8GB RAM phones are gradually being left behind in the AI race
RAM memory is currently an expensive component. Global supply shortages have pushed RAM prices to record highs. On the other hand, the mobile industry is pushing users to switch to AI features at a rapidly increasing rate.
The bottom line is that AI engines that work directly on the device require a huge amount of RAM. In order for large language models to run locally on the phone rather than in the cloud with optimal response rates, they must be preloaded and persistently maintained in RAM.
In return, running AI locally brings outstanding advantages: Fast processing speed, better information security and can operate without an Internet connection.
Additionally, keeping data in local storage prevents sensitive personal information from leaking out, while also reducing the costs of operating increasingly expensive cloud data centers.
However, to maintain a responsive state, the system needs several gigabytes of RAM running in the background.
The hardware race and the technological dividing line
This reality is pushing users into a dilemma between the cost of purchasing a device and the increasingly high hardware requirements.
Choosing to buy an 8GB RAM phone - a capacity level once considered very safe - is no longer enough to experience the most advanced features.
Looking at Google's recent Pixel lineup, the hierarchy of devices that support new AI engines like the Gemini Nano 4 is getting increasingly complicated. The two Gemini Nano 4 versions, E2B and E4B, have required memory capacities of up to 4.2GB and 5.9GB, respectively.
This means that the device needs at least 12GB of RAM to both run the AI model and have enough space for other applications to operate stably.
Notably, these requirements are much higher than the sub-4GB of the previous Nano 3 generation, showing that the onboard AI models are getting larger.
Currently, the Gemini Intelligence platform requires a minimum hardware level of 12GB of RAM, combined with AI Core and Gemini Nano v3 or higher. Therefore, mid-range phones and even some high-end models from last year with RAM of 8GB or less have been completely left out of the list of updates to the latest AI tools.
Not only Google, Apple is also applying similar strict standards. Initially, Apple Intelligence required 8GB of RAM, causing limited features for standard iPhone 15 versions and older models.
With iOS 27, this requirement has skyrocketed to a minimum of 12GB of RAM to run specialized on-device AI tools like expressive voices or advanced dictation features.
This change is not too surprising as the Siri assistant now takes advantage of Google's Gemini technology platform.
As a result, at this time, only iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air are eligible to support the latest AI features, breaking the Apple ecosystem's long tradition of supporting older devices.
12GB RAM is the new minimum standard
Not long ago, 12GB of RAM was considered excessive capacity on mobile phones. Speaking of pure needs without AI, an 8GB RAM phone is still more than capable of running two to three high-graphics games in parallel without running out of memory.
However, the era of AI features always running in the background has changed the rules of the game. Models like Gemini Intelligence are forced to reside continuously in RAM to ensure instant response, because the system cannot load a 4-5GB model from internal memory to RAM in just a few seconds when the user calls the virtual assistant.
An AI phone with 12GB of RAM actually only has about 7GB of available space left for regular apps and games.
This trend is irreversible as both Apple and Google are making AI virtual assistants the focus of their operating systems. Users will soon get used to controlling devices with voice and natural language instead of traditional swipes.
Therefore, investing in an 8GB RAM phone this year means accepting an outdated device right from the moment of purchase if you want to experience AI technology. Even at the current rate of model upgrades, even the 12GB RAM level is at risk of hitting the minimum threshold within the next two to three years.
Therefore, if users intend to buy a mid-range phone or higher, prioritize choosing a large RAM capacity. The Android phone market currently has no shortage of 16GB RAM options in the high-end segment.
New popular product lines such as Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus or Z Flip 7 are also equipped with 12GB RAM standard to meet current needs.
The storm of RAM component prices can increase the cost of device ownership, but 12GB of RAM or more is a required investment if you don't want to stay on the sidelines of the new era of mobile technology.