Head-to-head · SmolLM2
SmolLM2 135M vs SmolLM2 1.7B
SmolLM2 135M needs ~1 GB at Q4_K_M; SmolLM2 1.7B needs ~2.2 GB. That ~1.2 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 SmolLM2 1.7B needs ~2.2 GB; SmolLM2 135M runs on lighter hardware at ~1 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs SmolLM2 135M · what runs SmolLM2 1.7B.
More SmolLM2 comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between SmolLM2 135M and SmolLM2 1.7B?
At Q4_K_M, SmolLM2 135M needs about 1 GB and SmolLM2 1.7B needs about 2.2 GB, a difference of ~1.2 GB.
Should I run SmolLM2 135M or SmolLM2 1.7B?
Run SmolLM2 1.7B if your hardware has the ~2.2 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run SmolLM2 135M (~1 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom.
Full breakdowns: SmolLM2 135M · SmolLM2 1.7B · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-08-03. See methodology.