I Switched to a Local AI Browser on My Pixel, and It Almost Feels Like Cheating

Insight from ZDNET

When I dabble with AI, my preference has always been clear—I choose a local option. Typically, this choice comes alive on my desktop or laptop devices. My skepticism towards cloud-based AI is due to multiple concerns.

These concerns alone steer me toward local AI solutions every time. This approach works well for desktop systems, but what about when you're on the go? Is there a browser that offers AI capabilities without relying on external servers?

Enter Puma Browser

Now, there is a solution with Puma Browser, which operates on both iPhones and Android devices, supporting local AI models like Qwen 3 1.5b, Qwen 3 4B, LFM2 1.2, LFM2 700M, Google Gemma 3n E2B, among others.

I decided to give Puma Browser a try on my device by installing it and downloading the Qwen 3 1.5b model to evaluate its performance.

Initial Concerns with Local AI

Having engaged with local AI across various systems before, I expected it to tax resources severely. The prospect of installing an AI model on a smartphone came with concerns of sluggish performance. Additionally, I was cautious about the significant storage space these models demand—a concern amplified when pondering whether uninstalling the browser would free up this space.

Local AI on Mobile: Pros and Cons

Be aware that using local AI with Puma Browser is still a work in progress, so you might run into some hurdles. Downloading an AI model can take a while, and it’s best done with an active wireless connection to save on mobile data and reduce download time.

Downloading Qwen 3 1.5b over Wi-Fi took longer than expected—more than 10 minutes.

To test its effectiveness, I queried, "What is Linux?" The response time was impressive.

Expectations Exceeded

Contrary to my expectations, Puma Browser provided answers instantly after installing the AI model. It was on par with my System76 Thelio desktop PC performance using Ollama—an unexpected outcome!

To confirm that the browser used the local AI, I disconnected my Pixel 9 Pro from both the internet and wireless networks, executing a different test query. Again, the AI delivered a prompt reply, further solidifying its efficacy.

So, What’s the Implication?

This innovation suggests you can harness AI on your mobile without internet access, and it conserves energy—a win-win as far as I'm concerned.

However, remember that these AI models require substantial storage. If managing space on your device is a constant hassle, local AI might not be feasible. Switching AI models increases storage needs, so choose wisely—Qwen 3 1.5b alone requires nearly 6GB.

To explore local AI capabilities on your phone, give Puma Browser a shot. Its speed, simplicity, and choice of AI models could make it your go-to for mobile AI tasks.