Four-model marine lagoon test: Gemini 4 Argon cheapest at $0.22 but worst visuals
In a browser marine lagoon build-off among Claude Opus 5.5, GPT-6.1 Sol, GPT-6 Astra and Gemini 4 Argon, Argon cost only $0.22 but was judged visually the worst.
Did Claude Opus 5.5 just crush everyone again? Although GPT-6.1 Sol at $2.80 has something to say 🌊 Four models built a marine lagoon right in the browser: sharks, whales, rays, splashes, and whirlpools Visually, Claude Opus 5.5 is my favorite. The water, reefs, and shadows make it feel like real shallow water. But GPT-6.1 Sol did a great job for the price: simpler visuals at roughly one-fifth of the cost Gemini 4 Argon built its version for just 22 cents. But honestly, it looks terrible. The price is more impressive than the result GPT-6 Astra was the most expensive. Looking at the visuals alone, I wouldn’t have guessed API cost: Claude Opus 5.5 - $14.70 Gemini 4 Argon - $0.22 GPT-6.1 Sol - $2.80 GPT-6 Astra - $22.54 For visuals, I’m picking Claude Opus 5.5. For value, GPT-6.1 Sol. What exactly are we paying $22.54 for here?