Google rolls out Gemini 4 Hydrogen, finally replacing 3.8 Flash
Gemini 4 Hydrogen isn’t getting a slow, security-conscious release like Carbon and Argon.
TL;DR
- Gemini 4 Hydrogen replaces Gemini 3.8 Flash, offering faster speeds and improved accuracy.
- Hydrogen is significantly faster than Flash 3.8, even in lower thinking levels, and reduces fabricated claims by over 5x.
- It shows marked improvements in code generation, tripling the score of 3.8 Flash in Terminal-Bench.
- Hydrogen's speed makes it suitable for generating simpler code and running tests efficiently.
- The model is integrated into Google Search, improving AI Overviews and AI Mode with better query handling and visual elements.
- Access to Hydrogen is immediate and more relaxed compared to previous Argon and Carbon releases.
- It is available for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, with broader access expected, though some users remain on older models.
- API pricing for Hydrogen remains the same as 3.8 Flash, while Carbon and Argon prices are set to increase.