GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.4 Nano
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
- ✓Strong coding specialization for technical workflows
- ✓Faster output speed at 212.57 t/s for quicker responses
- ✓Native image + text support in extended sessions
- ✓Large 400k context when coding speed is prioritized over depth
Choose GPT-5.4 Nano if you need
- ✓Higher intelligence index of 38.2 for complex tasks
- ✓Lower output price at $1.25 per 1M tokens
- ✓Broader multimodal inputs including files, images, and text
- ✓Large 400k context for general long-context multimodal work
Verdict
GPT-5.4 Nano leads overall with higher intelligence (38.2 vs 30.6) and lower price ($1.25 vs $2 per 1M), making it stronger for general multimodal file and image tasks. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini wins on output speed (212.57 vs 147.78 t/s) and coding specialization despite its lower intelligence score. Both share identical 400k context windows but differ in focus and modality breadth.
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.4 Nano: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini | GPT-5.4 Nano | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 30.6 | 38.2 | GPT-5.4 Nano |
| Output speed | 211 t/s | 151 t/s | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| Output price | $2.00/1M | $1.25/1M | GPT-5.4 Nano |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.4 NanoGPT-5.4 Nano scores higher with an intelligence_index of 38.2 compared to 30.6 for GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini. This gives B an edge on complex reasoning despite both being compact variants. A’s lower score aligns with its noted limitation on depth for complex tasks.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini delivers faster output at 212.57 tokens per second versus 147.78 for GPT-5.4 Nano. The speed advantage suits A for high-volume or real-time coding interactions. Both models share the same context size so speed differences are independent of context handling.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.4 NanoGPT-5.4 Nano is cheaper at $1.25 per million output tokens compared to $2 for GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini. This cost reduction favors B for extended or frequent usage. Pricing data is provided directly and shows a clear 37.5% advantage for the Nano model.
Specialization & Modalities
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini offers explicit coding specialization and native image+text support tailored to technical workflows. GPT-5.4 Nano provides broader file+image+text flexibility but lacks coding focus. Both remain limited to non-audio/video modalities.
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 Nano
Pros
- +Very large 400k token context
- +Handles file, image, and text inputs
- +Multimodal flexibility
Cons
- –Nano size may limit depth on complex tasks
- –No audio or video modalities
Summary: GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5.4 Nano
Choose GPT-5.4 Nano for higher intelligence and better value on general multimodal long-context tasks. Select GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini when coding specialization and faster generation speed matter most. Both models match on context length but diverge clearly on performance trade-offs and use-case fit.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.4 Nano is stronger overall due to its higher intelligence index and lower price, while GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is preferable only for speed-critical coding work.