Model Comparison

Gemma 3 4B vs GPT-4.1 miniWhich is better in 2026?

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. Gemma 3 4B is 28.0x cheaper per token.

Verdict: Gemma 3 4B vs GPT-4.1 mini — which is better?

Gemma 3 4B (by Google) and GPT-4.1 mini (by OpenAI) are two of the AI models people compare most. Here is how they stack up on benchmarks, price and capabilities, and which one to pick in 2026.

Gemma 3 4B outperforms in 1 benchmarks (IFEval), while GPT-4.1 mini is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA). Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

On price, Gemma 3 4B is roughly 28.0x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.

GPT-4.1 mini also accepts a larger context window (1,047,576 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.

Choose Gemma 3 4B if…

  • cost matters — it's about 28.0x cheaper per token
  • you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune

Choose GPT-4.1 mini if…

  • you process long inputs — it offers a 1,047,576 token context window
  • you want the most recent training data — it shipped Apr 2025

Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

2 benchmarks

Gemma 3 4B outperforms in 1 benchmarks (IFEval), while GPT-4.1 mini is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA).

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

Tue Jun 09 2026 • llm-stats.com

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Pricing Analysis

Price comparison per million tokens

Gemma 3 4B costs less

For input processing, Gemma 3 4B ($0.02/1M tokens) is 20.0x cheaper than GPT-4.1 mini ($0.40/1M tokens).

For output processing, Gemma 3 4B ($0.04/1M tokens) is 40.0x cheaper than GPT-4.1 mini ($1.60/1M tokens).

In conclusion, GPT-4.1 mini is more expensive than Gemma 3 4B.*

* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens

Lowest available price from all providers
Tue Jun 09 2026 • llm-stats.com
Google
Gemma 3 4B
Input tokens$0.02
Output tokens$0.04
Best providerDeepinfra
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 mini
Input tokens$0.40
Output tokens$1.60
Best providerOpenAI
Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

GPT-4.1 mini accepts 1,047,576 input tokens compared to Gemma 3 4B's 131,072 tokens. Gemma 3 4B can generate longer responses up to 131,072 tokens, while GPT-4.1 mini is limited to 32,768 tokens.

Google
Gemma 3 4B
Input131,072 tokens
Output131,072 tokens
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 mini
Input1,047,576 tokens
Output32,768 tokens
Tue Jun 09 2026 • llm-stats.com

Input Capabilities

Supported data types and modalities

Both Gemma 3 4B and GPT-4.1 mini support multimodal inputs.

They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.

Gemma 3 4B

Text
Images
Audio
Video

GPT-4.1 mini

Text
Images
Audio
Video

License

Usage and distribution terms

Gemma 3 4B is licensed under Gemma, while GPT-4.1 mini uses a proprietary license.

License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.

Gemma 3 4B

Gemma

Open weights

GPT-4.1 mini

Proprietary

Closed source

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

Gemma 3 4B was released on 2025-03-12, while GPT-4.1 mini was released on 2025-04-14.

GPT-4.1 mini is 1 month newer than Gemma 3 4B.

Gemma 3 4B

Mar 12, 2025

1.2 years ago

GPT-4.1 mini

Apr 14, 2025

1.2 years ago

1mo newer

Knowledge Cutoff

When training data ends

Gemma 3 4B has a knowledge cutoff of 2024-08-01, while GPT-4.1 mini has a cutoff of 2024-05-31.

Gemma 3 4B has more recent training data (up to 2024-08-01), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-4.1 mini (2024-05-31).

Gemma 3 4B

Aug 2024

3 mo newer
GPT-4.1 mini

May 2024

Provider Availability

Gemma 3 4B is available from DeepInfra. GPT-4.1 mini is available from OpenAI.

Gemma 3 4B

deepinfra logo
Deepinfra
Input Price:Input: $0.02/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.04/1M

GPT-4.1 mini

openai logo
OpenAI
Input Price:Input: $0.40/1MOutput Price:Output: $1.60/1M
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

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Key Takeaways

Less expensive input tokens
Less expensive output tokens
Has open weights
Higher IFEval score (90.2% vs 84.1%)
Larger context window (1,047,576 tokens)
Higher GPQA score (65.0% vs 30.8%)
GoogleGemma 3 4B
OpenAIGPT-4.1 mini

Detailed Comparison

AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
Google
Gemma 3 4B
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 mini

FAQ

Common questions about Gemma 3 4B vs GPT-4.1 mini.

Which is better, Gemma 3 4B or GPT-4.1 mini?

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. Gemma 3 4B is made by Google and GPT-4.1 mini is made by OpenAI. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does Gemma 3 4B compare to GPT-4.1 mini in benchmarks?

Gemma 3 4B scores IFEval: 90.2%, GSM8k: 89.2%, DocVQA: 75.8%, MATH: 75.6%, AI2D: 74.8%. GPT-4.1 mini scores CharXiv-D: 88.4%, MMLU: 87.5%, IFEval: 84.1%, MMMLU: 78.5%, MathVista: 73.1%.

Is Gemma 3 4B cheaper than GPT-4.1 mini?

Gemma 3 4B is 20.0x cheaper for input tokens. Gemma 3 4B costs $0.02/M input and $0.04/M output via deepinfra. GPT-4.1 mini costs $0.40/M input and $1.60/M output via openai.

What are the context window sizes for Gemma 3 4B and GPT-4.1 mini?

Gemma 3 4B supports 131K tokens and GPT-4.1 mini supports 1.0M tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

What are the main differences between Gemma 3 4B and GPT-4.1 mini?

Key differences include context window (131K vs 1.0M), input pricing ($0.02 vs $0.40/M), licensing (Gemma vs Proprietary). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes Gemma 3 4B and GPT-4.1 mini?

Gemma 3 4B is developed by Google and GPT-4.1 mini is developed by OpenAI.