Gemini 3 Pro vs Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
Gemini 3 Pro leads the LLM Stats Score 38.5 to 29.7. Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite is 5.3x cheaper per token.
Google · Google · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
Gemini 3 Pro leads the overall LLM Stats Score 38.5 to 29.7, ranking #69 overall.
In the 2 individual benchmarks reported for both models, Gemini 3 Pro wins 2; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
On price, Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite is roughly 5.3x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose Gemini 3 Pro
- overall performance matters — it scores 38.5 and ranks #69 on LLM Stats
- your work emphasizes reasoning — it leads those capability indexes
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 2 of 2 exact shared results
Choose Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
- cost matters — it's about 5.3x cheaper per token
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Jul 2026
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
21 reported for Gemini 3 Pro · 6 for Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
Gemini 3 Pro outperforms in 2 benchmarks (CharXiv-R, MRCR v2 (8-needle)), while Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite is better at 0 benchmarks.
Gemini 3 Pro 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, Gemini 3 Pro ($2.00/1M tokens) is 6.7x more expensive than Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite ($0.30/1M tokens).
For output processing, Gemini 3 Pro ($12.00/1M tokens) is 4.8x more expensive than Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite ($2.50/1M tokens).
In conclusion, Gemini 3 Pro is more expensive than Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Both models have the same input context window of 1,048,576 tokens. Both models can generate responses up to 65,536 tokens.
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
Both Gemini 3 Pro and Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
Gemini 3 Pro
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
License
Usage and distribution terms
Both models are licensed under proprietary licenses.
Both models have usage restrictions defined by their respective organizations.
Proprietary
Closed source
Proprietary
Closed source
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
Gemini 3 Pro was released on 2025-11-18, while Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite was released on 2026-07-21.
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite is 8 months newer than Gemini 3 Pro.
Nov 18, 2025
10 months ago
Jul 21, 2026
2 months ago
8mo newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Gemini 3 Pro has a knowledge cutoff of 2025-01-31, while Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite has a cutoff of 2026-03-31.
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite has more recent training data (up to 2026-03-31), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to Gemini 3 Pro (2025-01-31).
Jan 2025
Mar 2026
1.2 yr newerProvider Availability
Gemini 3 Pro is available from Google. Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite is available from Google.
Gemini 3 Pro
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against Gemini 3 Pro and Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about Gemini 3 Pro vs Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite.