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Head-to-head · Gemma

Gemma 3 1B vs Gemma 3n E4B

Gemma 3 1B needs ~1.8 GB at Q4_K_M; Gemma 3n E4B needs ~5.7 GB. That ~3.9 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 3 of the 14 devices below.

Spec Gemma 3 1B Gemma 3n E4B
Parameters1B8B
Memory at Q4_K_M~1.8 GB~5.7 GB
Context window32k32k
LMArenanot rankednot ranked
LicenseGemmagemma

Which devices run each

A representative spread across the memory range. Tap a verdict for the full breakdown.

Size at each quantization

Quant Gemma 3 1B Gemma 3n E4B
Q2_K 0.4 GB* 3.4 GB*
Q3_K_M 0.5 GB* 3.9 GB*
Q4_K_M 0.81 GB 4.23 GB
Q5_K_M 0.7 GB* 5.7 GB*
Q6_K 0.8 GB* 6.6 GB*
Q8_0 1.07 GB 6.85 GB
FP16 2 GB* 13.7 GB

* derived from bits-per-weight; unstarred sizes are measured GGUF files.

Bottom line

The larger Gemma 3n E4B needs ~5.7 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 3n E4B.

More Gemma comparisons

FAQ

What is the difference in memory between Gemma 3 1B and Gemma 3n E4B?

At Q4_K_M, Gemma 3 1B needs about 1.8 GB and Gemma 3n E4B needs about 5.7 GB, a difference of ~3.9 GB.

Should I run Gemma 3 1B or Gemma 3n E4B?

Run Gemma 3n E4B if your hardware has the ~5.7 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 3n E4B · all models × devices.

Sources

Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.