GPT-5.4 Mini vs GPT-5.4 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-5.4 Mini if you need
- ✓lowest output cost at $1.25 per million tokens for high-volume workloads
- ✓very large 400k context with file, image, and text inputs
- ✓multimodal flexibility when budget is the primary constraint
- ✓scenarios where Nano size limitations on depth are acceptable
Choose GPT-5.4 Nano if you need
- ✓higher intelligence index of 48.9 for stronger task performance
- ✓faster output speed at 183.23 tokens per second
- ✓document-heavy multimodal workflows needing native file/image/text handling
- ✓large-scale processing where the $4.5 price is justified by speed and capability
Verdict
GPT-5.4 Mini leads on intelligence (48.9 vs 44) and output speed (183.23 t/s vs 146.5 t/s) while sharing the same 400k context and multimodal file/image/text support. GPT-5.4 Nano wins decisively on price at $1.25 per million tokens versus $4.5. Both models carry similar size-related limits on complex reasoning depth and lack audio or video modalities.
GPT-5.4 Mini vs GPT-5.4 Nano: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5.4 Mini | GPT-5.4 Nano | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 48.9 | 44 | GPT-5.4 Mini |
| Output speed | 183 t/s | 147 t/s | GPT-5.4 Mini |
| Output price | $4.50/1M | $1.25/1M | GPT-5.4 Nano |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.4 MiniMini scores 48.9 on the intelligence index compared with Nano's 44. Both models note size-related constraints that may limit depth on complex tasks, but the higher index gives Mini a measurable edge in overall capability.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5.4 MiniMini delivers 183.23 tokens per second versus Nano's 146.5 t/s. The speed advantage holds across the shared 400k context window, though Mini's limitations note that long contexts can still increase latency.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.4 NanoNano costs $1.25 per million output tokens while Mini costs $4.5 per million. Both are proprietary OpenAI models with identical context sizes and input modalities, making price the clearest differentiator.
Context & Modalities
Winner: TieBoth provide a 400k token context and native support for file, image, and text inputs. Neither lists audio or video support, and both share the same provider and proprietary status.
GPT-5.4 Mini
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Native support for files, images, and text
- +Flexible multimodal workflows
- +Suitable for document-heavy tasks
Cons
- –Mini size may reduce depth on complex reasoning
- –Performance depends on input quality across modalities
- –Long contexts can increase latency
GPT-5.4 Nano
Pros
- +Very large 400k token context
- +Handles file, image, and text inputs
- +Multimodal flexibility
Cons
- –Nano size may limit depth on complex tasks
- –No audio or video modalities
Summary: GPT-5.4 Mini vs GPT-5.4 Nano
Choose GPT-5.4 Nano when cost efficiency and the shared 400k multimodal context are priorities. Select GPT-5.4 Mini when higher intelligence, faster output, and stronger performance on document tasks outweigh the higher price. The models are otherwise closely matched on context and input modalities.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.4 Mini is stronger on intelligence and speed while Nano is better on price; the better choice depends on whether performance or cost is the priority.