DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash vs Nova Lite
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash leads the LLM Stats Score 51.8 to 7.6. Nova Lite is 3.1x cheaper per token.
DeepSeek · Amazon · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash leads the overall LLM Stats Score 51.8 to 7.6, ranking #12 overall.
In the 1 individual benchmarks reported for both models, DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash wins 1; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
On price, Nova Lite is roughly 3.1x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash also accepts a larger context window (1,040,000 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-V4.1-Flash
- overall performance matters — it scores 51.8 and ranks #12 on LLM Stats
- your work emphasizes reasoning and coding — it leads those capability indexes
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 1 of 1 exact shared results
- you process long inputs — it offers a 1,040,000 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Sep 2026
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
Choose Nova Lite
- cost matters — it's about 3.1x cheaper per token
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
20 reported for DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash · 27 for Nova Lite
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash outperforms in 1 benchmarks (GPQA), while Nova Lite is better at 0 benchmarks.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash 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-V4.1-Flash ($0.22/1M tokens) is 3.7x more expensive than Nova Lite ($0.06/1M tokens).
For output processing, DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash ($0.66/1M tokens) is 2.8x more expensive than Nova Lite ($0.24/1M tokens).
In conclusion, DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash is more expensive than Nova Lite.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash accepts 1,040,000 input tokens compared to Nova Lite's 300,000 tokens. DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash can generate longer responses up to 393,216 tokens, while Nova Lite is limited to 2,048 tokens.
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
Both DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash and Nova Lite support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash
Nova Lite
License
Usage and distribution terms
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash is licensed under MIT, while Nova Lite uses a proprietary license.
License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.
MIT
Open weights
Proprietary
Closed source
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash was released on 2026-09-10, while Nova Lite was released on 2024-11-20.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash is 22 months newer than Nova Lite.
Sep 10, 2026
0 days ago
1.8yr newerNov 20, 2024
1.8 years 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-V4.1-Flash is available from Fireworks, DeepInfra, DeepSeek, Novita. Nova Lite is available from Bedrock.
DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash
Nova Lite
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash and Nova Lite side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about DeepSeek-V4.1-Flash vs Nova Lite.