GPT-5 vs GPT-5.1-Codex-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 if you need
- ✓coding specialization with native image+text support for extended technical workflows
- ✓higher intelligence index of 38.6 and faster output at 214.62 t/s
- ✓much lower cost at $2 per 1M tokens with the same 400k context
- ✓large-context technical tasks where speed and verified metrics matter
Choose GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini if you need
- ✓seamless text-image-file multimodal integration beyond image and text only
- ✓general complex multimodal inputs where broader file handling is required
- ✓maximum context usage despite higher latency and resource demands
- ✓scenarios accepting hypothetical unverified performance at $10 per 1M tokens
Verdict
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini leads on intelligence (38.6 vs 21.8), speed (214.62 t/s vs 171.98 t/s), and price ($2 vs $10 per 1M tokens) while matching the 400k context and adding coding specialization. GPT-5 offers broader multimodal file integration but trails in every measured metric and carries unverified performance notes. Overall, the Codex-Mini variant delivers stronger verified results for technical multimodal work.
GPT-5 vs GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5 | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 21.8 | 38.6 | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| Output speed | 172 t/s | 215 t/s | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| Output price | $10.00/1M | $2.00/1M | GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini scores 38.6 on the intelligence index compared to GPT-5's 21.8. This gap holds even though both share the 400k context window. The Codex-Mini variant's coding focus appears to contribute to the higher measured intelligence.
Speed & Pricing
Winner: GPT-5.1-Codex-MiniGPT-5.1-Codex-Mini runs at 214.62 tokens per second versus GPT-5's 171.98 t/s. It also costs $2 per million tokens against GPT-5's $10. Both models share identical 400k context sizes, making the speed and price advantages decisive.
Multimodal Capabilities
Winner: GPT-5GPT-5 lists seamless text-image-file integration as a strength. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is limited to image and text modalities per its stated limitations. Both provide native multimodal input support and the same context length.
Context & Limitations
Winner: TieBoth models advertise a 400k-token context window. GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini notes a possible trade-off between context size and speed plus reduced depth on complex reasoning. GPT-5 flags high resource demands and potential latency on large multimodal tasks.
GPT-5
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Native multimodal input support
- +Seamless text-image-file integration
Cons
- –Hypothetical model with unverified performance
- –High resource demands for maximum context
- –Potential latency on large multimodal tasks
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini
Pros
- +Very large context window
- +Strong coding specialization
- +Native image + text support
- +Suitable for extended technical workflows
Cons
- –Mini variant may have reduced depth on complex reasoning
- –Limited to image and text modalities
- –Trade-off between context size and response speed
Summary: GPT-5 vs GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini
Choose GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini for coding-focused multimodal work that benefits from higher intelligence, faster speed, and lower cost. Select GPT-5 only when file integration beyond images and text is essential despite weaker metrics. The data favors the Codex-Mini variant across most practical dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini is better on intelligence, speed, and price while matching context; GPT-5 only leads in file integration breadth.