GPT-5.2 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-5.2 if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need unified multimodal processing for scalable document-level analysis.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need extensive context handling without emphasis on speed or cost.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you prioritize OpenAI's described strengths in large-scale file and image tasks over measured intelligence gains.
Choose GPT-5.4 Mini if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5.4 Mini if you need higher intelligence (40) at lower cost ($4.5/1M).
- ✓Choose GPT-5.4 Mini if you need fast output (176.27 t/s) with 400k context for flexible multimodal tasks.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.4 Mini if you need cheaper large-scale file/image/text processing despite mini-size limits on complex reasoning.
Verdict
GPT-5.4 Mini leads on intelligence (40 vs 38), price ($4.5 vs $14 per 1M), and known output speed (176.27 t/s), while both share identical 400k context and OpenAI proprietary multimodal file/image/text support. GPT-5.2 emphasizes unified scalable document analysis but lacks speed data and costs more. GPT-5.4 Mini trades potential depth for efficiency in document-heavy multimodal workflows.
GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.4 Mini: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.2 | GPT-5.4 Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 38 | 40 | GPT-5.4 Mini |
| Output speed | — | 176 t/s | Tie |
| Output price | $14.00/1M | $4.50/1M | GPT-5.4 Mini |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.4 MiniGPT-5.4 Mini scores 40 on intelligence_index versus GPT-5.2's 38. Both are proprietary OpenAI multimodal models with identical context length. The 2-point edge favors GPT-5.4 Mini for reasoning tasks.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.4 MiniGPT-5.4 Mini costs $4.5 per 1M tokens compared to GPT-5.2 at $14 per 1M. Both support the same 400k context and file/image/text modalities. The lower price makes GPT-5.4 Mini more economical for high-volume use.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5.4 MiniGPT-5.4 Mini lists output speed of 176.27 t/s while GPT-5.2 speed is unspecified. Both share 400k context and multimodal capabilities. GPT-5.4 Mini provides a concrete speed advantage for latency-sensitive workflows.
Multimodal Capabilities
Winner: TieBoth models offer native support for files, images, and text with 400k context from OpenAI. GPT-5.2 highlights unified processing and scalable analysis; GPT-5.4 Mini notes flexible workflows for document-heavy tasks. Neither includes native audio or video.
GPT-5.2
Pros
- +Extensive context window
- +Support for files, images, and text
- +Unified multimodal processing
Cons
- –High resource use with maximum context
- –No native audio or video modalities
- –Risk of diluted focus in very long inputs
GPT-5.4 Mini
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Native support for files, images, and text
- +Flexible multimodal workflows
Cons
- –Mini size may reduce depth on complex reasoning
- –Performance depends on input quality across modalities
- –Long contexts can increase latency
Summary: GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.4 Mini
Select GPT-5.4 Mini for better intelligence, lower price, and documented speed in multimodal document tasks. Choose GPT-5.2 when unified scalable analysis is the priority despite higher cost and unknown speed. Both remain viable for 400k-context file/image/text work.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.4 Mini is stronger on intelligence (40 vs 38), price ($4.5 vs $14), and speed (176.27 t/s), while GPT-5.2 focuses on unified document analysis.