Google brings Gemini AI to budget Android phones with just 2GB of RAM

Google just made its Gemini AI assistant available on smartphones with as little as 2GB of RAM. Announced on June 4, 2026, Gemini Go is a streamlined version of Gemini built for Android Go devices — the lightweight edition of Android that powers most sub-$100 phones sold in India, Nigeria, Indonesia, and across Latin America. While Apple Intelligence requires 8GB of RAM and Google's own flagship Gemini Intelligence needs 12GB, Gemini Go runs on hardware that costs a fraction of what those platforms demand.

The replacement for Assistant Go

Gemini Go succeeds Assistant Go, which had been Google's cut-down voice assistant for low-end devices. It's integrated directly into the Google Search app, so there's no separate download. On supported devices running Android Go (Android 13 or later), you trigger it by long-pressing the Home button or Power button — the same gesture most Android users already know.

What it can actually do

Despite running on minimal hardware, Gemini Go covers a solid range of everyday tasks. Users can make calls and send texts by voice, get directions and travel-time estimates, search for nearby restaurants or EV charging stations, create calendar events, set alarms, and play music. It also accepts file uploads — documents, photos — so you can get more specific answers rather than generic ones. That's a meaningful feature set, not a token effort.

Two-tier AI, one platform

Google is running a clear two-track strategy: flagship Gemini Intelligence for powerful devices, Gemini Go for everything else. The bigger picture is that this move effectively retires the Assistant brand on Android Go entirely, folding those users into the Gemini ecosystem. For Google, a unified platform matters — even if the experience varies by hardware tier.

For most US and UK readers, Gemini Go won't land on their own phones. The real significance is scale: Android Go dominates in markets where billions of people are buying their first smartphone. Getting Gemini in front of those users now is a long-term platform play.

The rollout has already started, but Google is pushing the update gradually. Compatible device owners may need to wait a few weeks before it appears — no action needed beyond keeping the Google Search app updated.

Source: Google