Gemma 4 12B IT vs Gemma 4 26B A4B IT
Gemma 4 12B IT (2026) and Gemma 4 26B A4B IT (2026) are frontier reasoning models from Google DeepMind. Gemma 4 12B IT ships a 256k-token context window, while Gemma 4 26B A4B IT ships a 256k-token context window. On MMLU PRO, Gemma 4 26B A4B IT leads by 5.4 pts. This comparison covers specs, pricing, API access, capabilities, benchmarks, input and output token costs, and production fit for coding and agent workloads.
Gemma 4 12B IT is safer overall; choose Gemma 4 26B A4B IT when vision-heavy evaluation matters.
Decision scorecard
Local evidence first| Signal | Gemma 4 12B IT | Gemma 4 26B A4B IT |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | reasoning-heavy apps, multimodal apps, and tool-calling agents | multimodal apps, tool-calling agents, and provider-routed production |
| Decision fit | Coding, RAG, and Agents | Coding, RAG, and Agents |
| Context window | 256k | 256k |
| Cheapest output | - | $0.33/1M tokens |
| Provider routes | 2 tracked | 9 tracked |
| Shared benchmarks | 4 shared | MMLU PRO leader |
Decision tradeoffs
- Gemma 4 12B IT uniquely exposes Reasoning in local model data.
- Local decision data tags Gemma 4 12B IT for Coding, RAG, and Agents.
- Gemma 4 26B A4B IT holds a shared-benchmark lead on MMLU PRO, ahead by 5.4 points.
- Gemma 4 26B A4B IT has broader tracked provider coverage for fallback and route flexibility.
- Local decision data tags Gemma 4 26B A4B IT for Coding, RAG, and Agents.
Monthly cost at traffic
Estimate token spend from the cheapest tracked input and output route or tier on this page.
Gemma 4 12B IT
Unavailable
No complete token price in local provider data
Gemma 4 26B A4B IT
$131
Cheapest tracked route/tier: OpenRouter
Cost delta unavailable until both models have sourced input and output token prices.
Switch friction
- No overlapping tracked provider route is sourced for Gemma 4 12B IT and Gemma 4 26B A4B IT; plan for SDK, billing, or endpoint changes.
- Check replacement coverage for Reasoning before moving production traffic.
- No overlapping tracked provider route is sourced for Gemma 4 26B A4B IT and Gemma 4 12B IT; plan for SDK, billing, or endpoint changes.
- Gemma 4 12B IT adds Reasoning in local capability data.
Specs
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2026-06-03 | 2026-03-31 |
| Context window | 256k | 256k |
| Parameters | 12B | 26B |
| Architecture | Decoder Only | - |
| License | Apache 2.0OSI-approved | Apache 2.0OSI-approved |
| Openness | Open source | Open source |
| Weights | Available | Available |
| Code | Unknown | Unknown |
| Commercial use | Commercial use: permitted | Commercial use: permitted |
| Knowledge cutoff | 2025-01 | 2025-01 |
Pricing and availability
| Pricing attribute | Gemma 4 12B IT | Gemma 4 26B A4B IT |
|---|---|---|
| Input price | - | $0.06/1M tokens |
| Output price | - | $0.33/1M tokens |
| Providers |
Capabilities
| Capability | Gemma 4 12B IT | Gemma 4 26B A4B IT |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Multimodal | Yes | Yes |
| Reasoning | Yes | No |
| JSON / Tool use | Yes | Yes |
| Structured outputs | Yes | Yes |
| Code execution | No | No |
| IDE integration | No | No |
| Computer use | No | No |
| Parallel agents | No | No |
Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Gemma 4 12B IT | Gemma 4 26B A4B IT |
|---|---|---|
| MMLU PRO | 77.2 | 82.6 |
| Google-Proof Q&A | 78.8 | 79.2 |
| LiveCodeBench | 72.0 | 77.1 |
| AIME 2026 | 77.5 | 88.3 |
Continue comparing
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-30. Data sourced from public model cards and provider documentation.