Pixel 9a Is Missing Some AI Features From the Rest of the Pixel 9 Lineup—Here’s Why

Google has officially launched the Pixel 9a, the latest addition to its mid-range smartphone lineup. While it keeps some of the core features of the Pixel 9 series, including the Tensor G4 chipset, it comes with a notable downgrade-a scaled-down AI experience.

If you were expecting the same on-device Gemini AI as the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, that's not the case.

Why Pixel 9a Gets a Weaker AI Model

AI has been a big part of Google's recent Pixel launches, with Gemini Nano powering a range of on-device features. However, not all versions of Gemini Nano are created equal.

According to Ars Technica, while the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro use the Gemini Nano XS model, the Pixel 9a runs on a much smaller version called Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS (extra extra small). The difference? Gemini Nano XXS can only handle text-based AI processing, whereas the larger model can process text, images, and audio.

RAM Limitations Hold Back AI Features

The biggest factor in this downgrade is RAM.

• Pixel 9a has 8GB RAM (same as last year's Pixel 8a)

• Pixel 9 starts at 12GB RAM

• Pixel 9 Pro models go up to 16GB RAM

Since the higher-end models have more RAM, they can run Gemini Nano XS in the background at all times (not the vanilla Pixel 9 though). But on the Pixel 9a, the lower RAM capacity forces the AI model to load only when needed, potentially making AI features slower and less seamless.

What AI Features Are Missing?

Because the Pixel 9a runs Gemini Nano XXS, it lacks some of the AI-powered tools found in other Pixel 9 models.

No Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes

The Pixel 9a does not support Pixel Screenshots, a feature that extracts and organizes text from screenshots using AI. Call Notes, which summarizes phone conversations, is also missing.

Limited Multimodal AI Processing

The smaller AI model means the Pixel 9a can't process images or audio on-device like its pricier counterparts. This could impact newer AI-driven features, including scam detection for calls-though Google hasn't officially confirmed whether that feature is missing.

What AI Features Are Still There?

Not all AI tools are gone. The Recorder app's AI summaries still work, since the app first converts speech into text before Gemini Nano XXS processes it. That means text-based AI processing remains intact, even if other advanced AI features are missing.

Older Modem, Same Connectivity Issues?

Beyond AI, another key difference is networking hardware. While the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup features the newer Exynos 5400 modem, the Pixel 9a sticks with the older Exynos 5300 modem from last year's Pixel 8a.

This could mean no major improvements in cellular performance, especially in areas where network stability has been a concern for past Pixel models.

Still a Solid Mid-Range Option?

Even with these limitations, the Pixel 9a has its strengths-it keeps the Tensor G4 chip, offers a clean Android experience, and packs the largest battery in the Pixel 9 lineup. If AI features aren't a priority and you're looking for a reliable mid-range Pixel, the 9a remains a solid choice.