Head-to-head · Gemma
Gemma 4 12B vs Gemma 3 27B
Gemma 4 12B needs ~8.7 GB at Q4_K_M; Gemma 3 27B needs ~18.6 GB. That ~9.9 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 4 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 27B needs ~18.6 GB; Gemma 4 12B runs on lighter hardware at ~8.7 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Gemma 4 12B · what runs Gemma 3 27B.
More Gemma comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Gemma 4 12B and Gemma 3 27B?
At Q4_K_M, Gemma 4 12B needs about 8.7 GB and Gemma 3 27B needs about 18.6 GB, a difference of ~9.9 GB.
Should I run Gemma 4 12B or Gemma 3 27B?
Run Gemma 3 27B if your hardware has the ~18.6 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Gemma 4 12B (~8.7 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom.
Full breakdowns: Gemma 4 12B · Gemma 3 27B · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.