Google released Gemini 4 Carbon on October 28, 2026, two weeks after Argon. It ranks first on the updated Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index V5 with a score of 59 and leads cybersecurity evaluations at 88.2% on SCC Bench Pro and 54.8% on Exploit Jim. Artificial Analysis then measured its cost per task at $7.76, 23% cheaper than Opus 5.5 and 20% pricier than Astra. The discussion now weighs the benchmark wins against that price gap and whether either carries into everyday use.