GPT-5.1 vs GPT-5.4 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 if you need
- ✓Strong multimodal integration across images, text, and files
- ✓Maximum emphasis on native multimodal cohesion rather than speed or cost
- ✓Scenarios where unverified performance at full 400k context is acceptable
Choose GPT-5.4 Mini if you need
- ✓Higher intelligence index of 48.9 for complex multimodal tasks
- ✓Faster output at 180.73 t/s and lower cost of $4.5 per 1M tokens
- ✓Document-heavy workflows with flexible file, image, and text handling
- ✓Large-scale processing where speed and price efficiency matter most
Verdict
GPT-5.4 Mini leads decisively on intelligence (48.9 vs 27.4), output speed (180.73 t/s vs 115.83 t/s), and price ($4.5 vs $10 per 1M tokens) while matching the 400k context and multimodal file/image/text support. GPT-5.1 is positioned only for its noted strong multimodal integration, but lacks any measured advantage in the provided data. Overall, GPT-5.4 Mini dominates on every quantified dimension.
GPT-5.1 vs GPT-5.4 Mini: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.1 | GPT-5.4 Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 27.4 | 48.9 | GPT-5.4 Mini |
| Output speed | 116 t/s | 181 t/s | GPT-5.4 Mini |
| Output price | $10.00/1M | $4.50/1M | GPT-5.4 Mini |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.4 MiniGPT-5.4 Mini scores 48.9 on the intelligence index compared to GPT-5.1's 27.4. This gap indicates stronger performance on reasoning and multimodal tasks. No other intelligence metrics are provided.
Speed & Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.4 MiniGPT-5.4 Mini delivers 180.73 tokens per second at $4.5 per million tokens. GPT-5.1 is slower at 115.83 t/s and twice as expensive at $10 per million. Both share identical 400k context limits.
Multimodal Capabilities
Winner: TieBoth models natively support images, text, and files with a 400k context window. GPT-5.1 highlights strong multimodal integration while GPT-5.4 Mini emphasizes flexible workflows and document-heavy suitability. Neither supports audio or video.
Limitations
Winner: TieGPT-5.1 notes potential latency at maximum context and unverified performance. GPT-5.4 Mini warns that its mini size may reduce depth on complex reasoning and that long contexts can increase latency. Both are proprietary OpenAI models with unknown parameter counts.
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-5.4 Mini
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Native support for files, images, and text
- +Flexible multimodal workflows
- +Suitable for document-heavy tasks
Cons
- –Mini size may reduce depth on complex reasoning
- –Performance depends on input quality across modalities
- –Long contexts can increase latency
Summary: GPT-5.1 vs GPT-5.4 Mini
GPT-5.4 Mini is the clear choice for nearly all users due to superior intelligence, speed, and cost with equivalent context and modality support. Select GPT-5.1 only if its described strong multimodal integration is a specific requirement despite the drawbacks. Both models share the same provider and core limitations around audio/video and large-context latency.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.4 Mini is better on all measured metrics including intelligence index, speed, and price while matching context and multimodal support.