Pixel 9a lacks advanced AI features due to RAM

Google's new budget phone, the Pixel 9a, will launch in April at a price of $499. This is $100 less than the iPhone 16e and $300 less than the Pixel 9. The Pixel 9a shares many features with its more expensive counterpart, including the Tensor G4 chip. However, some key AI features ofthe Pixel 9 will not be available on the 9a. This is due to its lower RAM of 8GB, while the Pixel 9 has 12GB and the Pixel 9 Pro models come with 16GB. Consequently, the 9a will use a lighter version of Google's Gemini AI, known as the XXS model, instead of the XS model found in the higher-end phones. The limited RAM means the Pixel 9a cannot run certain AI functions in the background. Some features like image processing for the Pixel Screenshots app and the Call Notes feature, which summarizes phone calls, will not be supported. While there could be limitations regarding the new spam detection feature, this has not been confirmed. One good news is that the Recorder app will still function well. It first creates a transcript without using AI and then applies AI to the transcribed text. Overall, details about the AI capabilities of the Pixel 9a will become clearer after its release in April. For users who do not rely on advanced AI features, the Pixel 9a remains an attractive option.