AI Model Release Tracker - Timeline of Major AI Models from 2022-2026

DeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview vs GPT-4.1 nano

DeepSeek
DeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Overview
CompanyDeepSeekOpenAI
Release dateNov 20 2024Apr 14 2025
AccessOpen WeightProprietary
Specifications
Context window
1M
Timeline
Release gapDeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview shipped 145 days before GPT-4.1 nano

Which is better: DeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview or GPT-4.1 nano?

DeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview and GPT-4.1 nano don't publish scores on any of the same benchmarks, so there's no direct head-to-head comparison. DeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview shipped 145 days before GPT-4.1 nano, so benchmark comparisons should account for the intervening progress.

DeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview is open weight, while GPT-4.1 nano is proprietary.

Direct benchmark comparisons are unavailable — DeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview and GPT-4.1 nano don't publish scores on any of the same benchmarks.

Frequently asked questions

DeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview was released by DeepSeek on Nov 20 2024.

GPT-4.1 nano was released by OpenAI on Apr 14 2025.

DeepSeek-R1-Lite Preview is an open weight model released by DeepSeek. GPT-4.1 nano is a proprietary model released by OpenAI.

Other comparisons