Small Language Model (SLM)
Also known as: SLM · small LLM
A small language model (SLM) is a compact LLM — typically 1–8 billion parameters — built to run quickly on phones, laptops, and edge devices.
- Fast and cheap to run.
- Good enough for many everyday tasks.
- The workhorse of on-device AI.
The size philosophy: an SLM trades raw capability for speed, privacy, and cost. For many tasks, a well-prompted SLM is the right tool.