GPT-4.1 mini vs GPT-4o
GPT-4.1 mini has a slight edge in benchmark performance. GPT-4.1 mini is 6.2x cheaper per token.
OpenAI · OpenAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
GPT-4.1 mini outperforms in 13 benchmarks (Aider-Polyglot, Aider-Polyglot Edit, AIME 2024, CharXiv-D, Graphwalks BFS <128k, Graphwalks parents <128k, IFEval, Internal API instruction following (hard), MathVista, MMLU, MMMU, Multi-IF, OpenAI-MRCR: 2 needle 128k), while GPT-4o is better at 10 benchmarks (CharXiv-R, COLLIE, ComplexFuncBench, GPQA, Humanity's Last Exam, MMMLU, Multi-Challenge, SWE-Bench Verified, TAU-bench Airline, TAU-bench Retail). GPT-4.1 mini has a slight edge in benchmark performance.
On price, GPT-4.1 mini is roughly 6.2x 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.
Based on current benchmark, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose GPT-4.1 mini
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 13 of 23 shared benchmarks
- cost matters — it's about 6.2x cheaper per token
- you process long inputs — it offers a 1,047,576 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Apr 2025
Choose GPT-4o
- you want predictable pricing at $2.50/M input and $10.00/M output
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-4.1 mini outperforms in 13 benchmarks (Aider-Polyglot, Aider-Polyglot Edit, AIME 2024, CharXiv-D, Graphwalks BFS <128k, Graphwalks parents <128k, IFEval, Internal API instruction following (hard), MathVista, MMLU, MMMU, Multi-IF, OpenAI-MRCR: 2 needle 128k), while GPT-4o is better at 10 benchmarks (CharXiv-R, COLLIE, ComplexFuncBench, GPQA, Humanity's Last Exam, MMMLU, Multi-Challenge, SWE-Bench Verified, TAU-bench Airline, TAU-bench Retail).
GPT-4.1 mini has a slight edge in benchmark performance.
Arena Performance
Playground indexes and blind preference scores
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-4.1 mini ($0.40/1M tokens) is 6.3x cheaper than GPT-4o ($2.50/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-4.1 mini ($1.60/1M tokens) is 6.3x cheaper than GPT-4o ($10.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-4o 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
GPT-4.1 mini accepts 1,047,576 input tokens compared to GPT-4o's 128,000 tokens. GPT-4.1 mini can generate longer responses up to 32,768 tokens, while GPT-4o is limited to 16,384 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-4.1 mini and GPT-4o support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-4.1 mini
GPT-4o
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
GPT-4.1 mini was released on 2025-04-14, while GPT-4o was released on 2024-08-06.
GPT-4.1 mini is 8 months newer than GPT-4o.
Apr 14, 2025
1.4 years ago
8mo newerAug 6, 2024
2.1 years ago
Knowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4.1 mini has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-31, while GPT-4o's cutoff date is not specified.
We can confirm GPT-4.1 mini's training data extends to 2024-05-31, but cannot make a direct comparison without GPT-4o's cutoff date.
May 2024
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Provider Availability
GPT-4.1 mini is available from OpenAI. GPT-4o is available from Azure, OpenAI.
GPT-4.1 mini
GPT-4o
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-4.1 mini and GPT-4o side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4.1 mini vs GPT-4o.