GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini 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-Mini if you need
- ✓Handles text, image, and file inputs for broad multimodal workflows
- ✓Slightly higher intelligence index for general-purpose tasks
- ✓Efficient handling of very large contexts in complex multi-turn conversations
- ✓Compact multimodal design when file support matters
Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need
- ✓Much higher output speed for rapid technical responses
- ✓Strong coding specialization in extended technical workflows
- ✓Native image + text support within a 400k context window
- ✓Faster performance when response velocity outweighs minor intelligence differences
Verdict
GPT-5 Mini leads slightly in intelligence (38.9 vs 38.6) and supports file inputs in addition to text and images, suiting complex multi-turn multimodal tasks. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini wins decisively on speed (214.62 t/s vs 96.66 t/s) and coding specialization while matching on price and 400k context. Both share the same provider, proprietary nature, and mini-size trade-offs in reasoning depth.
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini vs GPT-5 Mini: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini | GPT-5 Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 38.6 | 38.9 | GPT-5 Mini |
| Output speed | 215 t/s | 97 t/s | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| Output price | $2.00/1M | $2.00/1M | Tie |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5 MiniGPT-5 Mini scores 38.9 on the intelligence index compared to 38.6 for GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini. Both models carry the same mini-size limitation of reduced depth on highly complex reasoning. The 0.3-point gap favors GPT-5 Mini for general multimodal use.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini delivers 214.62 tokens per second versus 96.66 for GPT-5 Mini. Both share identical 400k context and $2 per million output pricing. The more than twofold speed advantage makes GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini preferable for latency-sensitive tasks.
Modalities
Winner: GPT-5 MiniGPT-5 Mini integrates text, image, and file inputs while GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is limited to image and text. Both are proprietary OpenAI models with 400k context. The extra file modality gives GPT-5 Mini broader multimodal coverage.
Specialization
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is explicitly positioned as a coding model suited for extended technical workflows. GPT-5 Mini emphasizes general complex multi-turn tasks without coding focus. Both share the same price and context size.
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 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-Mini vs GPT-5 Mini
Choose GPT-5 Mini when file inputs or marginally higher intelligence matter. Choose GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini when coding focus and maximum speed are priorities. Both models are otherwise equivalent on price, context, and provider.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5 Mini is better for general multimodal tasks with file support and slightly higher intelligence; GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is better for coding and speed-critical work.