Google is set to unveil its budget-friendly smartphone, the Pixel 9a, which will be priced at $499 upon its launch in April. This price point is notably $100 lower than the iPhone 16e and $300 less than the Pixel 9. Nevertheless, the Pixel 9a retains several features found in its more expensive counterparts.

While it shares the same Tensor G4 processor as the Pixel 9, it’s important to note that not every AI capability will be present. According to a report from Ars Technica, the Pixel 9a will launch with certain key AI functionalities missing. The reason? The Pixel 9a is equipped with 8GB of RAM, a step down from the 12GB found in the Pixel 9 and the 16GB that comes with the Pixel 9 Pro series.

The Pixel 9a will feature Gemini Nano technology, but it will use the XXS (“extra extra small”) variant, which is the lightest model available and is currently utilized in the Pixel 8. In contrast, the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup operates on the Gemini Nano XS (extra small) version.

Although users can still access Gemini AI via the power button on the Pixel 9a, the limitations of the XXS model mean it will miss out on some major AI capabilities. The 8GB of RAM restrict its ability to run advanced Gemini AI models concurrently, and the XXS version is limited to text processing only.

This limitation means that certain features will be unavailable on the Pixel 9a. For instance, the Pixel Screenshots app cannot function, as it requires background image processing. Additionally, functionalities such as Call Notes, which uses audio analysis to generate summaries of calls, will not be supported. There’s also uncertainty regarding whether the Pixel line’s recently-announced spam detection feature will make it to the Pixel 9a.

Fortunately, the Recorder app remains operational on the Pixel 9a, as it generates transcripts independently of Gemini AI, later applying AI to the text—a process that the Pixel 9a can handle effectively.

As of now, further clarity on the capabilities of the Pixel 9a will only be received after its release in April. The upcoming launch indicates a growing divide in features between the premium Pixel models and this budget option. However, if one does not require the advanced on-device AI functionalities, the impact of these differences may be minimal.