Head-to-head · Gemma
Gemma 3 12B vs Gemma 2 27B
Gemma 3 12B needs ~8.9 GB at Q4_K_M; Gemma 2 27B needs ~18.7 GB. That ~9.8 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 4 of the 14 devices below.
Which devices run each
A representative spread across the memory range. Tap a verdict for the full breakdown.
Size at each quantization
* derived from bits-per-weight; unstarred sizes are measured GGUF files.
Bottom line
Gemma 3 12B scores higher on LMArena (1342 vs 1289). The larger Gemma 2 27B needs ~18.7 GB; Gemma 3 12B runs on lighter hardware at ~8.9 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Gemma 3 12B · what runs Gemma 2 27B.
More Gemma comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Gemma 3 12B and Gemma 2 27B?
At Q4_K_M, Gemma 3 12B needs about 8.9 GB and Gemma 2 27B needs about 18.7 GB, a difference of ~9.8 GB.
Should I run Gemma 3 12B or Gemma 2 27B?
Run Gemma 2 27B if your hardware has the ~18.7 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Gemma 3 12B (~8.9 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom. Gemma 3 12B scores higher on LMArena (1342 vs 1289).
Full breakdowns: Gemma 3 12B · Gemma 2 27B · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.