Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite vs GPT-5 Nano
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 Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need the lowest output cost at $0.4 per million tokens.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need native file input support alongside text and images.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need efficient handling of 400k-token document tasks on a budget.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need a lightweight OpenAI model for extended but not ultra-complex workflows.
Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need
- ✓Choose Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite if you need the highest output speed at 346.9 tokens per second.
- ✓Choose Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite if you need the largest context window of 1,048,576 tokens.
- ✓Choose Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite if you need higher intelligence scoring at 25 versus 19.9.
- ✓Choose Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite if you need video modality support in addition to text and images.
Verdict
Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite leads in raw speed and intelligence while GPT-5 Nano wins on price. Gemini's 346.9 t/s output and 25 intelligence index outpace GPT-5 Nano's 138.15 t/s and 19.9 index, and its 1M context exceeds the 400k window. GPT-5 Nano's $0.4/M price undercuts Gemini's $1.5/M, making it the cheaper option for large-context document work.
Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite vs GPT-5 Nano: side by side
| Spec | Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite | GPT-5 Nano | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 25 | 19.9 | Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite |
| Output speed | 347 t/s | 138 t/s | Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite |
| Output price | $1.50/1M | $0.40/1M | GPT-5 Nano |
| Context | 1049K | 400K | Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: Gemini 3.1 Flash LiteGemini 3.1 Flash Lite scores 25 on the intelligence index compared with GPT-5 Nano's 19.9. Both models note reduced depth on highly complex reasoning, yet the higher index gives Gemini the edge in capability.
Speed
Winner: Gemini 3.1 Flash LiteGemini 3.1 Flash Lite delivers 346.9 tokens per second versus GPT-5 Nano's 138.15 t/s. This speed advantage aligns with its listed strength in high speed and low latency for efficient inference.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5 NanoGPT-5 Nano costs $0.4 per million output tokens while Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite costs $1.5 per million. The fourfold price difference favors GPT-5 Nano for cost-sensitive, high-volume use.
Context Length
Winner: Gemini 3.1 Flash LiteGemini 3.1 Flash Lite supports a 1,048,576-token context versus GPT-5 Nano's 400,000 tokens. Both handle very large contexts efficiently, but Gemini's window is more than double the size.
Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite
Pros
- +High speed and low latency
- +Handles very large context windows
- +Broad modality support in a lightweight package
Cons
- –Reduced depth on highly complex reasoning tasks
- –Lite design trades peak capability for speed
- –May require more guidance on nuanced or creative outputs
GPT-5 Nano
Pros
- +Handles very large contexts efficiently
- +Supports text, image, and file inputs
- +Lightweight design for faster responses
Cons
- –Lower capability depth than full-scale models
- –May struggle with highly complex reasoning
- –Trade-off in advanced task performance
Summary: Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite vs GPT-5 Nano
Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite is the stronger performer for speed, intelligence, and maximum context, while GPT-5 Nano is the clear choice when price is the priority. Users needing file inputs or the lowest cost should pick GPT-5 Nano; those needing video support and top speed should pick Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite.
Frequently asked questions
Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite is better on speed, intelligence, and context length; GPT-5 Nano is better on price and file input support.