Gemma 4 26B-A4B vs GPT-5 mini
Gemma 4 26B-A4B and GPT-5 mini are closely matched at 29.4 and 27.1 on the LLM Stats Score. Gemma 4 26B-A4B is 5.0x cheaper per token.
Google · OpenAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
Gemma 4 26B-A4B and GPT-5 mini are closely matched on the overall LLM Stats Score at 29.4 and 27.1.
The models split the 2 individual benchmarks reported for both models evenly.
On price, Gemma 4 26B-A4B is roughly 5.0x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GPT-5 mini also accepts a larger context window (400,000 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 Gemma 4 26B-A4B
- cost matters — it's about 5.0x cheaper per token
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Apr 2026
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
Choose GPT-5 mini
- you process long inputs — it offers a 400,000 token context window
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
12 reported for Gemma 4 26B-A4B · 5 for GPT-5 mini
Gemma 4 26B-A4B outperforms in 1 benchmarks (Humanity's Last Exam), while GPT-5 mini is better at 0 benchmarks.
Gemma 4 26B-A4B has a slight edge in benchmark performance.
Human preference
Blind head-to-head votes and playground preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, Gemma 4 26B-A4B ($0.07/1M tokens) is 3.6x cheaper than GPT-5 mini ($0.25/1M tokens).
For output processing, Gemma 4 26B-A4B ($0.34/1M tokens) is 5.9x cheaper than GPT-5 mini ($2.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-5 mini is more expensive than Gemma 4 26B-A4B.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GPT-5 mini accepts 400,000 input tokens compared to Gemma 4 26B-A4B's 262,144 tokens. Gemma 4 26B-A4B can generate longer responses up to 262,144 tokens, while GPT-5 mini is limited to 128,000 tokens.
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
Both Gemma 4 26B-A4B and GPT-5 mini support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
Gemma 4 26B-A4B
GPT-5 mini
License
Usage and distribution terms
Gemma 4 26B-A4B is licensed under Apache 2.0, while GPT-5 mini uses a proprietary license.
License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.
Apache 2.0
Open weights
Proprietary
Closed source
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
Gemma 4 26B-A4B was released on 2026-04-02, while GPT-5 mini was released on 2025-08-07.
Gemma 4 26B-A4B is 8 months newer than GPT-5 mini.
Apr 2, 2026
6 months ago
7mo newerAug 7, 2025
1.2 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Gemma 4 26B-A4B has a knowledge cutoff of 2025-01-01, while GPT-5 mini has a cutoff of 2024-05-30.
Gemma 4 26B-A4B has more recent training data (up to 2025-01-01), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-5 mini (2024-05-30).
Jan 2025
8 mo newerMay 2024
Provider Availability
Gemma 4 26B-A4B is available from DeepInfra, Novita. GPT-5 mini is available from OpenAI.
Gemma 4 26B-A4B
GPT-5 mini
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against Gemma 4 26B-A4B and GPT-5 mini side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about Gemma 4 26B-A4B vs GPT-5 mini.