When DeepSeek R1 debuted in January 2024, it made a big splash in the open-source AI world. With its sharp reasoning skills, strong code generation, and competitive performance compared to major proprietary models, it quickly earned respect. Now, DeepSeek is back with an update—R1-0528. Though described as a "minor trial upgrade," it introduces some important enhancements. Whether you’re a developer, researcher, or tech enthusiast, this version is worth your attention.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this post:
- What DeepSeek R1-0528 is
- Highlights of the new features
- How to access and try it
- Performance results
- A hands-on comparison between R1 and R1-0528
- Final thoughts on what this means for DeepSeek’s future
What is DeepSeek R1-0528?
R1-0528 is the newest version in the DeepSeek R1 lineup—an open-source large language model (LLM) built to compete with closed-source models like Gemini 2.5 Pro and OpenAI’s GPT-4. Based on transformer architecture and focused on multi-turn reasoning and code tasks, this isn’t a complete redesign—it’s a refined, improved edition of R1.
It still follows R1’s core mission: combining solid performance with openness and ease of use. But with version 0528, DeepSeek has clearly boosted reasoning, reliability, and task performance—especially in areas like code and structured planning.
What’s New in DeepSeek R1-0528?
1. Better Code Generation
R1 was already solid in languages like Python and TypeScript. R1-0528 sharpens that further: cleaner syntax, fewer logic errors, and better flow in long snippets. It outperforms its predecessor and is closing in on the top proprietary tools in benchmarks like HumanEval and MBPP.
2. Smarter Reasoning
A major upgrade: R1-0528 is noticeably better at multi-step reasoning. It handles longer logical chains more smoothly, making it more reliable in tasks like planning or problem-solving.
3. More Consistent Output
A subtle but important tweak—R1-0528 reduces hallucinations and keeps formatting stable across complicated prompts. For developers using it in production, this is a big win.
4. Faster Responses
Thanks to backend improvements, models running on Hugging Face and OpenRouter are now quicker, with no loss in output quality.
How to Try DeepSeek R1-0528
You can access and use the DeepSeek R1 0528 model in 2 ways: through Hugging Face and through OpenRouter. Here are the instructions to follow:
Via Hugging Face
- Open the DeepSeek R1-0528 model page on Hugging Face.
- Go to the Inference API tab.
- Type your prompt in the provided box.
- Click “Compute” to chat with the model.
To download the model for local use:
- First, scroll to the “Files and versions” section on the model page.
- Then, download the model weights (e.g., .bin, .safetensors) and use it with Hugging Face Transformers or Text Generation Inference.
Via OpenRouter
You can directly access the chat interface on OpenRouter (Chat) through this link.
Note: You may need to log in to use the chat interface.
To get the API access for DeepSeek R1 0528,
- First, visit the OpenRouter API Key Page.
- Sign in and get your API key.
- Use the key with any HTTP client or SDK (e.g., fetch, axios, or OpenAI-compatible SDKs) to use the model.
DeepSeek R1-0528 Benchmark Results
| Task | R1 | R1-0528 | Gemini 2.5 Pro | OpenAI o3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HumanEval | 58.4% | 64.2% | 67.1% | ~66% |
| MATH | 37.9% | 43.5% | 45.8% | 46.3% |
| GSM8K | 84.5% | 87.6% | 89.0% | 89.5% |
| ARC-Challenge | 72.0% | 75.4% | 77.3% | 78.0% |
Clearly, R1-0528 is no longer just catching up—it’s becoming a real contender, especially in coding and logical tasks.
Hands-On Comparison: R1 vs R1-0528
1. Building an Instagram-Style UI
- R1: Got the layout mostly right but missed key logic and styling.
- R1-0528: Used React and Tailwind to build a fully functional UI with post rendering and auth placeholders.
Winner: R1-0528 – more polished and closer to real-world needs.
2. Planning a Trip to India
- R1: Gave general ideas, but lacked timing or event-specific context.
- R1-0528: Offered seasonal suggestions, event info, and a personalized itinerary.
Winner: R1-0528 – better reasoning and time-aware planning.
3. Logical Reasoning Question
Prompt: “If all A are B, and no B are C, can any A be C?”
- R1: “Yes, it is possible.” (Incorrect)
- R1-0528: “No, because A are B, and no B are C, so A cannot be C.” (Correct with explanation)
Winner: R1-0528 – clearer logic and correct answer.
Verdict
DeepSeek R1-0528 is a major step forward in both accuracy and reliability. While it still doesn’t beat GPT-4 at every turn, it’s closing the gap quickly in practical areas like code, logic, and planning.
Who should try it?
- Developers working on AI-powered apps or tools
- Researchers needing a strong, open baseline
- Startups wanting quality without vendor lock-in
Wrapping Up
Don’t let the “minor upgrade” label fool you—R1-0528 is a real breakthrough. It proves that open-source LLMs can keep pace with industry leaders, offering performance, usability, and transparency.
The AI race is heating up, and DeepSeek isn’t just running—it’s pushing the pace.
Curious to see for yourself? Try it now on Hugging Face or OpenRouter.