Looking for an honest xAI Grok 2 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 xAI Grok 2 comes out ahead 63/100 to 54/100 — a 9-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 pulls noticeably ahead.
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xAI Grok 2 edges out the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 in the ai language models category, especially in design, scoring 63 vs 54. If you want the better overall ai language models, xAI Grok 2 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 | Grok 2 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Input (Prompt) | $2.00/1M | ✓$0.10/1M |
| Output (Completion) | $10.00/1M | ✓$0.30/1M |
| Open Source | Proprietary | ✓ Free |
Context Window (tokens)
| Metric | Grok 2 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 4,096 tok | 4,096 tok |
| Speed | 100 tok/s | ✓200 tok/s |
| Time to First Token | 600ms | ✓250ms |
| Languages | ✓25+ | 12+ |
Higher is better. Industry-standard AI evaluation benchmarks.
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| Feature | Grok 2 | 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 | Grok 2 | Small 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | Mistral AI |
| Parameters | — | 24B |
| Knowledge Cutoff | real-time | 2024-01 |
| License | Commercial | Apache 2.0 |
| Best For | current eventsresearchreal time infogeneral | cost efficiencyopen sourceself hostinghigh volume |
Buy xAI Grok 2 if…
Buy the xAI Grok 2 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…
Choose the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
xAI Grok 2 edges out the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 in the ai language models category, especially in design, scoring 63 vs 54. If you want the better overall ai language models, xAI Grok 2 is the recommended choice.
Yes, xAI Grok 2 scores higher overall (75 vs 75).
Check the latest prices using the buy links above.
Buy the xAI Grok 2 if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Mistral AI Mistral Small 3 if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
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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