GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini 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 GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini if you need
- ✓Higher intelligence index for complex multimodal reasoning tasks
- ✓Native support for files, images, and text in unified processing
- ✓Scalable document-level analysis with extensive context
- ✓Maximum capability on large-scale multimodal workloads
Choose GPT-5.2 if you need
- ✓Much lower output price at $2 per 1M tokens
- ✓Known high output speed of 214.62 t/s for responsive workflows
- ✓Strong coding specialization with image+text support
- ✓Cost-effective extended technical sessions within 400k context
Verdict
GPT-5.2 leads on raw intelligence (46.6 vs 38.6) and broader file+image+text multimodal support, making it stronger for large-scale document analysis. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini wins on price ($2 vs $14 per 1M tokens) and known high output speed (214.62 t/s), plus coding specialization. Both share identical 400k context but differ sharply in cost-efficiency and modality breadth.
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.2: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini | GPT-5.2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 38.6 | 46.6 | GPT-5.2 |
| Output speed | 215 t/s | — | Tie |
| Output price | $2.00/1M | $14.00/1M | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.2GPT-5.2 scores 46.6 on the intelligence index compared to 38.6 for GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini. This gap favors GPT-5.2 for tasks needing deeper multimodal understanding, while the Mini variant may show reduced depth on complex reasoning.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini costs $2 per 1M output tokens versus $14 for GPT-5.2. The eightfold price difference makes the Codex-Mini variant far more economical for high-volume use.
Speed & Context
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini reports 214.62 t/s output speed while GPT-5.2 speed is unspecified. Both models share the same 400k-token context, though GPT-5.2 notes higher resource use at maximum length.
Modalities
Winner: GPT-5.2GPT-5.2 supports files, images, and text with unified multimodal processing. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is limited to native image and text support plus coding specialization.
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
GPT-5.2
Pros
- +Extensive context window
- +Support for files, images, and text
- +Unified multimodal processing
- +Scalable document-level analysis
Cons
- –High resource use with maximum context
- –No native audio or video modalities
- –Risk of diluted focus in very long inputs
Summary: GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.2
Select GPT-5.2 when maximum intelligence and file-inclusive multimodal analysis are required. Choose GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini for coding-focused work that benefits from lower cost and measured high speed. The models serve overlapping 400k-context needs but diverge on price and breadth.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.2 is stronger on intelligence and modality range; GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is better on price and speed for coding tasks.