Model Comparison

GPT-4.1 nano vs Phi-4-multimodal-instructWhich is better in 2026?

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. Phi-4-multimodal-instruct is 2.8x cheaper per token.

Verdict: GPT-4.1 nano vs Phi-4-multimodal-instruct — which is better?

GPT-4.1 nano (by OpenAI) and Phi-4-multimodal-instruct (by Microsoft) 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 (MMMU), while Phi-4-multimodal-instruct is better at 1 benchmark (MathVista). Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

On price, Phi-4-multimodal-instruct is roughly 2.8x 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 Phi-4-multimodal-instruct if…

  • cost matters — it's about 2.8x cheaper per token
  • you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune

Performance Benchmarks

Comparative analysis across standard metrics

2 benchmarks

GPT-4.1 nano outperforms in 1 benchmarks (MMMU), while Phi-4-multimodal-instruct is better at 1 benchmark (MathVista).

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.

Tue Jul 21 2026 • llm-stats.com

Arena Performance

Human preference votes

Pricing Analysis

Price comparison per million tokens

Phi-4-multimodal-instruct costs less

For input processing, GPT-4.1 nano ($0.10/1M tokens) is 2.0x more expensive than Phi-4-multimodal-instruct ($0.05/1M tokens).

For output processing, GPT-4.1 nano ($0.40/1M tokens) is 4.0x more expensive than Phi-4-multimodal-instruct ($0.10/1M tokens).

In conclusion, GPT-4.1 nano is more expensive than Phi-4-multimodal-instruct.*

* 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
Microsoft
Phi-4-multimodal-instruct
Input tokens$0.05
Output tokens$0.10
Best providerDeepinfra
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 Phi-4-multimodal-instruct's 128,000 tokens. Phi-4-multimodal-instruct can generate longer responses up to 128,000 tokens, while GPT-4.1 nano is limited to 32,768 tokens.

OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Input1,047,576 tokens
Output32,768 tokens
Microsoft
Phi-4-multimodal-instruct
Input128,000 tokens
Output128,000 tokens
Tue Jul 21 2026 • llm-stats.com

Input Capabilities

Supported data types and modalities

Both GPT-4.1 nano and Phi-4-multimodal-instruct 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

Phi-4-multimodal-instruct

Text
Images
Audio
Video

License

Usage and distribution terms

GPT-4.1 nano is licensed under a proprietary license, while Phi-4-multimodal-instruct uses MIT.

License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.

GPT-4.1 nano

Proprietary

Closed source

Phi-4-multimodal-instruct

MIT

Open weights

Release Timeline

When each model was launched

GPT-4.1 nano was released on 2025-04-14, while Phi-4-multimodal-instruct was released on 2025-02-01.

GPT-4.1 nano is 2 months newer than Phi-4-multimodal-instruct.

GPT-4.1 nano

Apr 14, 2025

1.3 years ago

2mo newer
Phi-4-multimodal-instruct

Feb 1, 2025

1.5 years ago

Knowledge Cutoff

When training data ends

GPT-4.1 nano has a knowledge cutoff of 2024-05-31, while Phi-4-multimodal-instruct has a cutoff of 2024-06-01.

Phi-4-multimodal-instruct has more recent training data (up to 2024-06-01), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-4.1 nano (2024-05-31).

GPT-4.1 nano

May 2024

Phi-4-multimodal-instruct

Jun 2024

1 mo newer

Provider Availability

GPT-4.1 nano is available from OpenAI. Phi-4-multimodal-instruct is available from DeepInfra.

GPT-4.1 nano

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

Phi-4-multimodal-instruct

deepinfra logo
Deepinfra
Input Price:Input: $0.05/1MOutput Price:Output: $0.10/1M
* 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 MMMU score (55.4% vs 55.1%)
Microsoft
Less expensive input tokens
Less expensive output tokens
Has open weights
Higher MathVista score (62.4% vs 56.2%)

Detailed Comparison

Interactive Arena

Judge for yourself.

Run your own prompts against GPT-4.1 nano and Phi-4-multimodal-instruct side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.

GPT-4.1 nano
✓ Preferred
Phi-4-multimodal-instruct
Open in Playground
AI Model Comparison Table
Feature
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 nano
Microsoft
Phi-4-multimodal-instruct

FAQ

Common questions about GPT-4.1 nano vs Phi-4-multimodal-instruct.

Which is better, GPT-4.1 nano or Phi-4-multimodal-instruct?

Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. GPT-4.1 nano is made by OpenAI and Phi-4-multimodal-instruct is made by Microsoft. The best choice depends on your use case — compare their benchmark scores, pricing, and capabilities above.

How does GPT-4.1 nano compare to Phi-4-multimodal-instruct in benchmarks?

GPT-4.1 nano scores MMLU: 80.1%, IFEval: 74.5%, CharXiv-D: 73.9%, MMMLU: 66.9%, Multi-IF: 57.2%. Phi-4-multimodal-instruct scores ScienceQA Visual: 97.5%, DocVQA: 93.2%, MMBench: 86.7%, POPE: 85.6%, OCRBench: 84.4%.

Is GPT-4.1 nano cheaper than Phi-4-multimodal-instruct?

Phi-4-multimodal-instruct is 2.0x cheaper for input tokens. GPT-4.1 nano costs $0.10/M input and $0.40/M output via openai. Phi-4-multimodal-instruct costs $0.05/M input and $0.10/M output via deepinfra.

What are the context window sizes for GPT-4.1 nano and Phi-4-multimodal-instruct?

GPT-4.1 nano supports 1.0M tokens and Phi-4-multimodal-instruct supports 128K 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 Phi-4-multimodal-instruct?

Key differences include context window (1.0M vs 128K), input pricing ($0.10 vs $0.05/M), licensing (Proprietary vs MIT). See the full comparison above for benchmark-by-benchmark results.

Who makes GPT-4.1 nano and Phi-4-multimodal-instruct?

GPT-4.1 nano is developed by OpenAI and Phi-4-multimodal-instruct is developed by Microsoft.

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