GPT-5.2 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 if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need the highest intelligence index for complex multimodal reasoning.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need scalable document-level analysis across files, images, and text.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need unified multimodal processing on very large inputs.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if maximum context depth outweighs cost and speed considerations.
Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need the lowest output price at $2 per million tokens.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need a documented high output speed of 96.66 tokens per second.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need efficient handling of very large contexts in multi-turn tasks.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Mini if you need a compact multimodal design that balances cost and capability.
Verdict
GPT-5.2 leads on raw intelligence (46.6 vs 38.9) and document-scale multimodal analysis, while GPT-5 Mini delivers the same 400k context at far lower cost and with a documented high output speed. GPT-5.2 suits maximum-depth file and image tasks; GPT-5 Mini suits efficient multi-turn multimodal work where price and speed matter more than peak reasoning.
GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5 Mini: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.2 | GPT-5 Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 46.6 | 38.9 | GPT-5.2 |
| Output speed | — | 97 t/s | Tie |
| 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-5.2GPT-5.2 scores 46.6 on the intelligence index while GPT-5 Mini scores 38.9. This gap indicates stronger performance on complex reasoning tasks for the full-size model. Both share identical context length and multimodal inputs.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5 MiniGPT-5 Mini costs $2 per million output tokens versus $14 for GPT-5.2. The seven-fold price difference makes the Mini far more economical for high-volume use. Both are proprietary OpenAI models with the same 400k context.
Speed & Efficiency
Winner: GPT-5 MiniGPT-5 Mini lists an output speed of 96.66 tokens per second; GPT-5.2 speed is unspecified. GPT-5 Mini's strengths emphasize efficient large-context handling while GPT-5.2 notes higher resource use at maximum context. This favors the Mini for latency-sensitive workloads.
Multimodal Capabilities
Winner: TieBoth models support text, image, and file inputs with a 400k context window. GPT-5.2 highlights unified processing and scalable document analysis; GPT-5 Mini highlights integration and complex multi-turn tasks. Neither lists native audio or video support.
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 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 vs GPT-5 Mini
Select GPT-5.2 when intelligence and deep document analysis justify the higher price. Select GPT-5 Mini when speed, cost efficiency, and solid multimodal performance on large contexts are priorities. Both remain proprietary OpenAI options with identical context size.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.2 is stronger on intelligence and depth; GPT-5 Mini is stronger on price and speed. The better choice depends on whether maximum reasoning or cost-efficiency is the priority.