GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5 Nano
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 Nano if you need fast responses at 162.33 t/s with very large contexts.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need low-cost operation at $0.4 per 1M tokens for extended document tasks.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need lightweight multimodal handling of text, images, and files without high resource demands.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need practical efficiency over maximum reasoning depth.
Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need highest intelligence (index 38) for advanced multimodal analysis.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need scalable document-level processing with unified text, image, and file inputs.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need extensive 400k context for large-scale file and image tasks.
- ✓Choose GPT-5.2 if you need maximum capability depth despite higher $14 per 1M token pricing.
Verdict
GPT-5.2 leads decisively on intelligence (38 vs 19.9) for complex multimodal tasks, while GPT-5 Nano dominates on price ($0.4 vs $14 per 1M tokens) and measured speed (162.33 t/s). Both share identical 400k context and text/image/file support from OpenAI, but Nano's lightweight design trades depth for efficiency. GPT-5.2 suits high-capability needs despite unknown speed and higher cost.
GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5 Nano: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.2 | GPT-5 Nano | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 38 | 19.9 | GPT-5.2 |
| Output speed | — | 162 t/s | Tie |
| Output price | $14.00/1M | $0.40/1M | GPT-5 Nano |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.2GPT-5.2 scores 38 on intelligence_index compared to GPT-5 Nano's 19.9. This gives GPT-5.2 superior capability depth for complex reasoning. GPT-5 Nano's lower score reflects its trade-off for lightweight performance.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5 NanoGPT-5 Nano costs $0.4 per 1M tokens versus GPT-5.2 at $14 per 1M tokens. The 35x price difference favors Nano for budget-conscious or high-volume use. Both are proprietary OpenAI models with identical context sizes.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5 NanoGPT-5 Nano provides a measured output speed of 162.33 t/s; GPT-5.2 speed is unspecified. Nano's strengths explicitly highlight faster responses from its lightweight design. This makes Nano preferable where output velocity matters.
Multimodal Context
Winner: TieBoth models support text, image, and file inputs with the same 400000 context window. GPT-5 Nano emphasizes efficient large-context handling while GPT-5.2 focuses on unified scalable analysis. 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 Nano
Pros
- +Handles very large contexts efficiently
- +Supports text, image, and file inputs
- +Lightweight design for faster responses
Cons
- –Lower capability depth than full-scale models
- –May struggle with highly complex reasoning
- –Trade-off in advanced task performance
Summary: GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5 Nano
Select GPT-5 Nano for cost-effective, high-speed multimodal work with large contexts. Choose GPT-5.2 when maximum intelligence outweighs the steep price premium. The models serve distinct segments despite shared OpenAI provider and context specs.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.2 is better for intelligence-heavy tasks while GPT-5 Nano is better for speed and cost; neither is universally superior based on the given metrics.