Model Comparison

DeepSeek-R1-0528 vs Grok-2 Image 1212Which is better in 2026?

Comparing DeepSeek-R1-0528 and Grok-2 Image 1212 across benchmarks, pricing, and capabilities.

Verdict: DeepSeek-R1-0528 vs Grok-2 Image 1212 — which is better?

DeepSeek-R1-0528 (by DeepSeek) and Grok-2 Image 1212 (by xAI) are two of the AI models people compare most. Here is how they stack up on benchmarks, price and capabilities, and which one to pick in 2026.

Choose DeepSeek-R1-0528 if…

  • you want the most recent training data — it shipped May 2025
  • you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune

Choose Grok-2 Image 1212 if…

  • you are already invested in the xAI ecosystem

Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

No common benchmarks found

DeepSeek-R1-0528 and Grok-2 Image 1212don't have any common benchmark datasets to compare. They may have been evaluated on different testing suites.

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

Both models have the same input context window of 131,072 tokens. Only DeepSeek-R1-0528 specifies output context (131,072 tokens).

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1-0528
Input131,072 tokens
Output131,072 tokens
xAI
Grok-2 Image 1212
Input131,072 tokens
Output- tokens
Wed Jul 22 2026 • llm-stats.com

License

Usage and distribution terms

DeepSeek-R1-0528 is licensed under MIT, while Grok-2 Image 1212 uses a proprietary license.

License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.

DeepSeek-R1-0528

MIT

Open weights

Grok-2 Image 1212

Proprietary

Closed source

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

DeepSeek-R1-0528 was released on 2025-05-28, while Grok-2 Image 1212 was released on 2024-12-12.

DeepSeek-R1-0528 is 6 months newer than Grok-2 Image 1212.

DeepSeek-R1-0528

May 28, 2025

1.2 years ago

5mo newer
Grok-2 Image 1212

Dec 12, 2024

1.6 years ago

Knowledge Cutoff

When training data ends

Neither model specifies a knowledge cutoff date.

Unable to compare the recency of their training data.

No cutoff dates available

Provider Availability

DeepSeek-R1-0528 is available from DeepInfra, DeepSeek, Novita. Grok-2 Image 1212 is available from xAI.

DeepSeek-R1-0528

deepinfra logo
Deepinfra
Input Price:Input: $0.50/1MOutput Price:Output: $2.15/1M
deepseek logo
DeepSeek
Input Price:Input: $0.55/1MOutput Price:Output: $2.19/1M
novita logo
Novita
Input Price:Input: $0.70/1MOutput Price:Output: $2.50/1M

Grok-2 Image 1212

xai logo
xAI
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue discussion→

Key Takeaways

DeepSeek
Has open weights
xAI

No standout differentiators in the data we have for this pair.

Detailed Comparison

Interactive Arena

Judge for yourself.

Run your own prompts against DeepSeek-R1-0528 and Grok-2 Image 1212 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.

DeepSeek-R1-0528
✓ Preferred
Grok-2 Image 1212
Open in Playground
AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1-0528
xAI
Grok-2 Image 1212

FAQ

Common questions about DeepSeek-R1-0528 vs Grok-2 Image 1212.

Which is better, DeepSeek-R1-0528 or Grok-2 Image 1212?

DeepSeek-R1-0528 (DeepSeek) and Grok-2 Image 1212 (xAI) each have strengths in different areas. Compare their benchmark scores, pricing, context windows, and capabilities above to determine which fits your needs.

How does DeepSeek-R1-0528 compare to Grok-2 Image 1212 in benchmarks?

DeepSeek-R1-0528 scores MMLU-Redux: 93.4%, SimpleQA: 92.3%, AIME 2024: 91.4%, AIME 2025: 87.5%, MMLU-Pro: 85.0%.

What are the context window sizes for DeepSeek-R1-0528 and Grok-2 Image 1212?

DeepSeek-R1-0528 supports 131K tokens and Grok-2 Image 1212 supports 131K tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

What are the main differences between DeepSeek-R1-0528 and Grok-2 Image 1212?

Key differences include licensing (MIT vs Proprietary). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes DeepSeek-R1-0528 and Grok-2 Image 1212?

DeepSeek-R1-0528 is developed by DeepSeek and Grok-2 Image 1212 is developed by xAI.

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