Google Gemini mobile vs web: features, differences, and performance in 2025

Gemini offers the same core models across devices, but the tools and experience diverge.

Gemini’s latest models—2.5 Flash, 2.5 Pro, and the new 2.5 Flash-Lite—are now integrated across all consumer platforms. Whether accessed through the mobile app or the web interface, users benefit from the same reasoning quality and model context. But features like Gemini Live, camera input, screen sharing, and project management tools create a distinct experience on each platform, with real differences in real-world usability.

Model access is fully aligned across mobile and web platforms

Users on both web and mobile have access to the Gemini 2.5 family, with model selection tied to the user’s plan. The free tier uses 2.5 Flash, while AI Pro and Ultra subscribers unlock 2.5 Pro for extended context and better reasoning. There is no functional difference in model behavior, response quality, or file handling between platforms. Whether generating code or analyzing documents, the intelligence layer remains consistent.

Gemini Live transforms voice interaction, but it’s mobile-first for now

The Gemini Live experience, launched broadly in 2025, allows for real-time voice conversations with spoken input and AI-powered speech output. This feature is fully available on iOS and Android, where users can have natural conversations, toggle between voices, and receive spoken responses in a responsive UI. While Gemini Live is coming to the web via Chrome, it remains in limited beta access—meaning most web users rely on text-only interaction unless using Chrome Beta/Dev builds with a supported plan.

Camera and screen sharing tools are built into the mobile app

On Android, Gemini Live supports camera streaming and screen sharing directly from within the voice session. This lets users show physical objects, documents, or apps in real time. The iOS app is actively rolling out similar features, allowing iPhone users to stream their screen and use the camera in conversational flow. On the web, these capabilities are not available to most users and are being tested within Gemini for Chrome.

File uploads are supported equally, with the same limits on web and mobile

Gemini supports file uploads across both platforms, with consistent limits: up to 10 files per prompt, videos up to 2 GB, and other files up to 100 MB. Code analysis is capped at one folder or GitHub repo per chat, limited to 5,000 files or 100 MB total. These features are now unlocked even for free users. Files can be uploaded directly from device storage, Drive, or through drag-and-drop on the web.

Web search and citation features are available in both interfaces

Gemini includes a “double-check” tool that verifies responses against Google Search, highlighting verified claims and linking to related sources. This works on both web and mobile, with interaction flow adapted for each device: hover previews on desktop and tappable cards on smartphones. The same citation logic underpins both platforms.

Workspace integrations, Canvas, and Gems are fully cross-platform

Gemini supports connected apps like Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, Keep, and Tasks, on both web and mobile. These integrations are managed in settings and behave similarly across devices. Canvas, Gemini’s project workspace for long documents, code, and app workflows, is accessible in both the web and mobile experience. Gems—custom conversational experts—can be created, edited, and used on either platform, though configuration is faster on web due to screen size and layout flexibility.

Android and iOS integrations offer platform-specific OS advantages

On Android, users can set Gemini as the default assistant, triggering it via long-press gestures. This lets users replace the legacy Google Assistant and gain instant voice access to Gemini features, including Live and contextual help. On iOS, Gemini functions as a standalone app without Siri integration, but it does offer share sheet integration, making it easier to send content from other apps.

Notifications and scheduled actions are synced but managed from the web

Gemini supports scheduled actions, similar to task reminders or delayed executions. These are configured via the web interface, and notifications are delivered via push alerts on mobile or inline alerts in the web chat. Scheduled actions require an AI Pro or Ultra plan, and mobile notifications are passive (view-only) rather than interactive.

Voice input and output are core to Live, but not in standard web chat

Only Gemini Live sessions support spoken replies and voice input. These are available today in the mobile app, with desktop support emerging in Gemini for Chrome (limited to some users). The standard Gemini web chat remains text-only, and doesn’t support native read-aloud or microphone input.

Image and video generation tools are present on all platforms

Gemini includes Imagen 4 for image generation and Veo 3 for video generation, both available across web and mobile. Users can generate images via prompt or edit them within Canvas. Access may vary depending on account tier and region, but the capabilities themselves are shared across platforms.

Offline access is not available, but on-device Gemini Nano supports specific Android features

The Gemini app—both on web and mobile—requires a live internet connection for chat. However, Gemini Nano, a lightweight on-device model, powers some offline functions in Pixel phones, such as summarizing audio recordings or generating smart replies in Gboard. These Nano features are part of the OS and do not extend to Gemini chat usage.

Mobile favors real-time interaction, while web enables structured workflows

The Gemini mobile app excels in live conversation, camera-based input, screen sharing, and contextual system integration (especially on Android). It’s ideal for spontaneous interaction, hands-free support, and image-based queries. The web version, however, is better for multi-file analysis, project work in Canvas, workspace integration, and managing Gems and scheduled actions. Professional users often rely on both platforms together—mobile for capture and input, web for structuring and output.

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