VSCode AI Showdown: Gemini 2.5 Pro vs. GPT-4.1 vs. Claude 3.7 Sonnet
The world of artificial intelligence is constantly changing, and at the forefront of this evolution are large language models (LLMs). These powerful tools are reshaping industries and how we interact with technology. Among the most talked-about and advanced LLMs are Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro, OpenAI’s GPT-4.1, and Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet. 1 Choosing the right model for your needs can be challenging, so we’ve put together a comprehensive comparison to help you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and unique capabilities.
Diving Deep into Performance
To truly understand these models, we need to look at how they perform across various critical areas. Benchmarks provide a standardized way to evaluate their abilities in coding, reasoning, general knowledge, and handling different types of data. 2
Coding Prowess
For developers, the coding capabilities of an LLM are paramount. Gemini 2.5 Pro consistently scores high on coding benchmarks like SWE-bench Verified, often around 63-64%, indicating its strong ability to tackle real-world coding problems. 2 Claude 3.7 Sonnet also shines in this area, scoring between 62-70% on the same benchmark, and can even perform better with specific optimizations. 2 GPT-4.1, while still capable, scores slightly lower, in the 52-55% range. 2
Beyond benchmarks, practical tests further highlight these differences. Gemini 2.5 Pro has shown impressive results in generating functional code for complex tasks like a flight simulator and a Rubik’s Cube solver in a single attempt. 2 While Claude 3.7 Sonnet performed well in some creative coding tasks, it struggled with these specific tests. 2 GPT-4.1 is known for its focus on frontend coding and reliable adherence to specific formats, making it a strong choice for web development. 2
Reasoning and Knowledge
Reasoning and general knowledge are crucial for a wide range of applications. Gemini 2.5 Pro consistently demonstrates top-tier performance in reasoning benchmarks, often leading by a significant margin. 1 Claude 3.7 Sonnet is recognized for its robust reasoning capabilities, especially in extended reasoning scenarios where its “extended thinking” mode allows for in-depth analysis. 1 OpenAI emphasizes GPT-4.1’s improved ability to follow instructions, although its accuracy might decrease with extremely large inputs. 1
Benchmarks like LMArena, which reflect human preferences, often favor Gemini 2.5 Pro for its output quality and style. High scores on benchmarks like GPQA and AIME indicate advanced proficiency in mathematical and scientific domains for Gemini. Claude’s “extended thinking” mode likely contributes to its strength in complex reasoning, while GPT-4.1’s improved instruction following makes it suitable for tasks requiring precise adherence to guidelines.
Multimodal Understanding
In today’s data-rich environment, the ability to process various types of information is increasingly important. Gemini 2.5 Pro takes a clear lead here with its native multimodality, seamlessly handling text, images, audio, and video. 1 Its top performance on the MMMU benchmark underscores this strength. 4 GPT-4.1 also offers multimodal input capabilities, likely supporting text and image processing. 1 Claude 3.7 Sonnet’s multimodal support is currently limited to text and image inputs. 1
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Domain-Specific Look
Beyond overall performance, each model has specific strengths and weaknesses in key areas:
- Reasoning: Gemini 2.5 Pro excels in general reasoning benchmarks, while Claude 3.7 Sonnet shines in complex, extended reasoning. GPT-4.1’s strength lies in its improved ability to follow instructions. 1
- Coding: Gemini 2.5 Pro consistently tops coding benchmarks and demonstrates the ability to generate complex, functional code. 2 Claude 3.7 Sonnet is also a strong coder, with a unique “Thinking Mode” for debugging. 2 GPT-4.1 focuses on frontend development and code reviews. 2
- Creative Content Generation: Claude 3.7 Sonnet is praised for its excellent natural writing capabilities. 1 Gemini 2.5 Pro’s multimodality allows for diverse creative content, including interactive simulations. 2 GPT-4.1’s improved instruction following can be useful for structured creative outputs. 1
Under the Hood: Technical Specifications
Understanding the technical aspects of these models provides valuable context:
- Training Data: Gemini 2.5 Pro is trained on a vast dataset including text, audio, images, video, and code. 5 GPT-4.1’s training data has a knowledge cutoff of June 2024. 6 Claude 3.7 Sonnet’s data is cut off in April 2024. 6
- Model Architecture: Gemini 2.5 Pro is a “thinking model” with a 1 million token context window (expanding to 2 million). 5 GPT-4.1 is part of a new API-focused series with up to 1 million token context windows. 1 Claude 3.7 Sonnet is the first hybrid reasoning model with a 200,000 token context window (testing 500,000). 1
The larger context windows of Gemini 2.5 Pro and GPT-4.1 offer an advantage for processing extensive data. Claude’s hybrid reasoning architecture provides a unique approach to problem-solving.
Speed and Efficiency
Efficiency is crucial for practical applications:
- Gemini 2.5 Pro: While powerful, generalist Gemini models are faster for everyday tasks. Game generation was noted to be rapid. 4
- GPT-4.1: The GPT-4.1 family includes models optimized for speed and cost, with GPT-4.1 nano being the fastest and cheapest. 11
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet: Has a slower output speed but a faster initial response time. 19
The GPT-4.1 family offers the most diverse options for speed and cost optimization.
Availability and Pricing
Accessibility and cost are key considerations:
- Gemini 2.5 Pro: Currently free in its experimental phase through Google AI Studio and the Gemini Advanced subscription. 2
- GPT-4.1: Available exclusively through the API, with different pricing tiers for nano, mini, and the standard model. 1 GPT-4.1 is reported to be more cost-effective than previous models. 12
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet: Accessible through various platforms, including Claude.ai and APIs, with a higher pricing structure compared to GPT-4.1. 6
GPT-4.1 offers the most varied pricing options, while Gemini 2.5 Pro is currently free for experimentation.
Unique Features
Each model brings unique functionalities:
- Gemini 2.5 Pro: Native multimodality and deep integration with the Google ecosystem. 1
- GPT-4.1: Strong focus on coding reliability and different API model sizes. 1
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet: “Thinking Mode” for transparent reasoning and a strong focus on safety and natural writing. 1
Real-World Insights
User reviews and expert opinions offer practical perspectives:
- Gemini 2.5 Pro: Praised for coding, reasoning, and handling complex ML models. Users note its contextual awareness and human-like reasoning but also potential verbosity and hallucinations. 4
- GPT-4.1: Generally positive for development tasks and long datasets, with cleaner code generation and improved instruction following. The mini version is valued for its cost-effectiveness. API-only availability is a limitation for some. 9
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet: Highly regarded for coding, especially frontend development, and for producing nuanced answers requiring less editing. Users appreciate its ability to grasp abstract concepts and the “Thinking Mode.” Some note potential verbosity and higher pricing. 2
Handling Long Content and Complex Instructions
The ability to manage large amounts of information is critical:
- Gemini 2.5 Pro: Boasts a 1 million token context window (2 million in testing) and can effectively process lengthy documents. 1
- GPT-4.1: Features a 1 million token context window and is trained to reliably attend to information throughout. 1
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet: Has a 200,000 token context window (500,000 in testing) and is praised for handling complex codebases. 1
Gemini 2.5 Pro and GPT-4.1 offer a significant advantage for processing very long content due to their larger context windows.
Comparative Summary
| Feature | Gemini 2.5 Pro | GPT-4.1 | Claude 3.7 Sonnet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | OpenAI | Anthropic | |
| Availability | Google AI Studio, Gemini App, Vertex AI (soon) | API only (with mini/nano) | Claude.ai, API, Bedrock, Vertex AI |
| Pricing (Input/Output per million tokens) | Free (experimental), $1.25/$10 | $2/$8 (mini: $0.40/$1.60, nano: $0.10/$0.40) | $3/$15 |
| Context Window | 1M (2M testing) | 1M | 200k (500k testing) |
| Multimodality | Text, Image, Audio, Video | Text, Image | Text, Image |
| Coding Performance (SWE-bench) | ~63-64% | ~52-55% | ~62-70% (with scaffold) |
| Reasoning | Top-tier benchmarks | Improved instruction following | Superior extended reasoning |
| Unique Features | Native multimodality, Google integration | Varied API sizes, code review focus | “Thinking Mode,” safety focus, natural writing |
| Speed | Fast for some tasks, generalist models faster | Nano is fastest and cheapest | Slower output, faster first token |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model is best for coding?
Gemini 2.5 Pro and Claude 3.7 Sonnet generally lead in coding benchmarks, with Gemini often scoring slightly higher overall. GPT-4.1 is also strong, particularly in frontend development and code reviews. The best choice depends on the specific coding task and desired features like debugging transparency. 2
Which model is the most cost-effective?
Currently, Gemini 2.5 Pro is free in its experimental phase. Among the paid options, GPT-4.1 offers a range of models, with GPT-4.1 nano being the cheapest. Claude 3.7 Sonnet is generally the most expensive. 2
Which model has the largest context window?
Gemini 2.5 Pro and GPT-4.1 both boast a 1 million token context window, with Gemini testing up to 2 million. Claude 3.7 Sonnet has a smaller but still substantial context window of 200,000 tokens (testing 500,000). 1
Which model is best for creative writing?
Claude 3.7 Sonnet is often praised for its excellent natural writing capabilities. Gemini 2.5 Pro’s multimodality allows for diverse creative content, while GPT-4.1’s instruction following can be useful for structured creative outputs. 1
Which model can handle audio and video?
Gemini 2.5 Pro has native multimodal capabilities, including processing audio and video. GPT-4.1 and Claude 3.7 Sonnet currently support text and image inputs only. 1
Conclusion
Choosing the right LLM depends heavily on your specific needs and priorities. Gemini 2.5 Pro shines with its multimodality and strong performance across various tasks, especially coding and reasoning. GPT-4.1 offers a compelling suite of models optimized for API use, with a focus on coding reliability and cost-effectiveness. Claude 3.7 Sonnet excels in extended reasoning and natural language generation, with a unique “Thinking Mode” for enhanced transparency. By understanding the nuances of each model, you can make an informed decision and leverage the power of AI to its fullest potential.
Works cited
- AI Showdown 2025: GPT-4.1 vs. Claude 3.7 Sonnet vs. Gemini 2.5 …, https://mindpal.space/blog/ai-showdown-2025-gpt-4-1-vs-claude-3-7-sonnet-vs-gemini-2-5-pro-ghtbd
- GPT-4.1 Comparison with Claude 3.7 Sonnet and Gemini 2.5 Pro - Bind AI, https://blog.getbind.co/2025/04/15/gpt-4-1-comparison-with-claude-3-7-sonnet-and-gemini-2-5-pro/
- Gemini 2.5 Pro vs. Claude 3.7 Sonnet: Coding Comparison - Composio, https://composio.dev/blog/gemini-2-5-pro-vs-claude-3-7-sonnet-coding-comparison/
- Gemini 2.5 Pro: Features, Tests, Access, Benchmarks & More …, https://www.datacamp.com/blog/gemini-2-5-pro
- Gemini 2.5: Our newest Gemini model with thinking - Google Blog, https://blog.google/technology/google-deepmind/gemini-model-thinking-updates-march-2025/
- GPT-4.1 vs Claude 3.7 Sonnet - Detailed Performance & Feature …, https://docsbot.ai/models/compare/gpt-4-1/claude-3-7-sonnet
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet vs Gemini 2.5 Pro - Detailed Performance & Feature Comparison, https://docsbot.ai/models/compare/claude-3-7-sonnet/gemini-2-5-pro
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet and Claude Code \ Anthropic, https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-3-7-sonnet
- Introducing GPT-4.1 in the API -OpenAI, https://openai.com/index/gpt-4-1/
- Evaluating the new Gemini 2.5 Pro Experimental model -Generative-AI, - Wandb, https://wandb.ai/byyoung3/Generative-AI/reports/Evaluating-the-new-Gemini-2-5-Pro-Experimental-model–VmlldzoxMjAyNDMyOA
- GPT-4.1: How AI is Changing the Way Programmers Work - Dirox, https://dirox.com/post/gpt-4-1
- All About OpenAI’s GPT‑4.1 Models: How to Access, Uses & More, https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog/2025/04/open-ai-gpt-4-1/
- Gemini Pro 2.5 is a stunningly capable coding assistant - and a big threat to ChatGPT, https://www.zdnet.com/article/gemini-pro-2-5-is-a-stunningly-capable-coding-assistant-and-a-big-threat-to-chatgpt/
- We benchmarked GPT-4.1: it’s better at code reviews than Claude Sonnet 3.7 - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/OpenAI/comments/1jz5lgl/we_benchmarked_gpt41_its_better_at_code_reviews/
- We benchmarked GPT-4.1: it’s better at code reviews than Claude Sonnet 3.7 - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPTCoding/comments/1jz5x09/we_benchmarked_gpt41_its_better_at_code_reviews/
- Gemini 2.5 vs Sonnet 3.7 vs Grok 3 vs GPT-4.1 vs GPT-o3 - Cursor - Community Forum, https://forum.cursor.com/t/gemini-2-5-vs-sonnet-3-7-vs-grok-3-vs-gpt-4-1-vs-gpt-o3/79699
- Claude Sonnet 3.7 is INSANELY GOOD. : r/ClaudeAI - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ClaudeAI/comments/1ixdz0x/claude_sonnet_37_is_insanely_good/
- GPT-4.1 is GREAT at Coding… (and long context!) - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cty1srbCv4
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet - Intelligence, Performance & Price Analysis …, https://artificialanalysis.ai/models/claude-3-7-sonnet
- GPT-4.1 is here, but not for everyone. Here’s who can try the new models -ZDNET, https://www.zdnet.com/article/gpt-4-1-is-here-but-not-for-everyone-heres-who-can-try-the-new-models/
- Gemini 2.5 Pro is another game changing moment : r/ChatGPTCoding, https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPTCoding/comments/1jrk1tk/gemini_25_pro_is_another_game_changing_moment/
- I tried using the Deep Research feature with Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro model, and now I wonder if an AI can overthink -TechRadar, https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/i-tried-using-the-deep-research-feature-with-googles-gemini-2-5-pro-model-and-now-i-wonder-if-an-ai-can-overthink
- Gemini 2.5 Pro reasons about task feasibility - Hacker News, https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43479985
- Man, the new Gemini 2.5 Pro 03-25 is a breakthrough and people don’t even realize it., https://www.reddit.com/r/singularity/comments/1jl1eti/man_the_new_gemini_25_pro_0325_is_a_breakthrough/
- Google Gemini 2.5 Pro is Insane… - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxCZhltR9Cw
- I just spent a week testing GPT-4.1 (all versions) - Here’s my honest …, https://www.reddit.com/r/AIToolTesting/comments/1k27orr/i_just_spent_a_week_testing_gpt41_all_versions/
- Just started using GPT-4.1 — curious what you think: is GPT-4.1 actually better than Claude 3.7?, https://forum.cursor.com/t/just-started-using-gpt-4-1-curious-what-you-think-is-gpt-4-1-actually-better-than-claude-3-7/79594
- GPT-4.1 in the API - Hacker News, https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43683410
- OpenAI’s GPT 4.1 - Absolutely Amazing! - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE2VjPL74fE
- Just tried Claude 3.7 Sonnet, WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS THIS BEAST? I will be cancelling my ChatGPT membership after 2 years : r/ClaudeAI - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ClaudeAI/comments/1ixisq1/just_tried_claude_37_sonnet_what_the_actual_fuck/
- Claude 3.7 Sonnet: The BEST Coding LLM Ever! (Fullly Tested) - TRULY INSANE!, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSBMmRKKTx4
- Actually coding with Claude 3.7 is actually insane, actually. - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvooajyiiUw
- Claude Sonnet 3.7 is.. kinda bad? - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRn4Pghto2k