Model Comparison
GPT-4.1 nano vs Grok 4.5Which is better in 2026?
Grok 4.5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-4.1 nano is 17.1x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-4.1 nano vs Grok 4.5 — which is better?
GPT-4.1 nano (by OpenAI) and Grok 4.5 (by xAI) 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.
GPT-4.1 nano outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while Grok 4.5 is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA). Grok 4.5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, GPT-4.1 nano is roughly 17.1x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GPT-4.1 nano also accepts a larger context window (1,047,576 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Choose GPT-4.1 nano if…
- cost matters — it's about 17.1x cheaper per token
- you process long inputs — it offers a 1,047,576 token context window
Choose Grok 4.5 if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 1 of 1 shared benchmarks
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Jul 2026
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-4.1 nano outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while Grok 4.5 is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA).
Grok 4.5 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-4.1 nano ($0.10/1M tokens) is 20.0x cheaper than Grok 4.5 ($2.00/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-4.1 nano ($0.40/1M tokens) is 15.0x cheaper than Grok 4.5 ($6.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, Grok 4.5 is more expensive than GPT-4.1 nano.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GPT-4.1 nano accepts 1,047,576 input tokens compared to Grok 4.5's 500,000 tokens. Only GPT-4.1 nano specifies output context (32,768 tokens).
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-4.1 nano and Grok 4.5 support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-4.1 nano
Grok 4.5
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 nano was released on 2025-04-14, while Grok 4.5 was released on 2026-07-16.
Grok 4.5 is 15 months newer than GPT-4.1 nano.
Apr 14, 2025
1.3 years ago
Jul 16, 2026
4 days ago
1.3yr newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4.1 nano has a knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-31, while Grok 4.5 has a cutoff of 2026-02-01.
Grok 4.5 has more recent training data (up to 2026-02-01), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-4.1 nano (2024-05-31).
May 2024
Feb 2026
1.8 yr newerProvider Availability
GPT-4.1 nano is available from OpenAI. Grok 4.5 is available from xAI.
GPT-4.1 nano
Grok 4.5
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-4.1 nano
View detailsOpenAI
Detailed Comparison
Interactive Arena
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-4.1 nano and Grok 4.5 side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
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FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4.1 nano vs Grok 4.5.