GPT-5.1 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 if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5.1 if you need lower output pricing at $10 per 1M tokens.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.1 if you need native support for files in addition to images and text.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.1 if you need strong multimodal integration across text, images, and files.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.1 if you need to minimize costs for large-scale image and file processing.
Choose GPT-5.2-Codex if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2-Codex if you need the higher intelligence index of 49.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2-Codex if you need faster output at 144.39 tokens per second.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2-Codex if you need strong coding specialization with text and image inputs.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2-Codex if you need maximum performance for extended multimodal coding tasks.
Verdict
GPT-5.2-Codex leads with a substantially higher intelligence index (49 vs 27.4) and faster output speed (144.39 t/s vs 115.83 t/s), making it stronger for demanding multimodal tasks. GPT-5.1 offers a lower price ($10 vs $14 per 1M tokens) and explicit file support alongside images and text. Both share identical 400k context windows, proprietary OpenAI origins, and lack audio or video modalities.
GPT-5.1 vs GPT-5.2-Codex: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1 | GPT-5.2-Codex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 27.4 | 49 | GPT-5.2-Codex |
| Output speed | 116 t/s | 144 t/s | GPT-5.2-Codex |
| Output price | $10.00/1M | $14.00/1M | GPT-5.1 |
| 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 reports an intelligence index of 49 compared to GPT-5.1's 27.4. This gap indicates stronger reasoning capabilities for complex multimodal inputs. Both models share the same unverified performance details beyond these specs.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5.2-CodexGPT-5.2-Codex delivers 144.39 tokens per second versus GPT-5.1's 115.83 t/s. The faster rate benefits high-volume text and image processing workloads. Both may experience latency at the shared 400k context maximum.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.1GPT-5.1 costs $10 per 1M tokens while GPT-5.2-Codex costs $14 per 1M tokens. The 29% lower price favors GPT-5.1 for budget-sensitive deployments. Both are proprietary OpenAI models with identical context lengths.
Multimodal Capabilities
Winner: GPT-5.1GPT-5.1 explicitly supports images, text, and files with strong multimodal integration. GPT-5.2-Codex focuses on seamless text and image integration plus coding specialization. Neither offers audio or video support.
GPT-5.1
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Native support for images, text, and files
- +Strong multimodal integration
Cons
- –No audio or video modalities
- –Performance details unverified beyond specs
- –Potential latency with maximum context
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 vs GPT-5.2-Codex
Select GPT-5.2-Codex when intelligence, speed, and coding performance are priorities. Choose GPT-5.1 when lower cost and file handling matter most. Both models match on context size and provider but differ in specialization and economics.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.2-Codex is better for intelligence and speed while GPT-5.1 is better for price and file support; the choice depends on specific needs.