If one is swayed by Google’s marketing pitch, the integration of AI in a smartphone holds significant importance. Google claims supremacy in AI technology, with its flagship smartphone, the Pixel 8, being the ultimate vessel for this advanced AI. However, five months post the Pixel 8’s debut, this assertion seems untenable as Google has revealed that its latest AI models are incompatible with the Pixel 8.
The disclosure came during a Mobile World Congress wrap-up video, where Terence Zhang from the Gemini-on-Android team stated that “[Gemini] Nano will not be coming to the Pixel 8 due to hardware constraints.” Strangely, this AI model, Gemini, which was recently launched in various sizes, including the smallest “Nano” version tailored for on-device AI operations, can function on the Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung S24 series but not on the Pixel 8.
The baffling aspect is that while Gemini Nano runs smoothly on the Pixel 8 Pro, it encounters hindrances on the smaller Pixel 8 attributed to these mysterious “hardware limitations.” The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro share identical Google Tensor SoCs and software, differing mainly in screen size, battery capacity, camera configuration, and RAM capacity. The only discernible distinction is the RAM capacity, with the Pixel 8 Pro boasting 12GB compared to the Pixel 8’s 8GB. However, this variance in RAM alone should not impede processing capabilities, especially considering that Gemini Nano operates seamlessly on the Galaxy S24, which also features 8GB of RAM. If there are discrepancies between the Tensor 3 chips in the two Pixel models, these differences are not evident on the specifications sheet.
At the Pixel 8 launch event, Google presented a rosy picture of the Pixel 8 series, touting them as pioneers in AI integration, courtesy of the custom Google Tensor 3 SoC. The emphasis was on delivering unparalleled AI experiences exclusive to Pixel users. However, the recent revelation of AI limitations contradicts this narrative, raising questions about Google’s transparency and the actual capabilities of the Pixel 8 devices.
The lack of clarity in communication at the launch event has left consumers feeling misled and raises concerns about Google’s commitment to delivering on its promises. The discrepancy in AI processing capabilities between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro underscores the need for clearer delineation of features and functionalities to manage consumer expectations effectively.
Moving forward, the implications of this AI disparity on the Pixel 8’s future remain uncertain, especially considering Google’s pledge of extended software support. The decision to curtail features on the Pixel 8 due to purported “hardware limitations” so soon after its release is disheartening and calls into question the device’s long-term viability.
