Model Comparison
GPT-4o mini vs GPT-5.6 TerraWhich is better in 2026?
GPT-5.6 Terra significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-4o mini is 21.4x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-4o mini vs GPT-5.6 Terra — which is better?
GPT-4o mini (by OpenAI) and GPT-5.6 Terra (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.
GPT-4o mini outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while GPT-5.6 Terra is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA). GPT-5.6 Terra significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, GPT-4o mini is roughly 21.4x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GPT-5.6 Terra also accepts a larger context window (1,050,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Choose GPT-4o mini if…
- cost matters — it's about 21.4x cheaper per token
Choose GPT-5.6 Terra if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 1 of 1 shared benchmarks
- you process long inputs — it offers a 1,050,000 token context window
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Jul 2026
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-4o mini outperforms in 0 benchmarks, while GPT-5.6 Terra is better at 1 benchmark (GPQA).
GPT-5.6 Terra significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-4o mini ($0.15/1M tokens) is 16.7x cheaper than GPT-5.6 Terra ($2.50/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-4o mini ($0.60/1M tokens) is 25.0x cheaper than GPT-5.6 Terra ($15.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-5.6 Terra is more expensive than GPT-4o mini.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GPT-5.6 Terra accepts 1,050,000 input tokens compared to GPT-4o mini's 128,000 tokens. GPT-5.6 Terra can generate longer responses up to 128,000 tokens, while GPT-4o mini is limited to 16,384 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-4o mini and GPT-5.6 Terra support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-4o mini
GPT-5.6 Terra
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-4o mini was released on 2024-07-18, while GPT-5.6 Terra was released on 2026-07-09.
GPT-5.6 Terra is 24 months newer than GPT-4o mini.
Jul 18, 2024
2.0 years ago
Jul 9, 2026
1 weeks ago
2.0yr newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-4o mini has a knowledge cutoff of 2023-10-01, while GPT-5.6 Terra has a cutoff of 2026-02-16.
GPT-5.6 Terra has more recent training data (up to 2026-02-16), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-4o mini (2023-10-01).
Oct 2023
Feb 2026
2.3 yr newerProvider Availability
GPT-4o mini is available from Azure. GPT-5.6 Terra is available from OpenAI.
GPT-4o mini
GPT-5.6 Terra
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-4o mini
View detailsOpenAI
Detailed Comparison
Interactive Arena
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-4o mini and GPT-5.6 Terra side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
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FAQ
Common questions about GPT-4o mini vs GPT-5.6 Terra.