GPT-5.2-Codex 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-5.2-Codex if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need file input support in addition to text and images.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need the lowest output price at $2 per 1M tokens.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need a compact multimodal model for complex multi-turn tasks.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need efficient handling of very large contexts on a budget.
Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2-Codex if you need the highest intelligence index of 49.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2-Codex if you need the fastest output speed at 144.39 t/s.
- ✓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 within a 400k context window.
Verdict
GPT-5.2-Codex leads on raw intelligence (49 vs 38.9) and output speed (144.39 t/s vs 96.66 t/s) while sharing the same 400k context, making it stronger for demanding coding and high-throughput tasks. GPT-5 Mini counters with a seven-times-lower price ($2 vs $14 per 1M tokens) and explicit support for file inputs alongside text and images. The choice hinges on whether users prioritize peak performance or cost-efficient multimodal breadth.
GPT-5.2-Codex vs GPT-5 Mini: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.2-Codex | GPT-5 Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 49 | 38.9 | GPT-5.2-Codex |
| Output speed | 144 t/s | 97 t/s | GPT-5.2-Codex |
| Output price | $14.00/1M | $2.00/1M | GPT-5 Mini |
| 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 scores 49 on the intelligence index while GPT-5 Mini scores 38.9. This gap indicates stronger performance on complex tasks for the Codex variant. Both models are proprietary OpenAI offerings with unknown parameter counts.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5.2-CodexGPT-5.2-Codex delivers 144.39 tokens per second compared with 96.66 for GPT-5 Mini. The higher speed favors GPT-5.2-Codex for high-volume output workloads. Both share an identical 400000-token context window.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5 MiniGPT-5 Mini is priced at $2 per million output tokens versus $14 for GPT-5.2-Codex. This makes Mini the clear lower-cost option for extended usage. Context length is the same for both models.
Modalities
Winner: GPT-5 MiniGPT-5 Mini integrates text, image, and file inputs while GPT-5.2-Codex is limited to text and images. Mini's file support provides broader multimodal coverage. Neither model supports audio or video.
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
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-5.2-Codex vs GPT-5 Mini
Select GPT-5 Mini when cost and file-input support matter most. Choose GPT-5.2-Codex when maximum intelligence, speed, and coding strength are required. Both models share the same provider and context size, so the decision reduces to performance versus price and modality breadth.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.2-Codex is better on intelligence and speed; GPT-5 Mini is better on price and file support. Neither dominates every dimension.