Claude Opus 4.8 vs GPT-5.2
A side-by-side comparison of two multimodal models — real specs, pricing, strengths and weaknesses, and a clear verdict on which to choose. Kept current by our agents.
Quick verdict: which should you choose?
Choose Claude Opus 4.8 if you need
- ✓Choose Claude Opus 4.8 if you need the highest intelligence index (55.7) for complex multimodal reasoning.
- ✓Choose Claude Opus 4.8 if you need a 1M-token context that handles extremely long inputs effectively.
- ✓Choose Claude Opus 4.8 if you need strong integration of text, images, and files with careful nuanced outputs.
- ✓Choose Claude Opus 4.8 if you need robust safety alignment and measurable speed of 68.22 t/s.
Choose GPT-5.2 if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need the lower output price of $14 per 1M tokens.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need unified multimodal processing for files, images, and text at scale.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need document-level analysis within a 400k context window.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need an extensive context without the highest intelligence demands.
Verdict
Claude Opus 4.8 leads in intelligence (55.7 vs 38) and context length (1M vs 400k tokens) with explicit multimodal strengths in text-image-file integration and nuanced reasoning, while GPT-5.2 undercuts it on price ($14 vs $25 per 1M tokens) and offers scalable document analysis within its smaller window. Claude's known output speed of 68.22 t/s gives it an edge where measurable, though GPT-5.2's speed remains unreported. Overall, Claude dominates capability metrics while GPT-5.2 wins on cost for less demanding multimodal workloads.
Claude Opus 4.8 vs GPT-5.2: side by side
| Spec | Claude Opus 4.8 | GPT-5.2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 55.7 | 38 | Claude Opus 4.8 |
| Output speed | 68 t/s | — | Tie |
| Output price | $25.00/1M | $14.00/1M | GPT-5.2 |
| Context | 1000K | 400K | Claude Opus 4.8 |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Provider | Anthropic | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: Claude Opus 4.8Claude Opus 4.8 reports an intelligence_index of 55.7 compared to GPT-5.2's 38. This gap favors Claude for tasks requiring careful and nuanced multimodal reasoning over text, images, and files.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.2GPT-5.2 lists output_price at $14 per 1M tokens versus Claude Opus 4.8's $25 per 1M. The lower cost makes GPT-5.2 preferable for budget-conscious large-scale multimodal workloads.
Context Length
Winner: Claude Opus 4.8Claude Opus 4.8 provides a 1M-token context that handles extremely long inputs effectively, exceeding GPT-5.2's 400k tokens. GPT-5.2 notes risk of diluted focus in very long inputs while Claude emphasizes robust long-context performance.
Speed
Winner: Claude Opus 4.8Claude Opus 4.8 states an output_speed of 68.22 t/s; GPT-5.2's speed is unreported. Claude's limitation of higher latency on large contexts should be weighed against the available data point.
Claude Opus 4.8
Pros
- +Handles extremely long inputs effectively
- +Strong multimodal integration of text, images, and files
- +Careful and nuanced reasoning
Cons
- –Higher latency on large contexts
- –Conservative response style due to safety tuning
- –May require explicit guidance for creative tasks
GPT-5.2
Pros
- +Extensive context window
- +Support for files, images, and text
- +Unified multimodal processing
Cons
- –High resource use with maximum context
- –No native audio or video modalities
- –Risk of diluted focus in very long inputs
Summary: Claude Opus 4.8 vs GPT-5.2
Select Claude Opus 4.8 when intelligence, maximum context, and multimodal integration outweigh cost. Choose GPT-5.2 when lower pricing and scalable document processing within a 400k window are priorities. The facts show Claude ahead on capability metrics and GPT-5.2 ahead on affordability.
Frequently asked questions
Claude Opus 4.8 scores higher on intelligence_index (55.7 vs 38) and offers stronger documented multimodal integration plus larger context, making it the stronger performer on capability facts.