Grok 3 is the latest iteration of xAI’s AI model, designed to compete with OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, Google’s Gemini 1.5, and Anthropic’s Claude 3. Grok 3 aims to push the boundaries of reasoning, creativity, and real-time knowledge by leveraging direct integration with X (formerly Twitter) and an improved deep-learning architecture.
But how does it compare to the competition? And is it finally a real contender against GPT-4 Turbo and Gemini 1.5? Let’s dive in.
In this review, we’ll cover:
- Key features & Capabilities
- Performance
- Pricing & Accessibility
- Comparison with Competitors
- Final Verdict
Key Features & Capabilities
Grok 3 stands out from other AI models with its significantly improved deep learning and real-time access to X (Twitter) and web.
Pros:
- Grok 3’s “Think” mode enables step-by-step reasoning, ideal for complex tasks like math and coding.
- DeepSearch integrates real-time web data, enhancing research capabilities.
- A 1 million token context window handles long texts efficiently, perfect for extensive documents.
Cons:
- “Think” mode can take minutes, which may frustrate users needing quick responses.
- It struggles with creativity and nuanced queries.
- Multimodal features, like image handling, are not as emphasized as in competitors.
- Concerns about bias, as the data is often pulled from X.
Performance
Strengths:
- Strong technical performance.
- Better adaptability to user preferences and conversation style.
- Greatly improved over Grok 1.5 for code generation, debugging, and math.
- Handles Python, JavaScript, and C++ more effectively.
Weaknesses:
- Controversy surrounds benchmark accuracy, with some experts questioning xAI’s comparisons.
- Mixed user experiences, with some finding it less impressive for general use.
- Lacks the broad web-search integration of Gemini 1.5 Pro.
- Limited fine-tuning options compared to OpenAI’s Custom GPTs.
Best for:
- Mathematical and scientific problem solving
- Coding and programming assistance
- Research analysis
Pricing
Grok 3, at first, was only available for X Premium+ users but is now free for anyone who wants to try it out. There are still premium plans that offer more advanced options, but some of those details have yet to be disclosed.
Plan | Price | Features |
Free Option | $0 | DeepSearch and Think mode |
X Premium+ | $40/month | Voice mode |
SuperGrok | Pricing not yet released | Additional features not yet released |
Comparison with Competitors
Feature | Grok 3 | GPT-4 Turbo | Gemini 1.5 Pro | Claude 3 Opus |
Real-Time Data | Yes, with X integration | No, limited browsing | Yes, with Google search | No |
Conversational Style | Witty & adaptive | Balanced & logical | Analytical | Thoughtful & cautious |
Reasoning Ability | Stronger than before | Top-tier | Advanced | Best for deep reasoning |
Coding Skills | Greatly improved | Best for structured code | Excellent | Strong |
Creativity & Writing | Improved | Structured & refined | Good for casual & analytical | Best for detailed writing |
Availability | Free & paid | Free & paid | Free & paid | Free & paid |
Final Verdict
⭐ Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Grok 3 is a massive step forward for xAI, improving reasoning, coding, and conversation quality. While it doesn’t quite surpass GPT-4 Turbo or Gemini 1.5 in overall power, it’s a solid choice for X users who want an AI that feels engaging, intelligent, and up to date.
Who Should Use Grok 3? Grok 3 is best for users who need real-time updates, conversational AI, coding help, and quick insights into social trends.
Who Might Want Something Else? Grok 3 is not ideal for those who need a formal, unbiased AI assistant or one optimized for creativity and structured writing.
Final Thoughts:
It’s a great tool for research, coding assistance, and mathematic problem solving. If you’re looking for long-form content, it’s not the best choice of the AI models. There’s still a lot of unknown on what the paid versions will offer, so we would not recommend investing in a paid plan at this time.