Cloud-based AI models are undeniably powerful, but they come with concerns—especially regarding data privacy. The recent revelation that DeepSeek reports user data back to China only reinforces the need for secure, offline alternatives. This got me thinking: if flagship smartphones today boast powerful chipsets, ample RAM, and dedicated AI accelerators, could they handle large language models (LLMs) locally?
The answer is yes. You can run a condensed version of DeepSeek—and many other LLMs—directly on your smartphone, without an internet connection. While these smaller models aren’t as fast or accurate as their full-sized cloud counterparts, they still deliver impressive results. In my tests, responses generated at a comfortable reading pace, making local AI models surprisingly usable. More importantly, they still excel at problem-solving, explaining complex topics, and even generating functional code.
Seeing such advanced AI run on a device that fits in my pocket is nothing short of incredible. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that everyone rush to replicate my setup, but for those passionate about AI’s rapid evolution, experimenting with local models is absolutely worth it.
That said, installing and running an offline LLM on a smartphone isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. The process requires some digging and tinkering, making it far from seamless compared to plug-and-play cloud AI like Google’s Gemini. If we want a thriving marketplace of competitive AI apps—one that frees users from the constraints of OEM-controlled ecosystems—this needs to change.
The future of AI shouldn’t be limited to the cloud. As smartphones continue to evolve, so should our ability to run cutting-edge AI locally, securely, and on our own terms.
Ayush Kumar Jaiswal is a writer and contributor for MakingIndiaAIFirst.com, a platform dedicated to covering the latest developments, trends, and innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) with a specific focus on India’s role in the global AI landscape. His work primarily revolves around delivering insightful and up-to-date news, analysis, and commentary on AI advancements, policies, and their implications for India’s technological future.
As a tech enthusiast and AI advocate, Ayush is passionate about exploring how AI can transform industries, governance, and everyday life. His writing aims to bridge the gap between complex AI concepts and a broader audience, making AI accessible and understandable to readers from diverse backgrounds.
Through his contributions to MakingIndiaAIFirst.com, Ayush strives to highlight India’s progress in AI research, startups, and policy frameworks, positioning the country as a leader in the global AI race. His work reflects a commitment to fostering awareness and dialogue around AI’s potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and societal impact in India.
For more of his work and insights on AI, visit MakingIndiaAIFirst.com.
