DeepSeek V4 Pro vs DeepSeek V4 Flash: the careful one and the quick one
Both are made by DeepSeek and came out on the same day. Pro takes its time; Flash answers fast. We gave them exactly the same 8 everyday tasks, timed every answer and show you what each one wrote.
By chatmodel team Tested with DeepSeek V4 Pro and DeepSeek V4 Flash Updated
The short answer
V4 Pro is the more careful one: it won 3 of our 8 tests, V4 Flash won 1 and 4 were ties, and Pro got the scam-reporting address right. Pick V4 Flash for speed: about 10 seconds per answer on average, against about 16 for Pro.
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DeepSeek V4 Pro: 3 wins
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DeepSeek V4 Flash: 1 win
- 4 ties
Pick DeepSeek V4 Pro if…
- You want advice you'll act on, like what to do about a scam email.
- You want a short, firm email or a money question explained with an example.
Pick DeepSeek V4 Flash if…
- You want a quick answer and don't want to wait.
- You're planning a trip or want a bedtime story for a grandchild.
Opens chatmodel with both ready: type a question and they answer next to each other. How it works
DeepSeek V4 Pro vs DeepSeek V4 Flash at a glance
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company | DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company |
| Best at, in our test | Accurate advice and clear examples | Fast answers, a full trip plan and a lovely story |
| Weakest at, in our test | Slower: about 16 seconds an answer | Gave a wrong address for reporting a scam |
| Rounds won (of 8) | 3 (+4 ties) | 1 (+4 ties) |
| Average answer length | About 192 words | About 190 words |
| Average time to answer | About 16 seconds | About 10 seconds |
| Understands photos | Yes | Yes |
| Reads PDFs and files | Yes | Yes |
| Searches the web in chatmodel | No | No |
| Knows about things up to | May 2025 | May 2025 |
| On chatmodel | Included in Pro | Included in Pro |
The 8 tests, with both real answers
Same words to both, one try each, nothing edited. Press “Ask it yourself” to run any test in chatmodel.
Test 1 · A condolence card
A condolence card: a tie
What we asked
Help me write a short condolence card for my neighbor, whose husband passed away last week. We weren't very close, but he always waved to me in the mornings. I want it to feel warm and sincere, not formal. Keep it under 70 words.
Dear [Neighbor’s Name],
I was so sorry to hear about your husband. We didn’t know each other well, but I’ll always remember his friendly wave each morning—it was a small kindness that meant a lot. Thinking of you and wishing you comfort in the days ahead.
With sympathy,
[Your Name]
Dear [Name],
I was so sorry to hear about your husband. Though we weren’t close, I’ll always remember his friendly wave each morning—it was such a warm start to the day. Thinking of you and wishing you comfort and peace.
With deepest sympathy,
[Your name]
A tie. Almost the same card, both around 50 words and both built on “his friendly wave each morning”. Pro called it “a small kindness that meant a lot”; Flash “such a warm start to the day”. Neither offered help.
Test 2 · Understanding a confusing letter
A confusing insurance letter: a tie
What we asked
I got this letter from my health insurance and I don't understand it. Explain in plain words what it means and what I should do next. "Dear Member, We have reviewed the claim submitted by Riverside Imaging for services rendered on 08/14. The claim has been processed and the allowed amount of $412.00 has been applied to your annual deductible. Your remaining deductible for the plan year is $588.00. This is not a bill. You may receive a statement from your provider for the amount you owe. If you disagree with this decision, you have 180 days to file an appeal."
This is an Explanation of Benefits from your insurance. It is not a bill.
What it means in plain words:
- You had imaging done at Riverside Imaging on 8/14.
- Your insurance reviewed the claim.
- They approved a price of $412.00 for that service. That’s called the “allowed amount.”
- Because your plan has a deductible, the insurance did not pay the $412. Instead, that $412 was applied toward your deductible.
- You still have $588.00 left to pay out of pocket before your insurance starts paying for covered services.
What this means for your money:
You will likely get a bill from Riverside Imaging for about $412.00, unless you already paid something at the appointment.
The insurance company is not billing you. The provider probably will.
What you should do next:
- Do not pay this letter. It is not a bill.
- Wait for a bill from Riverside Imaging.
- When the provider bill arrives, check that it matches around $412.00.
- If it is much higher, call the provider or your insurance to ask why.
- If Riverside Imaging is in-network, they usually cannot charge more than the allowed amount.
- If the amount looks correct, pay the provider directly.
- Keep this letter for your records.
If you disagree:
If you think the insurance should have paid or processed the claim incorrectly, you have 180 days to file an appeal. Call the customer service number on your insurance card and say you want to appeal the claim decision.
In short: You owe about $412 to the imaging provider, not to the insurance company. Wait for the provider’s bill, check it, and pay if it’s correct.
Here’s what this letter means in plain words:
What happened:
- Riverside Imaging (the place that did your imaging on 08/14) sent a bill/claim to your insurance.
- Your insurance reviewed it and decided that the approved amount for that service is $412.00.
- You have not met your annual deductible yet, so your insurance is not paying anything right now. Instead, the full $412.00 counts toward your deductible.
- Your annual deductible appears to be $1,000.00. You have now used $412.00 of it, so you have $588.00 left to pay before your insurance starts helping with covered services.
Important:
- This letter is not a bill. Do not send money to your insurance company.
- But you will likely get a bill from Riverside Imaging. Since your deductible isn’t met yet, you are responsible for paying the $412.00 — unless you already paid something at the time of service.
What you should do next:
- Wait for the bill from Riverside Imaging.
- Check that the bill matches the allowed amount: $412.00. If it’s more than that, call your insurance company — if Riverside Imaging is in-network, you should not be charged more than the allowed amount.
- Pay the provider directly if the bill is correct.
- If you already paid Riverside Imaging directly, make sure they don’t bill you again.
- Keep this letter for your records.
If you disagree with the decision:
You have 180 days to file an appeal. If you think this was processed wrong, call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask them to explain it. If you still disagree, ask how to file a formal appeal.
In short: This is not a bill. You owe $412.00 toward your deductible, and you have $588.00 left before your insurance starts paying for covered care.
A tie. Both got it right: this is not a bill, you'll probably owe $412, and an in-network provider usually can't charge more. Flash added a useful check: if you already paid at the appointment, make sure you're not billed twice. Both took about 20 seconds.
Test 3 · Spotting a scam
Spotting a scam: Pro gets the address right
What we asked
Is this email a scam? What should I do? "USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. To avoid return to sender, please confirm your details and pay the $1.99 redelivery fee within 24 hours: usps-redelivery-help.com/track"
Yes — this is a scam / phishing email. The link is not an official USPS domain, and the small “$1.99 redelivery fee” is a common trick to steal credit/debit card details.
What you should do:
- Do not click the link and do not reply.
- Do not enter any personal or payment information.
- If you’re expecting a package, go directly to USPS.com or use the official USPS app and enter your tracking number there.
- Report the scam:
- Forward the email to spam@uspis.gov.
- Mark it as phishing/junk in your email app.
- Then delete it.
- If you already clicked and entered card/personal info:
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately.
- Watch for unauthorized charges.
- Change passwords if you gave any account info.
In short: treat it as phishing, don’t engage, and only use official USPS channels.
Yes, this is a scam — a classic phishing attempt. Here’s why:
- Real USPS does not send unsolicited texts/emails asking for money to “confirm details” for redelivery.
- The link is not an official USPS website (
usps-redelivery-help.comis suspicious; official USPS usesusps.com). - The urgency (“within 24 hours”) and small fee ($1.99) are designed to make you act impulsively.
- If you click and enter your info, scammers can steal your credit card number, address, and possibly more.
What you should do:
- Do not click the link.
- Do not reply or provide any personal information.
- Report it to the USPS Security team: forwarding the email to spoofing@usps.gov.
- Delete the message.
- If you ever clicked and entered details, contact your bank/credit card company immediately.
If you genuinely have a package coming, check tracking only at the official site: usps.com.
Winner: DeepSeek V4 Pro. Both said clearly it's a scam and not to click. Pro told you to forward it to spam@uspis.gov, the right address. Flash said spoofing@usps.gov, which is not the official one. Flash answered in 5 seconds, Pro in 21.
Test 4 · A firm but polite complaint
A complaint to an airline: Pro is firmer
What we asked
Write a firm but polite email to an airline. My suitcase was lost on my flight five days ago, I filed a report at the airport (reference LX-48213), and nobody has contacted me since. I want an update and to know how to claim for the things I had to buy. Keep it short.
Subject: Update on lost baggage – Reference LX-48213
Dear Baggage Claims Department,
I am writing regarding my suitcase, which was lost on my flight five days ago. I filed a report at the airport under reference LX-48213, but I have not received any update since.
Please provide the current status of my baggage and let me know how to submit a claim for essential items I had to purchase due to the delay. I would appreciate a response within 48 hours.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]
Subject: Lost Baggage Update – Reference LX-48213
Dear [Airline Name] Customer Service Team,
I am writing regarding my lost suitcase from my flight five days ago. I filed a report at the airport on [date], reference number LX-48213, but I have not received any updates since.
Please provide a status update on my baggage as soon as possible, and let me know the process for claiming reimbursement for essential items I had to purchase.
I understand delays can happen, but I would appreciate a timely response.
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Booking Reference / Contact Information]
Winner: DeepSeek V4 Pro. Both were short, polite and had the reference number. Pro asked for a reply “within 48 hours”, which is what firm looks like. Flash softened it with “I understand delays can happen”.
Test 5 · Dinner from what's in the fridge
Dinner from what's in the fridge: a tie
What we asked
I have 4 chicken thighs, some potatoes, 3 carrots, half an onion and a lemon. Suggest one easy dinner for four that takes under 45 minutes, with short numbered steps.
Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes & Carrots
Serves 4 | Prep 10 min | Cook 30–35 min
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment or foil.
- Cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Peel and cut carrots into thick coins or sticks. Cut onion into wedges.
- Toss potatoes, carrots, and onion with 2 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the sheet pan.
- Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Place thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Thinly slice the lemon and tuck slices around the chicken. Drizzle chicken lightly with oil.
- Roast 30–35 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are tender. If boneless thighs, check at 20–25 minutes.
- Squeeze any remaining lemon juice over the top and serve.
Easy One-Pan Lemon Chicken & Potato Skillet
Serves 4 • ~35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in/skin-on or boneless)
- 3–4 medium potatoes, sliced into thin ¼-inch rounds
- 3 carrots, sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- 1 lemon (juice + a few slices)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
Steps
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add onion, carrots, and potatoes. Cook 3 minutes.
- Squeeze lemon juice over vegetables, add broth/water, and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Nestle chicken on top of the vegetables, cover, and cook on medium-low for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Add lemon slices on top for the last few minutes. Serve straight from the skillet.
A tie. Pro made an easy tray bake that cooks while you rest. Flash made it on the stove: brown the chicken, then cook it covered on top of the vegetables. Both gave the safe temperature (165°F) and fit in 45 minutes. Flash's uses a little broth or water.
Test 6 · Explaining money in plain words
Explaining money in plain words: Pro gives a real example
What we asked
Explain the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA in plain words, like you'd explain it to a friend over coffee. Keep it under 150 words and add one simple example.
A traditional IRA gives you a tax break now: you put in money before it’s taxed, so your taxable income drops this year. You pay taxes later when you withdraw in retirement.
A Roth IRA is the opposite: you put in money after you’ve already paid taxes on it, so no tax break now. But in retirement, you withdraw it tax-free, including any growth.
Simple example: You put $5,000 in a traditional IRA and it grows to $20,000. You pay taxes on $20,000 later. With a Roth, you pay taxes on the $5,000 now, but that $20,000 comes out tax-free later.
Rule of thumb: pick traditional if you think your tax rate is higher now than in retirement; pick Roth if you think it’s lower now.
Think of a traditional IRA like a tax break now, pay later. You put money in and deduct it from your taxes today. When you retire and withdraw, you pay income tax on that money.
A Roth IRA is the opposite: you pay taxes now on the money you contribute, but when you retire, withdrawals are completely tax-free.
So it comes down to: pay taxes on the front end (Roth) or the back end (traditional).
Example: If you're in a lower tax bracket now than you expect to be in retirement, a Roth is usually the better deal—you lock in that lower tax rate. If you're in a high bracket now and expect to drop later, traditional saves you more today.
Winner: DeepSeek V4 Pro. Both explained Roth and traditional IRAs clearly. You asked for one simple example: Pro showed $5,000 growing to $20,000 and who pays tax on what, plus a rule of thumb. Flash's “example” was really just the rule. Neither replaces a financial adviser.
Test 7 · A bedtime story for a grandchild
A bedtime story: Flash keeps Leo in his own bed
What we asked
Write a short bedtime story, about 200 words, for my 6-year-old grandson Leo, who loves dinosaurs and is a bit scared of the dark. Make it calm, with a gentle happy ending.
The little dinosaur named Leo had a long day of stomping through ferns and munching crunchy leaves. But now the sun was sinking, and the big, dark night was coming.
Leo wiggled his tail. “I don’t like the dark,” he whispered.
Just then, a friendly glow drifted by. It was Glimmer, a tiny dinosaur with a tail that sparkled like a night-light.
“Don’t worry,” said Glimmer softly. “The dark is just the sky putting on its soft, starry blanket.”
She lifted her tail, and a warm, gentle light spread over Leo’s nest of moss. “See? The moon is a night-light, and the stars are tiny dinosaur smiles watching over you.”
Leo looked up. The dark wasn’t empty at all. It was full of soft, twinkling lights.
Glimmer curled up beside him. “I’ll keep my tail glowing until you fall asleep.”
Leo snuggled down, feeling safe and warm. He closed his eyes, listening to the quiet hum of the night. The dark felt like a gentle hug now, and Leo smiled as he drifted off to dream of sunny meadows and happy dinosaur friends.
Leo was snug in his bed, but the room felt very dark. The shadows under his chair looked like a big, bumpy rock.
“I wish I had a dinosaur,” Leo whispered.
A soft, warm light glowed by his pillow. It was a tiny dinosaur! Not a scary one—a baby stegosaurus with gentle eyes and little golden spots on his back that shone like stars.
“Hello, Leo,” the dinosaur whispered. “I’m Dino. I came to keep the dark company.”
Dino walked to the window and breathed a soft, golden mist into the night. The mist curled into a glowing moon that floated right beside Leo’s bed. Then Dino blew tiny star-sparkles onto the ceiling, so the room felt like a quiet night sky.
“See?” said Dino. “The dark is just a blanket. Underneath, it’s full of gentle lights.”
Leo yawned. He reached out and touched Dino’s warm, bumpy back. The little dinosaur hummed a song as old as the stars, soft and low.
Leo’s eyes grew heavy. The moon glowed, the star-sparkles twinkled, and Dino curled up at the foot of his bed.
“Goodnight, Leo,” Dino whispered. “I’ll stay until morning.”
And Leo smiled, because with a dinosaur by his side, the dark felt like the coziest place in the world.
Winner: DeepSeek V4 Flash. Flash put Leo in his dark room, where a tiny glowing stegosaurus called Dino blows star-sparkles onto the ceiling and promises “I'll stay until morning”. Pro's story was calm and sweet, but turned Leo into a little dinosaur.
Test 8 · Planning a short trip
Planning a trip: a tie
What we asked
Plan a relaxed 3-day trip to Lisbon for my wife and me. We're in our sixties, we don't want long walks up steep hills, and we love food and views. Give a simple plan for each day with one or two tips.
Here’s a relaxed 3-day Lisbon plan with your priorities in mind: easy on the legs, plenty of food, and lovely views. Lisbon is hilly, so this plan leans on taxis, tuk-tuks, and flat riverside areas.
Where to stay: Baixa, Chiado, or near Avenida da Liberdade — flatter and central.
Day 1 – Baixa, Chiado & Alfama Views
Morning
Start gently at Praça do Comércio, then take a taxi or the Santa Justa lift area over to Chiado.
Have coffee and a pastel de nata at Manteigaria.
Lunch
Taxi to Cervejaria Ramiro for excellent seafood — go around opening time or book if possible.
Afternoon
Take a tuk-tuk tour or taxi to the viewpoints:
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia
- Miradouro Portas do Sol
Sit with a glass of wine and enjoy the red rooftops and river views. No steep walking needed.
Evening
Fado dinner in Alfama. Book ahead at Clube de Fado or Parreirinha de Alfama for a memorable, relaxed evening.
Tips:
- Book the fado restaurant in advance.
- Use tuk-tuks/taxis instead of Tram 28 — it’s scenic but often crowded.
Day 2 – Belém, River Views & Custard Tarts
Morning
Take a taxi or Uber/Bolt to Belém, which is mostly flat and easy to enjoy.
Start with coffee and warm pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém. Sit inside if there’s space.
Mid-morning
See Jerónimos Monastery — even just the outside is impressive. If queues are short and you feel like going in, do it; otherwise, don’t feel pressured.
Lunch
Eat by the river at À Margem or Darwin’s Café, both easy and scenic.
Afternoon
Stroll along the flat riverside path past:
- Belém Tower
- Monument to the Discoveries
- MAAT
Go at your own pace, with plenty of café stops.
Evening
Return to the center for a relaxed dinner and maybe a sunset drink at a rooftop bar such as Topo Chiado.
Tips:
- Go to Belém early to avoid the biggest crowds.
- The riverside walk is flat and easy — use a taxi for the return.
Day 3 – Food, Views & a Gentle River Cruise
Morning
Visit Mercado de Campo de Ourique, a local food market with fewer tourists than Time Out Market. Great for breakfast, pastries, cheese, and coffee.
Midday
Take a relaxed 1–2 hour Tagus River cruise. This gives you some of the best Lisbon views without walking uphill.
Afternoon
Keep it slow: either return to a favorite café/viewpoint or visit the National Tile Museum by taxi. Another easy option is browsing LX Factory.
Evening
Have a special final dinner at Páteo - Bairro do Avillez or Solar dos Presuntos — both are well-regarded, but book ahead.
Tips:
- Book the river cruise and final dinner in advance.
- If you’re tired, skip the museum and simply enjoy a long lunch or café afternoon — that’s very Lisbon.
Overall tip: Use Bolt/Uber or taxis for short hops — they’re inexpensive and save your legs. Lisbon’s charm is best enjoyed slowly, with good food and a view.
Relaxed 3-Day Lisbon Plan for You & Your Wife
Day 1: Classic Lisbon — Baixa, Chiado, and a Viewpoint
- Morning: Start flat in Baixa at Praça do Comércio. Stroll along Rua Augusta to Rossio Square.
- Lunch: Stop at Confeitaria Nacional — elegant, historic café for Portuguese pastries and light lunch.
- Afternoon: Take the Elevador de Santa Justa for panoramic views over the city. Then take an Uber to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara — a beautiful terrace with a relaxed café. No long climb needed.
- Evening: Dinner in Chiado or Príncipe Real — both easy to reach by taxi.
Tip 1: Use Uber or Bolt between viewpoints so you enjoy the views without the hills.
Tip 2: Go to Santa Justa early or late to avoid the longest queue.
Day 2: Belém — Food, History, and River Views
- Morning: Take a taxi to Belém — mostly flat, easy walking.
- Visit the Jerónimos Monastery (book tickets online to miss the queue).
- Lunch: Have the icon — warm pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém, then a light seafood lunch nearby.
- Afternoon: Walk gently along the Tagus riverfront to see Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. If you want a museum, the Carriage Museum is flat and visually impressive.
- Evening: Return by taxi. Consider a calm riverside dinner in Alcântara or Cais do Sodré.
Tip 1: Belém is the flattest day — perfect for a slow, gentle pace.
Tip 2: Don’t climb Belém Tower — the view from the outside is enough and the stairs are narrow.
Day 3: Coastal Escape — Cascais
- Morning: Take the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais (about 40 minutes). It’s flat, relaxed, and very scenic. Choose the side with river views.
- Lunch: Pick a waterfront seafood restaurant along the marina.
- Afternoon: Stroll the flat seafront promenade to the Boca do Inferno — a dramatic cliff viewpoint just a short flat walk from town.
- Evening: Return by train or taxi. For your last dinner, book a table at a traditional tasca in Lisbon’s Baixa or Chiado.
Tip 1: Trains to Cascais run frequently; sit on the left side for the best river views.
Tip 2: Book a restaurant for your final dinner in advance, especially on weekends.
General Tips
- Bring comfortable flat shoes, but know you can use taxis/tuk-tuks for steep areas.
- Reservations are helpful for Jerónimos Monastery and dinner.
- Go slow, sit often, and enjoy the cafés — Lisbon is best enjoyed gently.
A tie. Both planned three easy days with taxis for the hills and a flat day in Belém. Pro added tuk-tuks, a river cruise and restaurants to book; Flash took you on a flat train trip to Cascais, with the tip to sit on the left for the river views. Flash wrote it in 22 seconds, Pro in 51.
Scorecard
| Test | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1. A condolence card | Tie |
| 2. Understanding a confusing letter | Tie |
| 3. Spotting a scam | |
| 4. A firm but polite complaint | |
| 5. Dinner from what's in the fridge | Tie |
| 6. Explaining money in plain words | |
| 7. A bedtime story for a grandchild | |
| 8. Planning a short trip | Tie |
| Total | DeepSeek V4 Pro 3 · DeepSeek V4 Flash 1 · 4 ties |
Why two versions?
DeepSeek released V4 Pro and V4 Flash together, in April 2026. On paper they’re alike: both understand photos and PDFs, and both know about things up to May 2025. What you notice is speed. In our test, Flash answered in about 10 seconds on average and Pro in about 16, with answers of similar length (about 190 words each).
The extra time didn’t always buy a better answer. Pro was more careful on the scam email and the money example, but on the trip plan it took more than twice as long for a plan that was no better.
What it costs, in plain words
In chatmodel, DeepSeek V4 Pro and V4 Flash are both included in one plan, Pro, together with ChatGPT’s GPT models, Claude, Gemini, Grok and many others. So the choice between them is about speed and care, not money. You can also start for free with Instant. See the current prices on the pricing page.
Can you trust what they say?
Both are good, and both can still make mistakes. In our test, Flash gave a wrong email address for reporting a scam, and it sounded just as sure of itself as when it was right. Pro got the address right.
A few simple habits help:
- Double-check anything you’ll act on: phone numbers, web addresses, dates and amounts.
- Health, money and legal questions: use the answer to understand your situation and prepare questions, then confirm with a doctor, adviser or the company itself.
- Don’t share what you wouldn’t share with a stranger: passwords, full card numbers or ID numbers.
How we tested
We wrote 8 everyday tasks, the kind of things people actually ask: a condolence card, an insurance letter, a scam email, a complaint, dinner, a money question, a bedtime story and a trip. We gave DeepSeek V4 Pro and V4 Flash exactly the same words in chatmodel, one try each, timed each answer and kept what came back without editing it. Then we compared the answers for accuracy, how well they followed the request and how useful they’d be to a real person.
One try each is a small test. The same model can answer a little differently each time, and the seconds depend on how busy the service is, so treat the winners and times as a guide, not a final score. You can run any of these tests yourself with one click.
What changed
- First test: DeepSeek V4 Pro and DeepSeek V4 Flash, 8 everyday tasks, one try each.