Looking for an honest DeepSeek R1 vs Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 comparison in 2026? We scored both ai language models on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the DeepSeek R1 comes out ahead 71/100 to 54/100 — a 17-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 pulls noticeably ahead.
DeepSeek
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DeepSeek R1 clearly outperforms the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 in the ai language models category, especially in design, scoring 71 vs 54. If you want the better overall ai language models, DeepSeek R1 is the recommended choice.
Scores are relative within the ai language modelscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Lower cost = better value. Free = open-source self-hosted.
| Metric | DeepSeek R1 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Input (Prompt) | $0.55/1M | ✓$0.10/1M |
| Output (Completion) | $2.19/1M | ✓$0.30/1M |
| Open Source | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
Context Window (tokens)
| Metric | DeepSeek R1 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | ✓32,768 tok | 4,096 tok |
| Speed | 25 tok/s | ✓200 tok/s |
| Time to First Token | 3.0s | ✓250ms |
| Languages | ✓20+ | 12+ |
Higher is better. Industry-standard AI evaluation benchmarks.
DeepSeek R1
Small 3
DeepSeek R1
Small 3
DeepSeek R1
Small 3
DeepSeek R1
Small 3
DeepSeek R1
Small 3
| Feature | DeepSeek R1 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning / Chain-of-Thought | ✓ | ✕ |
| Vision (Image Input) | ✕ | ✕ |
| Audio Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Video Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Image/Audio Output | ✕ | ✕ |
| Function Calling / Tools | ✕ | ✓ |
| JSON Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time Web Access | ✕ | ✕ |
| Fine-tuning Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Streaming | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Field | DeepSeek R1 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | DeepSeek | Mistral AI |
| Parameters | 671B (37B active) | 24B |
| Knowledge Cutoff | 2024-07 | 2024-01 |
| License | MIT | Apache 2.0 |
| Best For | reasoningmathscienceopen sourcecost efficiency | cost efficiencyopen sourceself hostinghigh volume |
Buy DeepSeek R1 if…
Buy the DeepSeek R1 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 if…
The Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
DeepSeek R1 clearly outperforms the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 in the ai language models category, especially in design, scoring 71 vs 54. If you want the better overall ai language models, DeepSeek R1 is the recommended choice.
Yes, DeepSeek R1 scores higher overall (75 vs 75).
Check the latest prices using the buy links above.
Buy the DeepSeek R1 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
The Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
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