[justinhj]

We see the same with Google's Flash models. It's easier to make a small capable model when you have a large model to start from.

[karmasimida]

Flash models are nowhere near Pro models in daily use. Much higher hallucinations, and easy to get into a death sprawl of failed tool uses and never come out

You should always take those claim that smaller models are as capable as larger models with a grain of salt.

[justinhj]

Flash model n is generally a slightly better Pro model (n-1), in other words you get to use the previously premium model as a cheaper/faster version. That has value.