Gemini Nano 2 vs GPT-4.1
On-device first. Free inference, private by default. Meanwhile, gpt-4.1: long-context workhorse still on the menu.
Side-by-side
Specs
| Dimension | Gemini Nano 2 | GPT-4.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Google | OpenAI |
| Released | 2025-11 | 2025-04 |
| Context window | 32K | ✓1M |
| Output max | 4K | ✓32K |
| Input /M | ✓Free | $2.00 |
| Output /M | ✓Free | $8.00 |
| Modalities | text | ✓text, image |
| Open weights | no | no |
Scorecard
Dimension-by-dimension
Gemini Nano 2
GPT-4.1
reasoning
5.0
8.0
coding
4.0
9.0
writing
6.0
8.0
speed
10.0
7.0
value
10.0
8.0
Verdict
Which wins, by use case
| Use case | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| coding | GPT-4.1 | a decisive lead on our weighted coding score |
| writing | GPT-4.1 | a clear edge on our weighted writing score |
| chat | Gemini Nano 2 | a clear edge on our weighted chat score |
| agents | GPT-4.1 | a decisive lead on our weighted agents score |
| summarization | Gemini Nano 2 | a decisive lead on our weighted summarization score |
| translation | Gemini Nano 2 | a clear edge on our weighted translation score |
| reasoning | GPT-4.1 | a decisive lead on our weighted reasoning score |
| research | GPT-4.1 | a clear edge on our weighted research score |
| vision and multimodal | GPT-4.1 | a clear edge on our weighted vision score |
| Cheapest AI models for bulk workloads | Gemini Nano 2 | a decisive lead on our weighted cheap-bulk score |
Bottom line
Our take
Pick Gemini Nano 2 if you need: free on-device inference, private by design.
Pick GPT-4.1 if you need: huge context, reliable tool use.
At a 500M-input / 150M-output monthly volume, Gemini Nano 2 costs roughly $0 vs GPT-4.1 at $2200. Use our calculator to plug in your own numbers.
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