Head-to-head · Gemma
Gemma 3 1B vs Gemma 3 4B
Gemma 3 1B needs ~1.8 GB at Q4_K_M; Gemma 3 4B needs ~3.8 GB. That ~2 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 0 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 4B needs ~3.8 GB; Gemma 3 1B runs on lighter hardware at ~1.8 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Gemma 3 1B · what runs Gemma 3 4B.
More Gemma comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Gemma 3 1B and Gemma 3 4B?
At Q4_K_M, Gemma 3 1B needs about 1.8 GB and Gemma 3 4B needs about 3.8 GB, a difference of ~2 GB.
Should I run Gemma 3 1B or Gemma 3 4B?
Run Gemma 3 4B if your hardware has the ~3.8 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Gemma 3 1B (~1.8 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom.
Full breakdowns: Gemma 3 1B · Gemma 3 4B · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.