GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.5 Instant
GPT-5.2 leads the LLM Stats Score 41.4 to 32.3. GPT-5.2 is 2.3x cheaper per token.
OpenAI · OpenAI · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
GPT-5.2 leads the overall LLM Stats Score 41.4 to 32.3, ranking #51 overall.
In the 4 individual benchmarks reported for both models, GPT-5.2 wins 4; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
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.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose GPT-5.2
- overall performance matters — it scores 41.4 and ranks #51 on LLM Stats
- your work emphasizes reasoning — it leads those capability indexes
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 4 of 4 exact shared results
- cost matters — it's about 2.3x cheaper per token
Choose GPT-5.5 Instant
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped May 2026
At a glance
The differences that matter most.
Capability indexes
Additional strengths measured across groups of related public benchmarks
Individual benchmarks
24 reported for GPT-5.2 · 9 for GPT-5.5 Instant
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.
Human preference
Blind head-to-head votes and playground preference scores
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
Documented input modalities across available providers
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
9 months ago
May 5, 2026
4 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
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.
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-5.2 vs GPT-5.5 Instant.