The highly anticipated Google Pixel 9a has generated significant interest among smartphone enthusiasts. However, it comes with limitations that users should be aware of, especially regarding its RAM capacity. With only 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a will not support advanced features such as Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes in the Phone app. This information was shared by Google through a report by Ars Technica.
The Pixel 9a operates on a unique version of Google’s artificial intelligence called Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS (extra extra small). This model first made its debut with the Pixel 8 and 8a last year. One of its defining characteristics is that it does not continuously run in the background; instead, it loads into RAM only when needed. This design decision is primarily due to the device's limited RAM capacity.
Due to the constraints of the 8GB RAM configuration, the Pixel 9a lacks essential multimodal capabilities. This means that it cannot process images for Pixel Screenshots or audio for Call Notes in the Phone by Google app. The Pixel Screenshots feature is particularly useful as it processes captures to generate summaries and allows users to make their content searchable.
Despite the limitations of the Pixel 9a, the Pixel Screenshots functionality offers several core features that enhance user experience. Users can manually add notes to their screenshots, sort them into collections, and even assign reminders. These features, especially the screenshot preview located at the bottom-left corner, provide significant utility for users who rely on visual documentation.
Additionally, many users express a desire for call recording capabilities within the dialer app. Unfortunately, the limitations of the Pixel 9a may leave some potential users disappointed in this regard.
On a positive note, the Pixel 9a does retain some features similar to the Pixel 8, such as the Summarize in Recorder function. In this instance, Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS kicks in only after the existing speech-to-text solution has generated a transcript. For comparison, the Pixel 9 series, which boasts a RAM capacity ranging from 12GB to 16GB, operates on a more advanced version known as Gemini Nano XS (extra small), offering enhanced functionalities.
In summary, while the Google Pixel 9a presents an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers, its limited 8GB RAM configuration restricts access to some key features such as Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes. Understanding these limitations will help potential buyers make informed decisions about their next smartphone purchase.
