GPT-5 vs GPT-5.2
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
- ✓higher measured intelligence for complex reasoning tasks
- ✓unified multimodal processing with explicit scalable document-level analysis
- ✓extensive context handling for large file and image workloads
- ✓avoidance of unverified performance risks
Choose GPT-5.2 if you need
- ✓lower output price at $10 per million tokens
- ✓known high output speed of 171.98 tokens per second
- ✓seamless native text-image-file integration at reduced cost
- ✓maximum context use where speed data is required
Verdict
GPT-5.2 leads with a substantially higher intelligence_index of 46.6 versus GPT-5's 21.8, plus stronger emphasis on unified multimodal processing and scalable document analysis. GPT-5 counters with lower price at $10/1M versus $14/1M and a documented output speed of 171.98 t/s. Both share identical 400k context and OpenAI proprietary status, though GPT-5 carries an explicit hypothetical-model caveat.
GPT-5 vs GPT-5.2: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5 | GPT-5.2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 21.8 | 46.6 | GPT-5.2 |
| Output speed | 172 t/s | — | Tie |
| Output price | $10.00/1M | $14.00/1M | GPT-5 |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5.2GPT-5.2 reports an intelligence_index of 46.6 compared with GPT-5's 21.8. This gap favors GPT-5.2 for tasks requiring stronger reasoning. Both models are otherwise matched on context size and provider.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5GPT-5 lists output price at $10 per million tokens while GPT-5.2 lists $14. The $4 difference gives GPT-5 a clear cost advantage on equivalent workloads. No other pricing dimensions are provided.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5GPT-5 supplies a measured output speed of 171.98 t/s; GPT-5.2 speed is unspecified. GPT-5 therefore supplies verifiable throughput data while GPT-5.2 does not.
Multimodal Support
Winner: TieBoth models list 400k context and support for files, images, and text. GPT-5.2 adds emphasis on unified processing and document analysis; GPT-5 stresses native multimodal input and seamless integration. Neither includes audio or video.
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-5.2
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
Summary: GPT-5 vs GPT-5.2
Select GPT-5.2 when maximum intelligence and documented multimodal document capabilities outweigh cost. Select GPT-5 when lower price and confirmed speed are priorities and the hypothetical-model note is acceptable. The intelligence gap is the clearest differentiator in the supplied data.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5.2 with an intelligence_index of 46.6 versus GPT-5's 21.8.