DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp vs Inkling-Small
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp leads the LLM Stats Score 47.0 to 38.9. DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp is 1.6x cheaper per token.
DeepSeek · Thinking Machines Lab · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp leads the overall LLM Stats Score 47.0 to 38.9, ranking #24 overall.
In the 1 individual benchmarks reported for both models, DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp wins 1; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
On price, DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp is roughly 1.6x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp also accepts a larger context window (1,048,576 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp
- overall performance matters — it scores 47.0 and ranks #24 on LLM Stats
- your work emphasizes reasoning and agents — it leads those capability indexes
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 1 of 1 exact shared results
- cost matters — it's about 1.6x cheaper per token
- you process long inputs — it offers a 1,048,576 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Aug 2026
Choose Inkling-Small
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
7 reported for DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp · 24 for Inkling-Small
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp outperforms in 1 benchmarks (Terminal-Bench 2.1), while Inkling-Small is better at 0 benchmarks.
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Human preference
Blind head-to-head votes and playground preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp ($0.22/1M tokens) is 1.4x cheaper than Inkling-Small ($0.30/1M tokens).
For output processing, DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp ($0.66/1M tokens) is 1.8x cheaper than Inkling-Small ($1.20/1M tokens).
In conclusion, Inkling-Small is more expensive than DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp accepts 1,048,576 input tokens compared to Inkling-Small's 256,000 tokens. DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp can generate longer responses up to 393,216 tokens, while Inkling-Small is limited to 256,000 tokens.
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
Both DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp and Inkling-Small support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp
Inkling-Small
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp was released on 2026-08-21, while Inkling-Small was released on 2026-07-30.
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp is 1 month newer than Inkling-Small.
Aug 21, 2026
2 weeks ago
3w newerJul 30, 2026
1 months ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Neither model specifies a knowledge cutoff date.
Unable to compare the recency of their training data.
Provider Availability
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp is available from DeepSeek. Inkling-Small is available from Thinking Machines Lab.
DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp
Inkling-Small
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp and Inkling-Small side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about DeepSeek-V4-Flash-Vision-Exp vs Inkling-Small.