Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite vs GPT-4.1 mini
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite leads the LLM Stats Score 29.7 to 14.0. GPT-4.1 mini is 1.2x cheaper per token.
Google · OpenAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite leads the overall LLM Stats Score 29.7 to 14.0, ranking #130 overall.
In the 1 individual benchmarks reported for both models, Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite wins 1; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
On price, GPT-4.1 mini is roughly 1.2x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite also accepts a larger context window (1,048,576 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
- overall performance matters — it scores 29.7 and ranks #130 on LLM Stats
- your work emphasizes reasoning and coding — it leads those capability indexes
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 1 of 1 exact shared results
- you process long inputs — it offers a 1,048,576 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Jul 2026
Choose GPT-4.1 mini
- cost matters — it's about 1.2x cheaper per token
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
6 reported for Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite · 28 for GPT-4.1 mini
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite outperforms in 1 benchmarks (CharXiv-R), while GPT-4.1 mini is better at 0 benchmarks.
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Human preference
Blind head-to-head votes and playground preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite ($0.30/1M tokens) is 1.3x cheaper than GPT-4.1 mini ($0.40/1M tokens).
For output processing, Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite ($2.50/1M tokens) is 1.6x more expensive than GPT-4.1 mini ($1.60/1M tokens).
In conclusion, Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite is more expensive than GPT-4.1 mini.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite accepts 1,048,576 input tokens compared to GPT-4.1 mini's 1,047,576 tokens. Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite can generate longer responses up to 65,536 tokens, while GPT-4.1 mini is limited to 32,768 tokens.
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
Both Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite and GPT-4.1 mini support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
GPT-4.1 mini
License
Usage and distribution terms
Both models are licensed under proprietary licenses.
Both models have usage restrictions defined by their respective organizations.
Proprietary
Closed source
Proprietary
Closed source
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite was released on 2026-07-21, while GPT-4.1 mini was released on 2025-04-14.
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite is 15 months newer than GPT-4.1 mini.
Jul 21, 2026
2 months ago
1.3yr newerApr 14, 2025
1.4 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite has a knowledge cutoff of 2026-03-31, while GPT-4.1 mini has a cutoff of 2024-05-31.
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite has more recent training data (up to 2026-03-31), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-4.1 mini (2024-05-31).
Mar 2026
1.8 yr newerMay 2024
Provider Availability
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite is available from Google. GPT-4.1 mini is available from OpenAI.
Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite
GPT-4.1 mini
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite and GPT-4.1 mini side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite vs GPT-4.1 mini.