also a must. While the announcement of Gemini Nano v3 support suggests collaboration between MediaTek and Google, the number of devices that will actually meet this RAM threshold remains uncertain. The Motorola Edge 70 Pro, for example, is available with both 8GB and 12GB RAM configurations.

The initial reaction from consumers hasn't been entirely positive. Many flagship owners are frustrated to see new features restricted to such a small segment of the market so soon. Yet, surprisingly, some are relieved, expressing a desire to avoid the complexities and potential annoyances of AI-powered features. The exclusion of AI from more affordable phones could even prove to be a selling point for budget-conscious consumers.

We seem to be entering an era reminiscent of the early smartphone days, where annual upgrades felt almost mandatory. But unlike those times, the allure of new AI features isn’t quite enough to compel me to trade in my current device. The focus should be on delivering value, not just chasing the latest buzzword.