Model comparison
Compare Gemini 3.8 Flash and MiniMax M3 using the same provider-sourced text & reasoning rubric. No mystery score and no invented benchmark ranking.
Facts checked September 4, 2026
Set your usage. Your estimate updates as you type.
Example: 6,000 input tokens for 10 pages, plus a 500-token summary. Page lengths vary; adjust the numbers below.
One run sends your input to the model once and receives an answer. Tokens are pieces of text: input is what you send, output is the answer you receive.
Estimates exclude taxes, tools, cache storage/writes, free allowances and custom discounts. Image estimates cover output only, not prompt or reference-image charges. Quality modes differ by model. Unlisted settings are not treated as free.
| Model | Access | Estimated total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Gemini 3.8 FlashGoogle | $0.0064 | |
| MiniMax M3MiniMax | MiniMax | No reviewed rate |
Quick take
Google's stable, high-efficiency multimodal model for agents, software work, and large mixed-media inputs at an introductory Flash-tier price.
Free and paid Gemini services have materially different data-use terms. Verify billing status and regional availability for the exact project.
MiniMax's million-token multimodal model for coding, agents, computer use, and long projects at a low direct API price.
Do not assume the headline rate applies above 512K tokens or on every provider. Also review MiniMax's content-use and retention terms before sending private code or business files.
Compare the published facts
Values use each provider's own published units and limits. A blank means the provider did not publish a directly comparable value in the sources reviewed.
| Text & reasoning | Gemini 3.8 Flash | MiniMax M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Context windowMaximum combined prompt and working context documented by the provider. | 1,048,576 tokens | 1M tokens |
| Maximum outputProvider-published response limit, where available. | 65,536 tokens | Up to 262K on supported hosted routes |
| Knowledge cutoffLatest reliable knowledge date explicitly published by the model provider. Search and connected tools can retrieve newer information but do not change the model's built-in cutoff. | March 2026; some domains may lag to January 2025 | Not published |
| Input priceCurrent standard list price per million input tokens unless noted. | $0.75 / 1M promo | From $0.30 / 1M direct |
| Output priceCurrent standard list price per million output tokens unless noted. | $3.75 / 1M promo | From $1.20 / 1M direct |
| InputsMedia types accepted by the listed model endpoint. | Text, image, video, audio, PDF | Text, image, video |
| Tools & agentsSelected native tools and agent-building capabilities, not an exhaustive list. | Functions, search, code execution, file search | Coding agents, tools, computer use, structured workflows |
How to choose
Start with the job you need to complete, then validate cost, access, and policy details on your exact provider route.
Google says paid Gemini API prompts and responses are not used to improve its products. Unpaid-service content generally may be used, with different treatment for EEA, UK, and Swiss users; check the current terms for your account and region.
Provider and API links
MiniMax's privacy policy describes collection and use of service content but does not provide one simple no-training commitment for every API plan. Review the current plan terms before sending confidential data.
Provider and API links
Frequently asked questions
Gemini 3.8 Flash: Google's stable, high-efficiency multimodal model for agents, software work, and large mixed-media inputs at an introductory Flash-tier price. MiniMax M3: MiniMax's million-token multimodal model for coding, agents, computer use, and long projects at a low direct API price.
Consider Gemini 3.8 Flash when your priority is High-volume multimodal agents. Consider MiniMax M3 when your priority is Cost-conscious coding agents. Test both with your own data and provider route before committing.
No. This comparison aligns provider-published facts for the Text & reasoning category. It does not claim a universal winner or combine incompatible third-party benchmark scores.
