AI on Android (2026): Gemini, Circle to Search, Galaxy AI and the best free apps
What Android phones can do with AI right now, which features need a newer phone, and the free apps worth having.
Research-based, not tested. Written from official pages and help docs (last checked Oct 15, 2026). We haven't run our own tests of this yet, so treat it as an explainer, not a verdict. How we test
In short
Gemini is now the built-in assistant on Android phones; Google says it has replaced Google Assistant. Circle to Search works on Pixel 6 and later and on select other phones, including newer Galaxy models. Samsung's Galaxy AI basics are free. The newest tricks need recent Pixel or Galaxy phones.
Gemini: your Android assistant
- Works on Android 9 or later with at least 2 GB of RAM, using a Google account (per Google's help pages).
- Gemini Live, a natural back-and-forth voice chat, is free for eligible users aged 13+ with a personal Google account.
- As of late September 2026, Gemini fully replaced Google Assistant on Android phones and tablets, and you can't switch back (reported by 9to5Google).
- Free Gemini uses the Flash-Lite model. Google AI Plus ($4.99/month) adds the Flash model; Google AI Pro ($19.99/month) adds the newest flagship, Gemini 4 Argon (in the app since Oct 13, 2026). Gemini plans →
How to start using Gemini on Android →
Circle to Search
Touch and hold the home button or the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen, then circle, highlight or tap anything on screen to search it. You can also translate the whole screen.
| Feature | Which phones (as of Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Circle to Search | Select Android phones, including Pixel 6 and later |
| “Find the look” outfit search | Pixel 10 and 11 series (including 10a), plus phones that support AI Mode and AI Overviews |
| Virtual “Try it on” | Pixel 10 and 11 series; AU, CA, IN, JP, UK and US only; 18+ |
| Circle to Search in the Camera app | Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL and 11 Pro Fold only |
Galaxy AI (Samsung)
- Samsung says its basic Galaxy AI features stay free, including Call Assist, Writing Assist, Photo Assist, Interpreter, Note Assist, Now Brief and Audio Eraser. Enhanced or third-party AI features may cost extra.
- One UI 9 began rolling out in September 2026, starting with the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8, then more devices. Support for each new feature varies by model; the S26, S25 and S24 series get most upgrades (reported by SamMobile; check Samsung's list for your phone).
Pixel
Pixel phones get Google's newest AI features first. For example, the latest Circle to Search extras need a Pixel 10 or 11. We haven't yet compiled a verified list of every Pixel-only AI feature, so check Google's Pixel help pages for your model.
Best free AI apps for Android
| App | Why install it |
|---|---|
| Gemini | Built in on most phones; free Gemini Live |
| ChatGPT | Best all-rounder |
| Claude | Great for writing |
| DeepSeek | Free flagship model (check privacy) |
| Grok | Live news |
Research-based, last checked Oct 15, 2026: we haven't tested these on our own Android phone yet.
Sources
- Gemini Help: mobile app availability (Android): last checked Oct 2026
- Gemini Help: get started on Android: last checked Oct 2026
- Gemini Help: Gemini Live: last checked Oct 2026
- 9to5Google: Gemini fully replaces Google Assistant (Sep 2026): last checked Oct 2026
- Android Help: Circle to Search: last checked Oct 2026
- Samsung US: Galaxy AI: last checked Oct 2026
- Android Authority: basic Galaxy AI features staying free: last checked Oct 2026
- Samsung Newsroom: One UI 9 rollout: last checked Oct 2026
- SamMobile: One UI 9 Galaxy AI compatibility (third-party): last checked Oct 2026
- Gemini subscriptions: last checked Oct 2026
Prices and plans change often. Always confirm on the official site before you buy.
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