Head-to-head · Phi-4
Phi-4-mini-reasoning vs Phi-4-reasoning
Phi-4-mini-reasoning needs ~3.6 GB at Q4_K_M; Phi-4-reasoning needs ~10.1 GB. That ~6.5 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 Phi-4-reasoning needs ~10.1 GB; Phi-4-mini-reasoning runs on lighter hardware at ~3.6 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Phi-4-mini-reasoning · what runs Phi-4-reasoning.
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Phi-4-mini-reasoning and Phi-4-reasoning?
At Q4_K_M, Phi-4-mini-reasoning needs about 3.6 GB and Phi-4-reasoning needs about 10.1 GB, a difference of ~6.5 GB.
Should I run Phi-4-mini-reasoning or Phi-4-reasoning?
Run Phi-4-reasoning if your hardware has the ~10.1 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Phi-4-mini-reasoning (~3.6 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom.
Full breakdowns: Phi-4-mini-reasoning · Phi-4-reasoning · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.