Grok Code Fast 1 vs Ministral 3 3B
Grok Code Fast 1 vs Ministral 3 3B: Ministral 3 3B is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.10/M vs $0.20/M input tokens), while Grok Code Fast 1 is better for long-context tasks (256,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Ministral 3 3B for lower token spend and choose Grok Code Fast 1 when your workload needs longer context.
Compare input and output token pricing, context windows, and monthly cost estimates on one page so you can pick the cheaper model fast.
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
Grok Code Fast 1
Ministral 3 3B
Cost Differences
Ministral 3 3B costs less than Grok Code Fast 1
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Ministral 3 3B. At the default workload, Ministral 3 3B saves about $2.40/month ($29.20/year) versus Grok Code Fast 1.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok Code Fast 1 | Ministral 3 3B |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | Mistral AI |
| Input Price | $0.20/1M tokens | $0.10/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $1.50/1M tokens | $0.10/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 256,000 tokens | 256,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | standard | efficient |
| Capabilities | textcodereasoning | textvision |
| Release Date | 2/1/2026 | 12/2/2025 |
Grok Code Fast 1 vs Ministral 3 3B: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok Code Fast 1 and Ministral 3 3B depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Ministral 3 3B is the more affordable option at $0.10/1M input tokens — 50% cheaper than Grok Code Fast 1.
These models come from different providers — xAI and Mistral AI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with xAI, switching to Mistral AIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
These models target different tiers: Grok Code Fast 1 is a standard model while Ministral 3 3B is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Ministral 3 3B targets more demanding workloads, while Grok Code Fast 1 provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.
Output costs matter too. Grok Code Fast 1 charges $1.50/1M output tokens vs $0.10 for Ministral 3 3B. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Ministral 3 3B has the edge here at $0.10/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Ministral 3 3B supports vision (image inputs) while Grok Code Fast 1 is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose Grok Code Fast 1 when:
- • You need more capabilities (code, reasoning)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Choose Ministral 3 3B when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You're already using Mistral AI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Grok Code Fast 1
- • Input pricing: $0.20/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $1.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 256,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Ministral 3 3B
- • Higher output cost than Ministral 3 3B
Ministral 3 3B
- • Input pricing: $0.10/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.10/M tokens
- • Context window: 256,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Grok Code Fast 1 (xAI)
Ministral 3 3B (Mistral AI)
Start using Grok Code Fast 1 today
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Sign Up for Mistral AI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Grok Code Fast 1 or Ministral 3 3B?▼
What is the context window difference between Grok Code Fast 1 and Ministral 3 3B?▼
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare xAI and Mistral AI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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