STEALTHMARK · HEAD TO HEAD

All comparisons ↗

MiniMax M3.1 Flash vs Step 5 Preview

MiniMax M3.1 Flash leads Step 5 Preview by 6.9 points on StealthMark, 45.9 to 39.0. It leads on 8 of 9 benchmarks, including Foresight, and Step 5 Preview on 1, including Latch. MiniMax M3.1 Flash scores higher on Ground Truth.

See the difference ↘
All results ↗
All results ↗

Overall StealthMark

45.9/100Overall rank 24/53
39.0/100Overall rank 36/53

General Intelligence

35.8/100
37.1/100

Visual Intelligence

62.6/100
41.9/100

Reasoning efficiency

On every task, result quality and reasoning tokens are each compared with all measured models and weighed equally. Each dot is one model.

Single-step reasoning Result quality weighed against reasoning tokens on a single problem

Multi-step reasoning Result quality weighed against reasoning tokens across connected steps, as in agentic workflows

BENCHMARK BY BENCHMARK

Where each model leads

  • MiniMax M3.1 Flash
  • Step 5 Preview
  • Other models
  • Median

DATASHEET

Specs and pricing

Both take about 1M tokens of context.

  • MiniMax M3.1 Flash
  • Step 5 Preview
  • Other models
  • Median
Context windowTokens per request, max output below
MiniMax M3.1 Flash: 1MTiedStep 5 Preview: 1MTied
SizeTotal and active parameters
MiniMax M3.1 Flash: 428B23B activeStep 5 Preview: 600B27B active
Developer
MiniMaxStepFun
Input → output
Text, image, video → textBoth
Architecture
Mixture-of-Experts with MiniMax Sparse Attention and native multimodal encoderSparse mixture-of-experts; 92 layers (88 MoE), 352 routed experts with 8 selected per token plus a shared expert; grouped-query attention with 512-token sliding windows and full attention every fourth layer; 3 multi-token-prediction layers; vision tower for image and video input

Full datasheets, every price and sourceMiniMax M3.1 Flash ↗Step 5 Preview ↗

Anticipating threats and planning ahead. Collect coins while avoiding ghosts. Ghosts move before the player each turn, and collisions cost a life. 3 levels in sequence, up to 66 turns in total. Earlier moves and outcomes carry forward, testing learning across levels.

MiniMax M3.1 Flash 30.7/100Rank 27/49

Survived 1 of 3
Foresight: complete playing field
Level 39 ptsTurn 20 / 20

Step 5 Preview 59.9/100Rank 42/491 of 3 levels

1 of 3 played
Foresight: complete playing field
Level 122 ptsTurn 28 / 28

Points per level

LevelMiniMax M3.1 FlashStep 5 Preview
Level 1Second Thoughts
6 ptsOut of lives
22 ptsSurvived
Level 2Pressure Pot
5 ptsOut of lives
Pending
Level 3Hide or Flight
9 ptsSurvived
Pending

Cooperative planning and learning from experience. Coordinate two robots to push numbered cores onto matching sockets. Pressure plates hold doors open; moving either robot uses one turn. 5 levels in sequence, up to 152 turns in total. Earlier moves and outcomes carry forward, testing learning across levels.

MiniMax M3.1 Flash 21.9/100Rank 40/50

Cleared 2 of 5
Latch: complete playing field
Level 517.2 ptsTurn 24 / 40

Step 5 Preview 40.7/100Rank 28/50

Cleared 4 of 5
Latch: complete playing field
Level 515 ptsTurn 35 / 40

Points per level

LevelMiniMax M3.1 FlashStep 5 Preview
Level 1Hold the door
5.2 ptsCleared
5.2 ptsCleared
Level 2Crossfeed
8.6 ptsClearedFinished early · 1 beacon left
9 ptsCleared
Level 3Relay vault
5 ptsOut of turns
18.6 ptsCleared
Level 4Passing bay
4.4 ptsFinished early
15.6 ptsClearedFinished early · 3 beacons left
Level 5Second thoughts
17.2 ptsFinished early
15 ptsFinished early

Newton's Mirror

Same task instructions

Physics, perspective and recursive reflections, tested together. Explore the test ↗

The judgment

MiniMax M3.1 Flash

The sphere placement, separate airborne black blob, recent cyan contact and elongated crimson aftermath support the required gross physical state. The reflection system remains severely incomplete: isolated side images, broad metallic bands and sparse light patches replace extensive mirror repetitions and curved nested imagery.

Step 5 Preview

The main sphere, airborne black and small colored features occupy broadly appropriate positions. Most of the defining mirror system is absent, and paint interaction remains only partially supported. The small paint features do not visibly establish a separate volume-scale violation.

Score breakdown

CategoryMiniMax M3.1 FlashStep 5 Preview
State at 600 ms20.0/2520.0/25
Camera and placement10.0/1513.5/15
Reflections24.0/12020.0/120
Materials and scale8.0/107.0/10
Floor-damage reward0.0/100.0/10

Benchmark task

A spinning metal sphere and paint in a mirrored room test physical reasoning, perspective and consistency across repeated reflections.

Selfie

Different task instructions

Visual construction and creative interpretation.

The judgment

MiniMax M3.1 Flash

The sculptural M, confident grin and miniature theatrical pose closely fulfill the brief. Controlled gradients and clean shapes give the character volume and appeal. Moderate drawing complexity, an apparently separated shoe and ambiguous grounding limit the finish.

Step 5 Preview

A charming diagonal climber and warm palette communicate the central idea. Simple rounded construction, crowded limb counting, uncertain footholds and an unattached upper shelf limit its physical coherence. Growth bands and the yarn trail add specificity, but the requested material distinctions and unravelled bootie remain underdeveloped.

Score breakdown

CategoryMiniMax M3.1 FlashStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness7.5/106.0/10
Anatomy & construction6.0/104.5/10
Space & placement7.0/105.0/10
Light & reflections6.0/105.5/10
Purposeful detail5.0/105.5/10
Artistry & character6.0/105.0/10
Materials & effects7.0/106.0/10
Visual integrity6.0/105.0/10

Benchmark task

MiniMax M3.1 Flash

A small robot with an oversized angular head presents a glowing object. The scene tests character proportions, gesture and contrasting materials.

Step 5 Preview

Character scenes test expression, anatomy, materials and coherent visual construction.

Mona Lisa

Different task instructions

Precise visual recall and portrait reconstruction.

The judgment

MiniMax M3.1 Flash

A coherent decorative portrait combines layered hair, garment contours, linked trim and atmospheric scenery. These provide meaningful drawing complexity, but likeness remains limited by the frontal elongated face and altered clothing. Compressed hands, abrupt facial shading and cluttered local edges leave the portrait uneven.

Step 5 Preview

A recognizable, coherent simplification with purposeful facial contours and differentiated fingers. These provide more construction and detail than the broad silhouette alone suggests. The oversized face, frontal seated pose, unresolved wrists and sparse landscape still substantially limit likeness, depth and finish.

Score breakdown

CategoryMiniMax M3.1 FlashStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness4.0/104.0/10
Anatomy & construction4.5/104.0/10
Space & placement5.5/104.0/10
Light & reflections4.5/103.5/10
Purposeful detail5.5/104.0/10
Artistry & character6.0/104.0/10
Materials & effects5.5/103.0/10
Visual integrity5.5/103.5/10

Benchmark task

An SVG interpretation of the Mona Lisa tests facial likeness, anatomy and the composition of a familiar portrait.

Beach

Different task instructions

Creativity, perspective and visual beauty.

The judgment

MiniMax M3.1 Flash

A controlled, detailed beach illustration with expressive animals, coherent depth and accomplished foliage and accessory drawing. Its warm palette and varied contours sustain visual interest. Simplified anatomy and object volumes limit physical conviction, while reflection streaks crossing dry-looking sand and generic shadows weaken the lighting.

Step 5 Preview

A recognizable sunset beach with clear warm-cool contrast and playful accessories. Basic animal construction, shallow foreground placement and schematic reflections limit spatial and physical credibility. Sparse descriptive detail and abruptly ended sky bands constrain the finish.

Score breakdown

CategoryMiniMax M3.1 FlashStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness8.5/104.0/10
Anatomy & construction7.0/103.0/10
Space & placement7.5/103.5/10
Light & reflections6.0/103.5/10
Purposeful detail8.0/103.0/10
Artistry & character6.5/103.0/10
Materials & effects6.5/103.5/10
Visual integrity7.5/104.0/10

Benchmark task

A busy shoreline at sunset tests scene composition, animal forms and the relationship between light and water reflections.

Ground Truth

Same task instructions

Physical reasoning, light and visual reconstruction.

The judgment

MiniMax M3.1 Flash

This benchmark has not been assessed yet.

Step 5 Preview

This benchmark has not been assessed yet.

Benchmark task

A plank, computer mouse and blueberry in a steel room test physical stability, spatial relationships, materials and lighting.

Raccoon

Different task instructions

Scene composition and interacting subjects.

The judgment

MiniMax M3.1 Flash

An expressive, coherent cartoon clearly demonstrates the requested riding and steering relationship. Layered animal shapes, readable vehicle depth and purposeful facial details support its drawing quality. Ambiguous grips, sparse cast shadows and simplified material responses limit physical precision.

Step 5 Preview

Recognizable animals, a bright palette and identifying accessories support a basic cartoon. Primitive anatomy, partial seated support, unresolved steering and weak hull-water contact limit the central action. Lighting and spray provide atmosphere without establishing convincing physical depth.

Score breakdown

CategoryMiniMax M3.1 FlashStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness9.0/104.0/10
Anatomy & construction8.0/104.5/10
Space & placement8.0/103.0/10
Light & reflections6.0/103.5/10
Purposeful detail7.5/104.0/10
Artistry & character7.5/103.5/10
Materials & effects7.0/103.0/10
Visual integrity8.0/103.0/10

Benchmark task

A jet-ski scene pairs a canine driver with a raccoon passenger. It tests the placement and contact of interacting subjects, along with vehicle construction.

Pelican

Different task instructions

Subject construction and spatial relationships.

The judgment

MiniMax M3.1 Flash

A controlled coastal illustration with a clear pelican silhouette, detailed wheels and accomplished feather and bill drawing. Continuous body construction and grounded wheels support the scene. Ambiguous leg, pedal and steering contacts weaken the riding mechanics; approximate directional lighting and simplified materials limit physical conviction.

Step 5 Preview

The pelican and bicycle are recognizable, with a pleasant palette and basic diffuse shading. The riding relationship fails physically: the bird is unsupported, the front wheel is unmounted, and pedalling is unresolved. Simple geometric construction and sparse material treatment further limit the drawing.

Score breakdown

CategoryMiniMax M3.1 FlashStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness8.5/103.0/10
Anatomy & construction6.5/103.0/10
Space & placement8.0/103.0/10
Light & reflections7.0/103.0/10
Purposeful detail7.5/104.0/10
Artistry & character6.5/103.0/10
Materials & effects7.0/103.0/10
Visual integrity6.5/102.0/10

Benchmark task

A cycling pelican tests anatomy, riding posture and contact between the bird and the bicycle.