GPT-4.1 vs GPT-5 Mini
Long-context workhorse still on the menu. Meanwhile, gpt-5 mini: gpt-5 shrunk for scale.
Side-by-side
Specs
| Dimension | GPT-4.1 | GPT-5 Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Released | 2025-04 | 2025-08 |
| Context window | ✓1M | 200K |
| Output max | 32K | 32K |
| Input /M | $2.00 | ✓$0.40 |
| Output /M | $8.00 | ✓$1.60 |
| Modalities | text, image | text, image |
| Open weights | no | no |
Scorecard
Dimension-by-dimension
GPT-4.1
GPT-5 Mini
reasoning
8.0
8.0
coding
9.0
8.0
writing
8.0
7.0
speed
7.0
9.0
value
8.0
10.0
Verdict
Which wins, by use case
| Use case | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| coding | GPT-4.1 | a coin flip on our weighted coding score |
| writing | GPT-4.1 | a coin flip on our weighted writing score |
| chat | GPT-5 Mini | a clear edge on our weighted chat score |
| agents | GPT-5 Mini | a coin flip on our weighted agents score |
| summarization | GPT-5 Mini | a decisive lead on our weighted summarization score |
| translation | GPT-5 Mini | a clear edge on our weighted translation score |
| reasoning | GPT-4.1 | a coin flip on our weighted reasoning score |
| research | GPT-5 Mini | a coin flip on our weighted research score |
| vision and multimodal | GPT-5 Mini | a coin flip on our weighted vision score |
| Cheapest AI models for bulk workloads | GPT-5 Mini | a decisive lead on our weighted cheap-bulk score |
Bottom line
Our take
Pick GPT-4.1 if you need: huge context, reliable tool use.
Pick GPT-5 Mini if you need: cheap per token, fast first-token.
At a 500M-input / 150M-output monthly volume, GPT-4.1 costs roughly $2200 vs GPT-5 Mini at $440. Use our calculator to plug in your own numbers.
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