GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.4
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 intelligence_index above 50 and 1M+ token contexts for document tasks
- ✓Require seamless text-image-file integration in flexible multimodal workflows
- ✓Prioritize strong performance on complex, large-scale text and file analysis
- ✓Can accept higher latency and $15/M output pricing for deeper results
Choose GPT-5.4 if you need
- ✓Need faster output at 216 t/s and $2/M pricing for cost-sensitive use
- ✓Focus on coding specialization with native image+text support
- ✓Work within 400k context for extended technical or coding sessions
- ✓Accept lower intelligence_index (30.6) for speed and affordability
Verdict
GPT-5.4 leads in intelligence (51.4 vs 30.6) and maximum context size (1.05M tokens), making it stronger for document-level and large-scale multimodal workflows with text-image-file integration. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini wins on speed (216.15 t/s vs 166.3 t/s) and price ($2 vs $15 per 1M tokens) while offering coding specialization within a still-large 400k context. The choice hinges on whether raw capability and context depth outweigh cost and velocity for the workload.
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.4: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini | GPT-5.4 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 30.6 | 51.4 | GPT-5.4 |
| Output speed | 216 t/s | 166 t/s | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| Output price | $2.00/1M | $15.00/1M | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| Context | 400K | 1050K | GPT-5.4 |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.4GPT-5.4 scores 51.4 on the intelligence_index compared with 30.6 for GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini. This gap favors GPT-5.4 on complex reasoning and document-level tasks. The Mini variant's lower score aligns with its noted reduced depth on complex reasoning.
Speed & Cost
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini delivers 216.15 tokens per second at $2 per million tokens. GPT-5.4 runs at 166.3 t/s and $15 per million tokens. The speed and price advantages make the Mini model preferable for high-volume or budget-constrained workloads.
Context Size
Winner: GPT-5.4GPT-5.4 supports 1,050,000 tokens versus 400,000 for GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini. The larger window directly enables the extremely large contexts and extended document tasks listed in its strengths. Both remain very large, but GPT-5.4's scale is unmatched here.
Multimodal Scope
Winner: GPT-5.4GPT-5.4 integrates text, image, and file modalities with flexible workflows. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is limited to image and text plus coding specialization. Neither supports native audio or video, but GPT-5.4 covers one additional modality.
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Strong coding specialization
- +Native image + text support
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-5.4
Pros
- +Handles extremely large contexts
- +Seamless text-image-file integration
- +Strong at document-level tasks
Cons
- –No native audio or video support
- –Large context can increase latency
- –May need careful prompting for complex tasks
Summary: GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.4
Select GPT-5.4 when maximum intelligence, context length, and file-inclusive multimodal work are required. Choose GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini when coding focus, higher speed, and lower cost matter most within a 400k context. The two models from OpenAI target different points on the capability-versus-efficiency spectrum.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.4 is stronger on intelligence and context size; GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is better on speed and price. Neither is universally superior.