Head-to-head · Gemma
Gemma 4 E2B vs Gemma 3 12B
Gemma 4 E2B needs ~4.4 GB at Q4_K_M; Gemma 3 12B needs ~8.9 GB. That ~4.5 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 5 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 3 12B needs ~8.9 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 3 12B.
More Gemma comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Gemma 4 E2B and Gemma 3 12B?
At Q4_K_M, Gemma 4 E2B needs about 4.4 GB and Gemma 3 12B needs about 8.9 GB, a difference of ~4.5 GB.
Should I run Gemma 4 E2B or Gemma 3 12B?
Run Gemma 3 12B if your hardware has the ~8.9 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 3 12B · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.