DeepSeek: A Game Changer or Just Another Challenger?

Learn how DeepSeek challenges traditional AI models with its open-source approach, capabilities, limitations, and potential to shape the future of artificial intelligence.

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So, after everything we’ve explored—how DeepSeek works, how it compares to OpenAI’s models, and where it excels (and stumbles)—what’s the final verdict? Should you jump on the DeepSeek train, or is it just another AI experiment that will fade into the background?

Well, it depends on what you’re looking for.

DeepSeek isn’t just another AI model—it’s a statement. It’s proof that AI can be open-source, powerful, and accessible without requiring million-dollar API bills.

For years, AI has been controlled by companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, who lock their best models behind paywalls and API restrictions. DeepSeek challenges that model, offering free, self-hosted AI that businesses, researchers, and developers can modify without limitations.

But does it live up to the hype?

DeepSeek vs. other AI models

When put to the test, DeepSeek excels in some areas but struggles in others.

  • Competitive reasoning and coding: DeepSeek-R1 performs on par with OpenAI’s top models in knowledge-based tests and even outperforms them in some coding benchmarks.

  • Weaker in structured problem-solving: DeepSeek models are great at general reasoning; however, they struggle with multi-step scientific and mathematical logic, trailing behind OpenAI’s o3-mini in STEM-heavy tasks.

  • Slow response times: One of DeepSeek’s biggest drawbacks is speed. It’s significantly slower than OpenAI’s models, making it less suitable for real-time applications.

Our experiments confirmed this: In coding, logic puzzles, and math problems, DeepSeek-R1 was accurate but slower, while OpenAI’s o3-mini delivered faster, more refined responses.

So, is DeepSeek the best model? Not always. But it’s still an incredible choice if you need an open-source alternative without API costs.

What about AGI?

One of the biggest questions in AI today is whether Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—a system that can think, learn, and perform any intellectual task a human can—will come from corporate labs or open-source AI projects like DeepSeek.

Right now, DeepSeek-R1 falls under Level 2—Advanced LLMs, meaning:

  • It’s highly capable of reasoning, coding, and problem-solving.

  • It competes with top-tier AI models like Gemini 2.0 and OpenAI's o3-mini.

  • It lacks memory, self-learning, and autonomy—key AGI traits.

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