GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.2-Codex
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
- ✓Need maximum output speed above 200 t/s for rapid iteration
- ✓Require the lowest price at $2 per million tokens
- ✓Want a Mini model optimized for extended technical coding sessions
- ✓Prioritize fast responses over peak intelligence scores
Choose GPT-5.2-Codex if you need
- ✓Need the highest intelligence index of 49 for complex reasoning
- ✓Value stronger performance on difficult coding and multimodal tasks
- ✓Can accept slower speeds around 144 t/s and higher $14 pricing
- ✓Require seamless text-image integration without Mini-variant trade-offs
Verdict
GPT-5.2-Codex leads on raw intelligence (49 vs 38.6) while GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini dominates on speed (214.62 t/s vs 144.39 t/s) and price ($2 vs $14 per million tokens). Both share identical 400k context and text+image multimodal support with strong coding focus, but the Mini variant trades depth for efficiency. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini wins for cost-sensitive, high-throughput coding workflows; GPT-5.2-Codex wins when maximum capability matters more than speed or cost.
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.2-Codex: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini | GPT-5.2-Codex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 38.6 | 49 | GPT-5.2-Codex |
| Output speed | 215 t/s | 144 t/s | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| 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-5.2-CodexGPT-5.2-Codex scores 49 on the intelligence index compared to 38.6 for GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini. The higher score indicates stronger capability on complex tasks. The Mini variant is noted for potentially reduced depth on complex reasoning.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini outputs at 214.62 tokens per second versus 144.39 for GPT-5.2-Codex. This speed advantage supports faster workflows despite the shared 400k context. The Mini model explicitly lists a context-size versus speed trade-off.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini costs $2 per million tokens while GPT-5.2-Codex costs $14 per million tokens. The sevenfold price difference favors the Mini model for high-volume use. Both are proprietary OpenAI models with identical context lengths.
Multimodal & Context
Winner: TieBoth models support native text and image input with 400k-token context and strong coding specialization. Neither offers audio or video. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini emphasizes suitability for extended technical workflows while GPT-5.2-Codex highlights seamless text-image integration.
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-Codex
Pros
- +Very large context window for extended inputs
- +Strong coding specialization
- +Seamless integration of text and image data
Cons
- –Restricted to text and image modalities
- –High resource demands at maximum context length
- –No native support for audio or video
Summary: GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.2-Codex
Choose GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini when speed and low cost are priorities for large-context coding work. Choose GPT-5.2-Codex when the highest intelligence score is required and budget allows the higher price and slower speed. The models are otherwise closely matched on context and modalities.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.2-Codex is better on intelligence while GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is better on speed and price; the choice depends on whether capability or efficiency is the priority.