Grok Code Fast 1 vs Mistral Small 4
Grok Code Fast 1 vs Mistral Small 4: Mistral Small 4 is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.15/M vs $0.20/M input tokens), while Grok Code Fast 1 is better for long-context tasks (256,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Mistral Small 4 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
Mistral Small 4
Cost Differences
Mistral Small 4 costs less than Grok Code Fast 1
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Mistral Small 4. At the default workload, Mistral Small 4 saves about $1.50/month ($18.25/year) versus Grok Code Fast 1.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Grok Code Fast 1 | Mistral Small 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | xAI | Mistral AI |
| Input Price | $0.20/1M tokens | $0.15/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $1.50/1M tokens | $0.60/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 256,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 16,384 tokens |
| Category | standard | efficient |
| Capabilities | textcodereasoning | textvisioncodereasoning |
| Release Date | 2/1/2026 | 3/18/2026 |
Grok Code Fast 1 vs Mistral Small 4: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Grok Code Fast 1 and Mistral Small 4 depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Mistral Small 4 is the more affordable option at $0.15/1M input tokens — 25% cheaper than Grok Code Fast 1. Meanwhile, Grok Code Fast 1 offers a significantly larger context window at 256,000 tokens vs 128,000 for Mistral Small 4.
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 Mistral Small 4 is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Mistral Small 4 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 $0.60 for Mistral Small 4. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Mistral Small 4 has the edge here at $0.60/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Mistral Small 4 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 a larger context window (256,000 tokens)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 32,768 tokens)
- • You're already using xAI's API ecosystem
Choose Mistral Small 4 when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need more capabilities (vision)
- • 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 Mistral Small 4
- • Higher output cost than Mistral Small 4
Mistral Small 4
- • Input pricing: $0.15/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $0.60/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 16,384 tokens
Watch out for
- • Smaller context window than Grok Code Fast 1
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Grok Code Fast 1 (xAI)
Mistral Small 4 (Mistral AI)
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Sign Up for Mistral AI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Grok Code Fast 1 or Mistral Small 4?▼
What is the context window difference between Grok Code Fast 1 and Mistral Small 4?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
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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