Google Gemini 3 Pro Review - Benchmarks, Pricing, and AI Coding Superiority
Google Gemini 3 Pro Review - Benchmarks, Pricing, and AI Coding Superiority
Introduction
Google has just released Gemini 3 Pro, its latest large‑language model, through AI Studio, the API, and a free Gemini CLI. Early testing shows the model delivering state‑of‑the‑art results across a wide range of benchmarks, beating rivals such as Sonnet, GPT‑5.1, and the X58 checkpoint in most categories. This article breaks down the key findings, pricing structure, and practical capabilities that make Gemini 3 Pro a compelling option for developers and AI enthusiasts.
Pricing Structure
Gemini 3 Pro adopts a token‑based pricing model that is competitive with, and in many cases cheaper than, competing offerings.
- Under 200,000 tokens
- Input: $2 per million tokens
- Output: $12 per million tokens
- Beyond 200,000 tokens
- Input: $4 per million tokens
- Output: $18 per million tokens
These rates place Gemini 3 Pro below Sonnet’s pricing while delivering higher performance, making it an attractive choice for high‑volume workloads.
Benchmark Performance
Kingbench 2.0 Results
Testing on the Kingbench 2.0 suite—covering visual generation, code synthesis, and mathematical reasoning—showed Gemini 3 Pro achieving a perfect score:
- Visual generation tasks (floor‑plan layout, SVG illustration, 3D graphics) were completed with high fidelity and accurate spatial reasoning.
- Code generation (Rust CLI tool, Blender scripting) produced fully functional scripts on the first attempt.
- Mathematical problems and riddles were solved correctly without retries.
The model’s performance was consistently superior to the X58 checkpoint, especially in presentation quality and execution speed.
Visual Generation Capabilities
Gemini 3 Pro excels at producing detailed, interactive visuals:
- Floor‑plan rendering – correctly positions rooms, bathrooms, and kitchen areas; supports time‑of‑day lighting changes.
- SVG illustration – generates high‑resolution images such as a panda holding a burger, with crisp details that hold up to close inspection.
- 3D graphics – creates objects like a Pokéball in Three.js with realistic shading and animation.
- Chess board with autoplay – mimics the look of chess.com boards and includes smooth piece animations.
- Minecraft‑style environment in Kandinsky style – delivers immersive, stylized landscapes that can be navigated interactively.
- Butterfly animation – produces lifelike flight paths and aesthetically pleasing garden scenes, surpassing previous checkpoint outputs.
These results demonstrate the model’s ability to combine artistic flair with precise geometric reasoning.
Coding and Scripting Proficiency
When tasked with generating code, Gemini 3 Pro shows remarkable competence:
- Rust CLI for image conversion – outputs a complete, efficient command‑line application that compiles without errors.
- Blender scripting – automatically creates scenes, aligns cameras, adds lighting, and even implements custom animation effects such as Pokémon‑style capture waves.
The speed of generation and the correctness of the produced code suggest that Gemini 3 Pro could serve as a primary AI pair‑programmer for developers.
Mathematical Reasoning and Logic
The model handled both standard math problems and riddles flawlessly on the first try, confirming its strong logical reasoning capabilities. This performance solidifies Gemini 3 Pro’s standing as a versatile model suited for both creative and analytical tasks.
Availability and Access Options
- AI Studio – web‑based interface for quick experimentation.
- API – programmatic access for integration into applications.
- Gemini CLI – free, local command‑line tool for developers.
- Third‑party platforms – free limited access via services like ZenMox (rate‑limited) and Kilo Code (includes $10 free credit).
These multiple entry points make it easy for users of varying technical backgrounds to adopt the model.
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Gemini 3 Pro | Sonnet | GPT‑5.1 | X58 Checkpoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual fidelity | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Code correctness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Math & logic | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Pricing (under 200k tokens) | $$ (lowest) | $$ | $$$ | $$ |
| Availability | Studio, API, CLI | API only | API only | Limited beta |
Gemini 3 Pro consistently outperforms the listed competitors across core metrics while maintaining a more affordable price point.
Future Outlook
Google hints at upcoming releases such as Nano Banana and an Anti‑Gravity agentic platform, which may extend Gemini’s capabilities into autonomous browsing and task execution. Early indications suggest these additions will build on the strong foundation established by Gemini 3 Pro.
Conclusion
Gemini 3 Pro marks a significant leap forward for Google’s AI offerings. Its blend of high‑quality visual generation, reliable code synthesis, and solid reasoning—delivered at a competitive price—positions it as a leading choice for developers, creators, and researchers alike. As the ecosystem expands with new tools and agentic features, Gemini 3 Pro is set to become a cornerstone of next‑generation AI workflows.