Earlier this week, Google aired the highly anticipated I/O edition of The Android Show. The company teased that this would be one of the biggest years for the platform, and it delivered with the announcement of Gemini Intelligence. The rollout of Gemini Intelligence to Android phones is scheduled to start this summer. However, its list of demanding requirements means it will only be available for the most advanced devices.
Before going any further, let’s first explain what Gemini Intelligence is. Gemini Intelligence is an umbrella term that refers to Google’s most advanced AI features. Some examples of this include Gboard’s new voice-to-text “Rambler” feature; an enhanced version of Chrome auto-fill, which can handle more complicated forms; and Create My Widget. Additionally, it underpins more sophisticated on-device AI tasks such as real-time language translation, advanced photo editing with object removal, and contextual smart replies. These features are designed to run locally on the device to ensure low latency and privacy, which is why they require high-performance hardware.
The requirements are steep. According to the footnotes on the Gemini Intelligence landing page, devices need at least 12GB of RAM. This alone eliminates most older Pixel phones, including the Pixel 7 (which has 8GB) and the Pixel 8 (also 8GB). Only the Pixel 7 Pro (12GB), Pixel 8 Pro (12GB), Pixel 9 series (12GB or more), and Pixel 10 series (12GB or more) meet the RAM threshold. However, that is only one piece of the puzzle.
Beyond RAM, the device must have support for AI Core and Gemini Nano v3 or higher. As Android Authority contributor AssembleDebug points out, Google has a list of what devices currently support Nano v3 on its developer page. Most of the devices that have Nano v3 support were released in 2026. However, the Pixel 10 series and the OPPO Find X9 series are the odd ones out. Meanwhile, this means that the Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 9 series will all miss out on Gemini Intelligence. It also looks like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and TriFold won’t be getting it either.
To understand why these requirements are so restrictive, we need to look at the capabilities of Gemini Nano v3. This is the third generation of Google's on-device AI language model. It is more powerful than the previous versions, supporting larger context windows and more complex reasoning. However, it also requires more memory and processing power. The “flagship chip” requirement further narrows the list—devices must have a chip like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, MediaTek Dimensity 9400, or Google Tensor G5. Even the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 series may not be sufficient because it lacks the neural engine optimizations for Nano v3.
Google’s strategy appears to be focused on future-proofing its AI ecosystem. By setting the bar high, they ensure that Gemini Intelligence runs smoothly and delivers a superior experience. But this also means that millions of current flagship owners will be left behind. The move mirrors Apple’s approach with Apple Intelligence, which also requires an A17 Pro or M-series chip and 8GB of RAM. Apple Intelligence is similarly restrictive, limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and later, and some iPad and Mac models.
What does this mean for the Android ecosystem? It creates a clear divide between “AI-ready” phones and those that are not. Manufacturers like Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi will need to update their devices with the necessary hardware to support Gemini Intelligence. For consumers, it means that if they want the latest AI features, they will need to buy a very recent and expensive phone. The Pixel 10 series, expected later this year, is likely to be the first mainstream devices to fully support Gemini Intelligence. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series, due in early 2026, may also qualify if equipped with the right chipset and RAM.
Another important aspect is that Gemini Intelligence is not just a single feature but a platform that third-party app developers can integrate with. Google plans to release APIs later this year, allowing developers to build AI-powered experiences that run on-device. This could lead to a new wave of innovative apps, but only for users with compatible devices.
The rollout is scheduled to begin this summer, initially as a preview. It will likely launch with a limited set of features on supported devices. More features will be added over time. Google has not yet announced a full list of supported devices, but the early evidence suggests it will be very short. Beyond the Pixel 10 and Find X9, other phones like the OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15 series, and Galaxy S26 may also qualify, but only if they meet the stringent requirements.
For those who are not able to upgrade, Google’s existing AI features like Circle to Search and Magic Editor will continue to work, but they rely on cloud processing rather than on-device intelligence. The shift to on-device AI is a necessary step for better privacy and speed, but it introduces a fragmentation challenge for Android. Historically, Android has struggled with fragmentation, and this high hardware bar could exacerbate the problem.
In summary, Gemini Intelligence represents a leap forward in mobile AI, but its high requirements mean that only a select few devices will benefit at launch. Users hoping to access the new features should plan to purchase a top-tier flagship from 2025 or later, with at least 12GB of RAM and a chipset that supports Gemini Nano v3. For now, the vast majority of Android phones will miss out on this summer’s AI revolution.
Source: Android Authority News