Stop guessing whether a cheaper model can do the job. Grab the bakeoff guide: the validator, the manifest, the score sheet, and the fixtures.
The test I use for Qwen, GLM, DeepSeek, Kimi, and MiniMax—and the work I still keep on frontier models.
TL;DR
- Serious AI users should test Chinese models selectively for specific workflows.
- Decisions on using models should be based on the job, endpoint, and verification checks, not country of origin.
- A recent test using GLM-5.2 highlighted that cheaper models can lead to more errors, such as fabricated quotations, potentially doubling review time.
- The article outlines a 'bakeoff kit' for testing, including a validator, manifest, score sheet, and fixtures.
- The cost of the comprehensive test run was approximately $8 USD.