Model Comparison

DeepSeek-V3 vs Phi 4 Mini ReasoningWhich is better in 2026?

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

Verdict: DeepSeek-V3 vs Phi 4 Mini Reasoning — which is better?

DeepSeek-V3 (by DeepSeek) and Phi 4 Mini Reasoning (by Microsoft) 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.

DeepSeek-V3 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (GPQA), while Phi 4 Mini Reasoning is better at 1 benchmark (MATH-500). Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

Choose DeepSeek-V3 if…

  • you want predictable pricing at $0.27/M input and $1.10/M output

Choose Phi 4 Mini Reasoning if…

  • you want the most recent training data — it shipped Apr 2025

Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

2 benchmarks

DeepSeek-V3 outperforms in 1 benchmarks (GPQA), while Phi 4 Mini Reasoning is better at 1 benchmark (MATH-500).

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

Sat Jun 27 2026 • llm-stats.com

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Model Size

Parameter count comparison

667.2B diff

DeepSeek-V3 has 667.2B more parameters than Phi 4 Mini Reasoning, making it 17557.9% larger.

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
671.0Bparameters
Microsoft
Phi 4 Mini Reasoning
3.8Bparameters
671.0B
DeepSeek-V3
3.8B
Phi 4 Mini Reasoning

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

Only DeepSeek-V3 specifies input context (131,072 tokens). Only DeepSeek-V3 specifies output context (131,072 tokens).

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Input131,072 tokens
Output131,072 tokens
Microsoft
Phi 4 Mini Reasoning
Input- tokens
Output- tokens
Sat Jun 27 2026 • llm-stats.com

License

Usage and distribution terms

DeepSeek-V3 is licensed under MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed), while Phi 4 Mini Reasoning uses MIT.

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

DeepSeek-V3

MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed)

Open weights

Phi 4 Mini Reasoning

MIT

Open weights

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

DeepSeek-V3 was released on 2024-12-25, while Phi 4 Mini Reasoning was released on 2025-04-30.

Phi 4 Mini Reasoning is 4 months newer than DeepSeek-V3.

DeepSeek-V3

Dec 25, 2024

1.5 years ago

Phi 4 Mini Reasoning

Apr 30, 2025

1.2 years ago

4mo newer

Knowledge Cutoff

When training data ends

Phi 4 Mini Reasoning has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2025-02-01, while DeepSeek-V3's cutoff date is not specified.

We can confirm Phi 4 Mini Reasoning's training data extends to 2025-02-01, but cannot make a direct comparison without DeepSeek-V3's cutoff date.

DeepSeek-V3

—

Phi 4 Mini Reasoning

Feb 2025

Outputs Comparison

Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue discussion→

Key Takeaways

DeepSeek
Larger context window (131,072 tokens)
Higher GPQA score (59.1% vs 52.0%)
Microsoft
Higher MATH-500 score (94.6% vs 90.2%)

Detailed Comparison

Interactive Arena

Judge for yourself.

Run your own prompts against DeepSeek-V3 and Phi 4 Mini Reasoning side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.

DeepSeek-V3
✓ Preferred
Phi 4 Mini Reasoning
Open in Playground
AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
DeepSeek
DeepSeek-V3
Microsoft
Phi 4 Mini Reasoning

FAQ

Common questions about DeepSeek-V3 vs Phi 4 Mini Reasoning.

Which is better, DeepSeek-V3 or Phi 4 Mini Reasoning?

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. DeepSeek-V3 is made by DeepSeek and Phi 4 Mini Reasoning is made by Microsoft. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does DeepSeek-V3 compare to Phi 4 Mini Reasoning in benchmarks?

DeepSeek-V3 scores DROP: 91.6%, CLUEWSC: 90.9%, MATH-500: 90.2%, MMLU-Redux: 89.1%, MMLU: 88.5%. Phi 4 Mini Reasoning scores MATH-500: 94.6%, AIME: 57.5%, GPQA: 52.0%.

What are the context window sizes for DeepSeek-V3 and Phi 4 Mini Reasoning?

DeepSeek-V3 supports 131K tokens and Phi 4 Mini Reasoning supports an unknown number of tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

What are the main differences between DeepSeek-V3 and Phi 4 Mini Reasoning?

Key differences include licensing (MIT + Model License (Commercial use allowed) vs MIT). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes DeepSeek-V3 and Phi 4 Mini Reasoning?

DeepSeek-V3 is developed by DeepSeek and Phi 4 Mini Reasoning is developed by Microsoft.

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