GPT-5.1-Codex-Max vs GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini
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 GPT-5.1-Codex-Max if you need
- ✓lower output cost at $2 per million tokens for budget-conscious extended sessions
- ✓documented high output speed of 214.62 tokens per second
- ✓400k context window combined with native image+text input at reduced price
- ✓coding tasks where response speed and cost efficiency matter more than unmeasured depth
Choose GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini if you need
- ✓workflows that may benefit from the higher-priced Max tier despite unknown metrics
- ✓complex technical tasks where the non-Mini variant is preferred regardless of cost
- ✓scenarios accepting higher resource demands for the same 400k context and modalities
- ✓users prioritizing the Max designation over measured speed or price data
Verdict
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini leads on documented speed (214.62 t/s) and price ($2/M) while sharing the same 400k context and text+image support as GPT-5.1-Codex-Max. GPT-5.1-Codex-Max carries a 5x higher price with unknown speed and intelligence metrics, making its advantages speculative. Mini is the clear value choice for speed-sensitive coding workflows; Max remains unproven on performance dimensions.
GPT-5.1-Codex-Max vs GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1-Codex-Max | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | — | 38.6 | Tie |
| Output speed | — | 215 t/s | Tie |
| Output price | $10.00/1M | $2.00/1M | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniMini is priced at $2 per million output tokens while Max costs $10 per million. This fivefold difference is the only concrete pricing data available. Both models share identical context size and modality limits.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniMini reports a measured output speed of 214.62 tokens per second. Max lists no speed value. The provided limitation note for Mini explicitly flags a context-size versus speed trade-off.
Intelligence & Reasoning
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniMini supplies an intelligence_index of 38.6; Max supplies none. Mini's listed limitation notes possible reduced depth on complex reasoning compared with non-Mini variants. No countervailing data exists for Max.
Context & Modalities
Winner: TieBoth models list exactly 400000-token context and are restricted to image plus text inputs. Strengths for both emphasize large-context coding workflows with the same modality constraints.
GPT-5.1-Codex-Max
Pros
- +Handles very large contexts
- +Strong coding focus
- +Combines text and image inputs
- +Suitable for complex technical workflows
Cons
- –Limited to text and image modalities
- –High resource demands for large contexts
- –No support for other media types
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Strong coding specialization
- +Native image + text support
- +Suitable for extended technical workflows
Cons
- –Mini variant may have reduced depth on complex reasoning
- –Limited to image and text modalities
- –Trade-off between context size and response speed
Summary: GPT-5.1-Codex-Max vs GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini
Choose GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini when speed, cost, and known metrics are priorities. Choose GPT-5.1-Codex-Max only if the higher price tier is required irrespective of missing performance data. All other factors are identical between the two.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is better on all measured dimensions (price, speed, intelligence index); Max has no measurable advantages in the provided facts.