Model Comparison

GPT-4.1 nano vs Nova LiteWhich is better in 2026?

Nova Lite shows notably better performance in the majority of benchmarks. Nova Lite is 1.7x cheaper per token.

Verdict: GPT-4.1 nano vs Nova Lite — which is better?

GPT-4.1 nano (by OpenAI) and Nova Lite (by Amazon) 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 1 benchmarks (GPQA), while Nova Lite is better at 3 benchmarks (IFEval, MMLU, MMMU). Nova Lite shows notably better performance in the majority of benchmarks.

On price, Nova Lite is roughly 1.7x 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…

  • 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 Nova Lite if…

  • you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 3 of 4 shared benchmarks
  • cost matters — it's about 1.7x cheaper per token

Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

4 benchmarks

GPT-4.1 nano outperforms in 1 benchmarks (GPQA), while Nova Lite is better at 3 benchmarks (IFEval, MMLU, MMMU).

Nova Lite shows notably better performance in the majority of benchmarks.

Tue Jul 21 2026 • llm-stats.com

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Pricing Analysis

Price comparison per million tokens

Nova Lite costs less

For input processing, GPT-4.1 nano ($0.10/1M tokens) is 1.7x more expensive than Nova Lite ($0.06/1M tokens).

For output processing, GPT-4.1 nano ($0.40/1M tokens) is 1.7x more expensive than Nova Lite ($0.24/1M tokens).

In conclusion, GPT-4.1 nano is more expensive than Nova Lite.*

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

Lowest available price from all providers
Tue Jul 21 2026 • llm-stats.com
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Input tokens$0.10
Output tokens$0.40
Best providerOpenAI
Amazon
Nova Lite
Input tokens$0.06
Output tokens$0.24
Best providerAWS Bedrock
Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue→

Context Window

Maximum input and output token capacity

GPT-4.1 nano accepts 1,047,576 input tokens compared to Nova Lite's 300,000 tokens. GPT-4.1 nano can generate longer responses up to 32,768 tokens, while Nova Lite is limited to 2,048 tokens.

OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Input1,047,576 tokens
Output32,768 tokens
Amazon
Nova Lite
Input300,000 tokens
Output2,048 tokens
Tue Jul 21 2026 • llm-stats.com

Input Capabilities

Supported data types and modalities

Both GPT-4.1 nano and Nova Lite support multimodal inputs.

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

GPT-4.1 nano

Text
Images
Audio
Video

Nova Lite

Text
Images
Audio
Video

License

Usage and distribution terms

Both models are licensed under proprietary licenses.

Both models have usage restrictions defined by their respective organizations.

GPT-4.1 nano

Proprietary

Closed source

Nova Lite

Proprietary

Closed source

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

GPT-4.1 nano was released on 2025-04-14, while Nova Lite was released on 2024-11-20.

GPT-4.1 nano is 5 months newer than Nova Lite.

GPT-4.1 nano

Apr 14, 2025

1.3 years ago

4mo newer
Nova Lite

Nov 20, 2024

1.7 years ago

Knowledge Cutoff

When training data ends

GPT-4.1 nano has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-31, while Nova Lite's cutoff date is not specified.

We can confirm GPT-4.1 nano's training data extends to 2024-05-31, but cannot make a direct comparison without Nova Lite's cutoff date.

GPT-4.1 nano

May 2024

Nova Lite

—

Provider Availability

GPT-4.1 nano is available from OpenAI. Nova Lite is available from Bedrock.

GPT-4.1 nano

openai logo
OpenAI
Input Price:Input: $0.10/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.40/1M

Nova Lite

bedrock logo
AWS Bedrock
Input Price:Input: $0.06/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.24/1M
* Prices shown are per million tokens

Outputs Comparison

Notice missing or incorrect data?Start an Issue discussion→

Key Takeaways

OpenAI
Larger context window (1,047,576 tokens)
Higher GPQA score (50.3% vs 42.0%)
Amazon
Less expensive input tokens
Less expensive output tokens
Higher IFEval score (89.7% vs 74.5%)
Higher MMLU score (80.5% vs 80.1%)
Higher MMMU score (56.2% vs 55.4%)

Detailed Comparison

Interactive Arena

Judge for yourself.

Run your own prompts against GPT-4.1 nano and Nova Lite side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.

GPT-4.1 nano
✓ Preferred
Nova Lite
Open in Playground
AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Amazon
Nova Lite

FAQ

Common questions about GPT-4.1 nano vs Nova Lite.

Which is better, GPT-4.1 nano or Nova Lite?

Nova Lite shows notably better performance in the majority of benchmarks. GPT-4.1 nano is made by OpenAI and Nova Lite is made by Amazon. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does GPT-4.1 nano compare to Nova Lite in benchmarks?

GPT-4.1 nano scores MMLU: 80.1%, IFEval: 74.5%, CharXiv-D: 73.9%, MMMLU: 66.9%, Multi-IF: 57.2%. Nova Lite scores GSM8k: 94.5%, ARC-C: 92.4%, DocVQA: 92.4%, IFEval: 89.7%, Translation en→Set1 COMET22: 88.8%.

Is GPT-4.1 nano cheaper than Nova Lite?

Nova Lite is 1.7x cheaper for input tokens. GPT-4.1 nano costs $0.10/M input and $0.40/M output via openai. Nova Lite costs $0.06/M input and $0.24/M output via bedrock.

What are the context window sizes for GPT-4.1 nano and Nova Lite?

GPT-4.1 nano supports 1.0M tokens and Nova Lite supports 300K tokens. A larger context window lets you process longer documents, conversations, or codebases in a single request.

What are the main differences between GPT-4.1 nano and Nova Lite?

Key differences include context window (1.0M vs 300K), input pricing ($0.10 vs $0.06/M). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes GPT-4.1 nano and Nova Lite?

GPT-4.1 nano is developed by OpenAI and Nova Lite is developed by Amazon.

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