Gemma 4 26b a4b is genuinely the best model I have tried for language learning and scientific queries!

Reddit r/LocalLLaMA Models
gemma-4 model-comparison language-learning scientific-queries small-moe open-source

Summary

User reports that Gemma 4 26b outperforms Qwen 3.5/3.6 for language learning and scientific queries, despite being behind in coding tasks, and invites discussion on other non-coding use cases for small MoE models.

I know gemma 4 26b is (according to this sub) a bit behind for coding tasks but for language learning and scientific (health/biology/medical/clinical/biochem) queries it’s unbeaten even by Qwen 3.5/3.6. Since the competition in the small MOE models is generally between Qwen 3.5/3.6 and Gemma 4 I want to know who has use cases other than coding and RP here and which one wins for your use case? I wish there was more than 2 small MOE models between 20b and 30b (35b is pushing it a bit lol). Coding and agentic tasks obviously seem to be the main focus of this community but a lot of us have other common and niche use cases so I would love to hear yours!
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