GPT-5 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 if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need lower cost at $0.4 per 1M tokens for high-volume use.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need higher intelligence_index of 26.8 for better overall capability.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need lightweight design for faster responses on large contexts.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need practical handling of extended document tasks with text, image, and file inputs.
Choose GPT-5 Nano if you need
- ✓Choose GPT-5 if you need the marginally higher output speed of 171.98 t/s.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 if you need native multimodal input support with seamless text-image-file integration.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 if you need the full-scale model despite higher $10 per 1M token pricing.
- ✓Choose GPT-5 if you need a very large 400k context window for complex inputs.
Verdict
GPT-5 Nano leads with a higher intelligence_index (26.8 vs 21.8) and dramatically lower price ($0.4 vs $10 per 1M tokens) while matching the 400k context and multimodal support. GPT-5 edges out slightly on output speed but carries higher cost and is noted as hypothetical with unverified performance. Nano is the practical choice for efficiency on extended document tasks; GPT-5 offers no clear advantage in the given data.
GPT-5 vs GPT-5 Nano: side by side
| Spec | GPT-5 | GPT-5 Nano | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 21.8 | 26.8 | GPT-5 Nano |
| Output speed | 172 t/s | 170 t/s | GPT-5 |
| Output price | $10.00/1M | $0.40/1M | GPT-5 Nano |
| Context | 400K | 400K | Tie |
| Params | — | — | Tie |
| Type | Proprietary | Proprietary | Tie |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | Tie |
Detailed analysis
Intelligence
Winner: GPT-5 NanoGPT-5 Nano scores 26.8 on intelligence_index compared to GPT-5's 21.8. This gives Nano an edge in capability depth despite its limitations on highly complex reasoning. GPT-5 shows no advantage here based on the provided metrics.
Pricing
Winner: GPT-5 NanoGPT-5 Nano costs $0.4 per 1M tokens versus GPT-5 at $10 per 1M tokens. The 25x price difference makes Nano far more accessible for extended use. Both share the same 400k context but Nano delivers this at lower cost.
Speed
Winner: GPT-5GPT-5 outputs at 171.98 t/s while GPT-5 Nano runs at 170.06 t/s. The difference is minimal. Nano's lightweight design is positioned for faster responses overall despite the raw speed metric.
Context and Multimodal
Winner: TieBoth models support 400k context and text-image-file inputs. Nano emphasizes efficient handling of large contexts and extended documents. GPT-5 highlights seamless integration but notes 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 Nano
Pros
- +Handles very large contexts efficiently
- +Supports text, image, and file inputs
- +Lightweight design for faster responses
- +Practical for extended document tasks
Cons
- –Lower capability depth than full-scale models
- –May struggle with highly complex reasoning
- –Trade-off in advanced task performance
Summary: GPT-5 vs GPT-5 Nano
Select GPT-5 Nano for cost-effective, higher-intelligence multimodal work on long contexts. Choose GPT-5 only if the slight speed gain or full-scale branding outweighs its much higher price and unverified status. The data favors Nano across most practical dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
GPT-5 Nano is better overall due to its higher intelligence_index, far lower price, and comparable speed and context support.