GPT-5.2 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-5.2 if you need
- ✓Unified processing of files, images, and text in a single workflow
- ✓Scalable document-level analysis across extensive inputs
- ✓Applications needing the widest range of multimodal file handling
Choose GPT-5.2-Codex if you need
- ✓Higher intelligence score and measurable high output speed
- ✓Strong coding specialization with seamless text-image integration
- ✓Large-scale text and image tasks where speed and coding performance matter
Verdict
GPT-5.2-Codex leads with a higher intelligence index (49 vs 46.6) and a documented output speed of 144.39 t/s, plus explicit coding specialization. GPT-5.2 offers broader multimodal coverage through native file support alongside images and text. Both share identical pricing, context length, and lack of audio/video, making Codex the stronger pick for performance-focused multimodal coding tasks.
GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.2-Codex: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.2 | GPT-5.2-Codex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 46.6 | 49 | GPT-5.2-Codex |
| Output speed | — | 144 t/s | Tie |
| Output price | $14.00/1M | $14.00/1M | Tie |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence & Performance
Winner: GPT-5.2-CodexGPT-5.2-Codex scores 49 on the intelligence index compared to 46.6 for GPT-5.2. It also lists a concrete output speed of 144.39 t/s while GPT-5.2 speed is unspecified. This gives Codex a measurable edge in raw capability.
Multimodal Coverage
Winner: GPT-5.2GPT-5.2 explicitly supports files, images, and text with unified multimodal processing. GPT-5.2-Codex is limited to text and image data with coding focus. The difference is directly stated in their respective strengths.
Speed, Price & Context
Winner: TieBoth models share the same $14/1M price and 400k context window. GPT-5.2-Codex provides a known speed while GPT-5.2 does not; resource demands at max context are noted as high for both.
Specialization
Winner: GPT-5.2-CodexGPT-5.2-Codex lists strong coding specialization as a core strength. GPT-5.2 emphasizes scalable document-level analysis without coding-specific claims. The distinction appears only in the Codex description.
GPT-5.2
Pros
- +Extensive context window
- +Support for files, images, and text
- +Unified multimodal processing
- +Scalable document-level analysis
Cons
- –High resource use with maximum context
- –No native audio or video modalities
- –Risk of diluted focus in very long inputs
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-5.2 vs GPT-5.2-Codex
Choose GPT-5.2-Codex when intelligence, speed, and coding performance are priorities. Select GPT-5.2 when native file support and broader multimodal document handling are required. Both remain comparable on price and context length.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.2-Codex at 49 versus GPT-5.2 at 46.6.