Head-to-head · Gemma
Gemma 4 E2B vs Gemma 2 9B
Gemma 4 E2B needs ~4.4 GB at Q4_K_M; Gemma 2 9B needs ~7.3 GB. That ~2.9 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
The larger Gemma 2 9B needs ~7.3 GB; Gemma 4 E2B runs on lighter hardware at ~4.4 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Gemma 4 E2B · what runs Gemma 2 9B.
More Gemma comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Gemma 4 E2B and Gemma 2 9B?
At Q4_K_M, Gemma 4 E2B needs about 4.4 GB and Gemma 2 9B needs about 7.3 GB, a difference of ~2.9 GB.
Should I run Gemma 4 E2B 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 4 E2B (~4.4 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom.
Full breakdowns: Gemma 4 E2B · Gemma 2 9B · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.