GPT-5.1-Codex-Max vs GPT-5 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 with documented 96.66 t/s speed
- ✓integration of text, image, and file inputs in a compact multimodal design
- ✓efficient handling of very large 400k contexts for complex multi-turn tasks
- ✓situations where input clarity across three modalities is prioritized
Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need
- ✓strong coding focus within complex technical workflows
- ✓text and image combination at the same 400k context size
- ✓tasks where higher $10/M pricing is acceptable for specialized coding
- ✓scenarios limited to text and image without needing file support
Verdict
GPT-5 Mini leads on known metrics with a 38.9 intelligence index, 96.66 t/s speed, and $2/M price while supporting text/image/file inputs for broad multimodal use. GPT-5.1-Codex-Max targets coding workflows at a higher $10/M cost but shares the same 400k context and remains limited to text and image. GPT-5 Mini wins on efficiency and versatility where data is available; GPT-5.1-Codex-Max is preferable only for its explicit coding emphasis.
GPT-5.1-Codex-Max vs GPT-5 Mini: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1-Codex-Max | GPT-5 Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | — | 38.9 | Tie |
| Output speed | — | 97 t/s | Tie |
| Output price | $10.00/1M | $2.00/1M | GPT-5 Mini |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5 MiniGPT-5 Mini is listed at $2 per million output tokens while GPT-5.1-Codex-Max costs $10 per million. Both are proprietary OpenAI models with identical 400k context sizes. The fourfold price difference favors GPT-5 Mini for cost-sensitive multimodal deployments.
Speed & Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5 MiniGPT-5 Mini provides concrete values of 96.66 t/s output speed and 38.9 intelligence index. GPT-5.1-Codex-Max lists neither metric. These known figures give GPT-5 Mini a measurable edge in documented performance.
Modalities & Use Cases
Winner: GPT-5 MiniGPT-5 Mini integrates text, image, and file inputs with strengths in complex multi-turn tasks. GPT-5.1-Codex-Max is restricted to text and image with a noted coding focus. The extra file modality and broader strengths favor GPT-5 Mini for general multimodal work.
Context Handling
Winner: TieBoth models share an identical 400k-token context window and are described as handling very large contexts. No differentiating data exists on efficiency or resource demands beyond the shared size.
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 Mini
Pros
- +Handles very large contexts efficiently
- +Integrates text, image, and file inputs
- +Suitable for complex multi-turn tasks
- +Compact multimodal design
Cons
- –Reduced depth on highly complex reasoning vs full-size models
- –Performance depends on input clarity across modalities
- –May require careful prompting for nuanced outputs
Summary: GPT-5.1-Codex-Max vs GPT-5 Mini
Choose GPT-5 Mini when price, speed, and three-modality support matter most. Select GPT-5.1-Codex-Max only when its coding-specific strengths outweigh the higher cost and narrower modalities. The available facts position GPT-5 Mini as the stronger all-around option.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5 Mini at $2 per million output tokens versus GPT-5.1-Codex-Max at $10 per million.