Google Gemini is no longer the sole AI assistant on high-end Android phones; manufacturers now bundle it alongside their own proprietary AI systems to differentiate features and optimize for specific hardware. The Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus, priced at ₹47,999, includes Gemini as part of a broader AI feature set that also encompasses Moto AI, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and photo enhancement tools. Meanwhile, competitors like Tecno are building their own AI ecosystems, such as Tecno AI, to compete on the same devices.

What AI Features Are Shipping on Today's Flagship Android Phones?

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus and competing devices like the Tecno Pova 8 Pro demonstrate that manufacturers are treating AI as a core differentiator. Both phones include multiple AI-powered capabilities designed to enhance photography, call management, and user productivity.

The AI features available on these devices include:

• Photo Editing and Enhancement: Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, AI HDR, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light on Motorola; AI Flare Remover, AI Shadow Remover, AI Reflection Remover, and AI LightMaster 2.0 on Tecno
• Call and Communication Tools: AI Call Summary on Tecno for automatic meeting transcription and noise cancellation features on both devices
• Creative and Imaging Features: AI Sky enhancement, Portrait Blur/Unblur on Motorola; AI Image to Video and AI Studio on Tecno for content creation
• Google Integration: Google Lens and Google Gemini access on Motorola for web search and AI-powered queries

How Do Motorola's AI Capabilities Compare to Competing Brands?

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus (₹47,999) and Tecno Pova 8 Pro (₹49,999) represent two different approaches to AI integration. Motorola bundles Google Gemini alongside its own Moto AI system, while Tecno has developed proprietary AI features under the Tecno AI umbrella. The hardware differences between these phones directly influence which AI features each can deliver most effectively.

The Motorola device features a MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor with Mali-G720 MC8 GPU and 12GB of RAM, while the Tecno Pova 8 Pro uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultimate with 8GB of RAM and a TECNO P1 Graphic Chip co-processor. The Motorola also includes faster 90W charging compared to Tecno's 45W, which could affect how quickly AI-intensive tasks complete.

Both phones offer similar display technology with 6.8-inch and 6.78-inch AMOLED screens at 1.5K resolution and 144Hz refresh rates, but their form factors differ. The Motorola features a quad curved display, while Tecno uses a flat display. Their camera systems also differ significantly. The Motorola includes a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and optical image stabilization, while Tecno focuses on a 50MP wide-angle and 8MP ultra-wide setup. These hardware differences influence which AI photo features each phone can effectively deliver.

Why Are Manufacturers Adding Multiple AI Systems to One Phone?

The presence of both Google Gemini and manufacturer-specific AI systems on the same device reflects the current state of the AI market. Google provides Gemini as part of Android, but manufacturers like Motorola and Tecno are developing their own AI features to differentiate their products and provide capabilities tailored to their hardware.

This dual-AI approach allows manufacturers to optimize features for their specific processors and sensors. Motorola's Moto AI can be fine-tuned to work efficiently with the Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor, while Tecno AI is optimized for the Dimensity 7400 Ultimate. Neither system is inherently superior; they are simply designed to work best with their respective hardware configurations.

The competitive landscape also suggests that manufacturers want to reduce dependency on any single AI provider. By developing proprietary AI capabilities, companies like Motorola and Tecno ensure they can continue offering advanced features even if their relationship with Google or other AI partners changes. This strategy mirrors how smartphone makers have historically developed custom interfaces and features to stand out in a crowded market.

How to Maximize AI Features on Your Android Phone

• Enable All AI Permissions: Ensure your phone's camera, microphone, and photo library permissions are fully enabled so AI features can access the content they need to function effectively
• Use AI Features in Native Apps: Access AI tools directly within the camera app, gallery, and phone dialer rather than launching separate applications, as this provides the fastest and most seamless experience
• Explore Both AI Systems: Familiarize yourself with both Google Gemini and your phone's proprietary AI system (such as Moto AI or Tecno AI) to understand which tool works best for different tasks like photo editing versus web search
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your phone's operating system and AI features, as manufacturers frequently improve AI capabilities through software patches and new feature releases

What Does This Mean for Consumers Shopping for Android Phones?

For consumers evaluating flagship Android phones, AI capabilities are now a standard feature rather than a premium add-on. Both the Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus and Tecno Pova 8 Pro offer comprehensive AI-powered tools for photography, productivity, and call management at similar price points.

The choice between phones increasingly depends on which AI features matter most to your workflow. If you prioritize optical zoom and telephoto photography, the Motorola's periscope lens and associated AI enhancements may be more valuable. If you frequently record calls or create video content, Tecno's AI Call Summary and AI Image to Video features might be more useful.

Both devices also offer strong performance, with the Motorola's more powerful processor providing a performance advantage in benchmarks, while the Tecno offers competitive features at a slightly lower price point. The availability of AI features on both phones suggests that this capability is becoming table stakes for flagship devices rather than a differentiator. As AI becomes more central to smartphone experiences, the real competition will likely shift from whether a phone has AI to which AI features are most useful for your specific needs.