Model Comparison
GLM-5 vs GPT-5.2 CodexWhich is better in 2026?
GPT-5.2 Codex significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GLM-5 is 3.1x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GLM-5 vs GPT-5.2 Codex — which is better?
GLM-5 (by Zhipu AI) and GPT-5.2 Codex (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.
GLM-5 outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while GPT-5.2 Codex is better at 1 benchmark (Terminal-Bench 2.0). GPT-5.2 Codex significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, GLM-5 is roughly 3.1x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GPT-5.2 Codex also accepts a larger context window (400,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Choose GLM-5 if…
- cost matters — it's about 3.1x cheaper per token
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Feb 2026
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
Choose GPT-5.2 Codex if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 1 of 1 shared benchmarks
- you process long inputs — it offers a 400,000 token context window
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GLM-5 outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while GPT-5.2 Codex is better at 1 benchmark (Terminal-Bench 2.0).
GPT-5.2 Codex significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GLM-5 ($1.00/1M tokens) is 1.8x cheaper than GPT-5.2 Codex ($1.75/1M tokens).
For output processing, GLM-5 ($3.20/1M tokens) is 4.4x cheaper than GPT-5.2 Codex ($14.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-5.2 Codex is more expensive than GLM-5.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GPT-5.2 Codex accepts 400,000 input tokens compared to GLM-5's 200,000 tokens. Both models can generate responses up to 128,000 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
GPT-5.2 Codex supports multimodal inputs, whereas GLM-5 does not.
GPT-5.2 Codex can handle both text and other forms of data like images, making it suitable for multimodal applications.
GLM-5
GPT-5.2 Codex
License
Usage and distribution terms
GLM-5 is licensed under MIT, while GPT-5.2 Codex uses a proprietary license.
License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.
MIT
Open weights
Proprietary
Closed source
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
GLM-5 was released on 2026-02-11, while GPT-5.2 Codex was released on 2026-01-14.
GLM-5 is 1 month newer than GPT-5.2 Codex.
Feb 11, 2026
4 months ago
4w newerJan 14, 2026
5 months ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
Neither model specifies a knowledge cutoff date.
Unable to compare the recency of their training data.
Provider Availability
GLM-5 is available from FriendliAI, ZAI. GPT-5.2 Codex is available from OpenAI.
GLM-5
GPT-5.2 Codex
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GLM-5
View detailsZhipu AI
Detailed Comparison
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FAQ
Common questions about GLM-5 vs GPT-5.2 Codex.