Model Comparison
GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.5 InstantWhich is better in 2026?
GPT-5.2 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks. GPT-5.2 is 2.3x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.5 Instant — which is better?
GPT-5.2 (by OpenAI) and GPT-5.5 Instant (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-5.2 outperforms in 4 benchmarks (AIME 2025, CharXiv-R, GPQA, MMMU-Pro), while GPT-5.5 Instant is better at 0 benchmarks. GPT-5.2 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
On price, GPT-5.2 is roughly 2.3x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
Choose GPT-5.2 if…
- you want the strongest raw capability — it leads on 4 of 4 shared benchmarks
- cost matters — it's about 2.3x cheaper per token
Choose GPT-5.5 Instant if…
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped May 2026
Performance Benchmarks
Comparative analysis across standard metrics
GPT-5.2 outperforms in 4 benchmarks (AIME 2025, CharXiv-R, GPQA, MMMU-Pro), while GPT-5.5 Instant is better at 0 benchmarks.
GPT-5.2 significantly outperforms across most benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-5.2 ($1.75/1M tokens) is 2.9x cheaper than GPT-5.5 Instant ($5.00/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-5.2 ($14.00/1M tokens) is 2.1x cheaper than GPT-5.5 Instant ($30.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-5.5 Instant is more expensive than GPT-5.2.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
Both models have the same input context window of 400,000 tokens. Both models can generate responses up to 128,000 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-5.2 and GPT-5.5 Instant support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-5.2
GPT-5.5 Instant
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-5.2 was released on 2025-12-11, while GPT-5.5 Instant was released on 2026-05-05.
GPT-5.5 Instant is 5 months newer than GPT-5.2.
Dec 11, 2025
7 months ago
May 5, 2026
3 months ago
4mo newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-5.2 has a knowledge cutoff of 2025-08-25, while GPT-5.5 Instant has a cutoff of 2025-08-31.
GPT-5.5 Instant has more recent training data (up to 2025-08-31), making it potentially better informed about events through that date compared to GPT-5.2 (2025-08-25).
Aug 2025
Aug 2025
Provider Availability
GPT-5.2 is available from OpenAI. GPT-5.5 Instant is available from OpenAI.
GPT-5.2
GPT-5.5 Instant
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-5.2
View detailsOpenAI
No standout differentiators in the data we have for this pair.
Detailed Comparison
Interactive Arena
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-5.2 and GPT-5.5 Instant side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
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FAQ
Common questions about GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.5 Instant.