Know Your Phone

A first on-device generative AI phone? Google Pixel 8 Pro

21 October 2026

The Pixel 8 Pro became the first phone to run on-device generative AI with Gemini Nano, thanks to its Tensor G3 processor. But the generative AI boom on phones may already be starting to accelerate in unexpected directions.

The Pixel 8 Pro was the Google phone that delivered on-device generative AI. But the Pixel 8 Pro's introduction of generative AI features, now seeing an evolution in later models, was Google's first big proof point for what on-device generative AI could do. And the Pixel 10 series, in particular, suggests a new phase.

The Tensor G3 chip made local generative AI possible

The phone's Tensor G3 chip, 150 times more complex when running on-device generative AI than the most complex AI task on last year’s Tensor G2, made it possible.

The Pixel 8 Pro's first on-device features were modest but practical

Pixel 8 Pro's new AI features were modest, but practical. Gemini Nano-powered Recorder Summarize, offering transcription and synced summaries for meetings, was useful. And Browse in Gboard, able to read responses on the spot, was good for drafting.

On-device generative AI wasn't instantaneous

The full promise of on-device generative AI hadn't materialised overnight. Running Magic Editor for 15 to 20 minutes was needed to create a background replacement. And AI activity not only drained the battery but also warmed the back to 88-92°F.

But the Pixel 9 advanced generative AI even further

With the Pixel 9 and Tensor G4, Google's Gemini Nano with Multimodality introduced even more, from Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes to Recorder Summarization, and by using the phone's own camera for AI editing.

Pixel 9 also brought performance and privacy benefits

Those on Pixel 9 had solid privacy and reliability as all data stayed on device, and it improved performance too. Web performance gained 20%, app start improved 17%, and it nurtured generative AI, as only local computing was required.

The Pixel 10 Series takes on-device generative AI to a new level

With magic cue introduced for Pixel 10, generative AI could scan recent phone activity across apps like Gmail, Calendar, and Gboard, and offer suggestions on the spot. The camera, too, saw generative AI advances, with its AI model using Google's C2PA content credentials to mark zoomed shots as AI-edited.

The accelerating generative AI applies to other hands too. Google isn't alone as others develop generative AI too. Qualcomm's been developing its AI, imaging running Stable Diffusion, and Samsung's been working with Qualcomm on the Galaxy S24.

But intensive AI use still has trade-offs. Even with advances, generative AI means extra computing power and eats into battery life, too, Axios warned, as on-device AI is still high maintenance.