Gemini Intelligence: Limited to New Premium Phones

Google’s Gemini Intelligence Excludes Many Latest Premium Phones

Google officially introduced Gemini Intelligence last week at The Android Show. This new suite brings the company’s most advanced on-device AI features to Android phones. However, the tech giant has set extremely high hardware requirements. As a result, millions of relatively new premium smartphones cannot run these features.

What is Gemini Intelligence?

Gemini Intelligence delivers next-generation AI capabilities directly on the device. It includes smart autofill that understands context deeply, an upgraded Gboard voice-to-text system called “Rambler,” and a useful tool named “Create My Widget.” This feature lets users build custom home screen widgets instantly using simple AI commands.

Very Strict Hardware Requirements

Google has listed tough technical standards for these new features. Phones must have a latest flagship processor and at least 12GB of RAM. They also need support for Google’s latest AI Core and the new Gemini Nano v3 model.

In addition, the device must be promised at least five major Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates. Finally, the phone must maintain very low app crash rates.

Many Recent Flagships Left Behind

The biggest limitation comes from the Gemini Nano v3 requirement. This new model is currently available only on phones launching in late 2026 and a few exceptions.

As a result, popular recent devices remain ineligible. This includes the entire Google Pixel 9 series and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, even though they are expensive flagship models.

Eligible Devices (Gemini Nano v3 Supported)

• Google Pixel 10 series (Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold)
• Honor Magic 8 Pro
• iQOO 15
• Motorola Signature
• OnePlus 15 series
• OPPO Find X9 series and Reno 15 series
• realme GT 7 series
• Samsung Galaxy S26 series
• vivo X200 and X300 series

Why This Matters

Google aims to deliver powerful AI experiences, but the strict requirements have disappointed many users who own recent high-end phones. These users must wait for newer devices to access the full Gemini Intelligence features.

This move shows Google’s strong focus on future-proof hardware for advanced AI. At the same time, it creates a clear divide between current premium phones and the next generation of devices.

Users who want these new AI tools will now need to consider phones releasing later in 2026.