Head-to-head · Gemma
Gemma 3 4B vs Gemma 2 9B
Gemma 3 4B needs ~3.8 GB at Q4_K_M; Gemma 2 9B needs ~7.3 GB. That ~3.5 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 3 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 4B scores higher on LMArena (1303 vs 1266). The larger Gemma 2 9B needs ~7.3 GB; Gemma 3 4B runs on lighter hardware at ~3.8 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Gemma 3 4B · what runs Gemma 2 9B.
More Gemma comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Gemma 3 4B and Gemma 2 9B?
At Q4_K_M, Gemma 3 4B needs about 3.8 GB and Gemma 2 9B needs about 7.3 GB, a difference of ~3.5 GB.
Should I run Gemma 3 4B or Gemma 2 9B?
Run Gemma 2 9B if your hardware has the ~7.3 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Gemma 3 4B (~3.8 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom. Gemma 3 4B scores higher on LMArena (1303 vs 1266).
Full breakdowns: Gemma 3 4B · Gemma 2 9B · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.