The Android AI-driven arms race continues with a variety of large language models (LLMs) being created for a variety of users worldwide. With the largest tech titans going head-to-head in pumping out vast amounts of training data, the goal has always been to come up with that one special unicorn–one AI to rule them all.
Given how most powerful LLMs require significant computing power, some companies have introduced smaller, less demanding versions that can actually run without issue on your own mobile devices. Enter Gemini Nano–an LLM that has steadily reached a variety of Android devices since its release in December 2023. This LLM enables features like natural language processing, smart assistance, and on-device AI tasks, allowing users to interact with AI without relying solely on cloud-based services. Unlike its algorithm-based counterparts, you can theoretically go about your business offline.
This is especially helpful, as the increase in mobile phone usage has been rather prevalent in everyday productivity, and having more options is always a good thing to look forward to.
While its bigger bro could be found on other devices, Nano was initially an Pixel 8 Pro exclusive. Google has since extended availability to Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, and onward to more Android-powered devices. Recently, Google introduced their latest LLM to Xiaomi’s roster of smartphones, marking the first time it’s been accessible on a device outside of Google and Samsung’s ecosystems. It’s since expanded even further as of late.
Devices that support Gemini Nano
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 8a
- Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
- Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Realme GT 6
- Xiaomi 14T
- Xiaomi 14T Pro
- Xiaomi MIX Flip
Gemini Nano comes with two versions, one supporting multimodality. The latter offers support for image, speech, and audio input in addition to text. Google reports that this particular version of Nano is roughly twice as large as the previous iteration and offers significantly improved performance.
Devices that support the latest Gemini Nano with multimodality
- Google Pixel 9
- Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
We’ve yet to see how much farther Gemini Nano’s reach will be. As it stands, it only supports smartphones in the flagship range–with a huge chunk not having any official retailers and service centers in the Philippines. Still, this is great news worth keeping an eye on, and worth checking out if you already own some smartphones on the list.