GPT-5.2 vs Step-3.5-Flash
GPT-5.2 and Step-3.5-Flash are closely matched at 41.3 and 37.1 on the LLM Stats Score. Step-3.5-Flash is 27.5x cheaper per token.
OpenAI · StepFun · Updated for 2026
Which is better?
GPT-5.2 and Step-3.5-Flash are closely matched on the overall LLM Stats Score at 41.3 and 37.1.
In the 3 individual benchmarks reported for both models, GPT-5.2 wins 2; this is a narrower head-to-head signal than the composite indexes.
On price, Step-3.5-Flash is roughly 27.5x cheaper per token on a blended 3:1 input/output basis, which adds up quickly at production volume.
GPT-5.2 also accepts a larger context window (400,000 input tokens), making it the stronger choice for long documents and large codebases.
Based on current LLM Stats indexes, shared benchmarks, pricing, and model metadata for 2026.
Choose GPT-5.2
- you value its reported benchmark strengths — it wins 2 of 3 exact shared results
- you process long inputs — it offers a 400,000 token context window
Choose Step-3.5-Flash
- cost matters — it's about 27.5x cheaper per token
- you want the most recent training data — it shipped Feb 2026
- you need open weights you can self-host or fine-tune
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 · 7 for Step-3.5-Flash
GPT-5.2 outperforms in 2 benchmarks (AIME 2025, SWE-Bench Verified), while Step-3.5-Flash is better at 1 benchmark (BrowseComp).
GPT-5.2 shows notably better performance in the majority of 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 17.5x more expensive than Step-3.5-Flash ($0.10/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-5.2 ($14.00/1M tokens) is 35.0x more expensive than Step-3.5-Flash ($0.40/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-5.2 is more expensive than Step-3.5-Flash.*
* Using a 3:1 ratio of input to output tokens
Context Window
Maximum input and output token capacity
GPT-5.2 accepts 400,000 input tokens compared to Step-3.5-Flash's 65,536 tokens. GPT-5.2 can generate longer responses up to 128,000 tokens, while Step-3.5-Flash is limited to 8,192 tokens.
Input capabilities
Documented input modalities across available providers
GPT-5.2 supports multimodal inputs, whereas Step-3.5-Flash does not.
GPT-5.2 can handle both text and other forms of data like images, making it suitable for multimodal applications.
GPT-5.2
Step-3.5-Flash
License
Usage and distribution terms
GPT-5.2 is licensed under a proprietary license, while Step-3.5-Flash uses Apache 2.0.
License differences may affect how you can use these models in commercial or open-source projects.
Proprietary
Closed source
Apache 2.0
Open weights
Release Timeline
When each model was launched
GPT-5.2 was released on 2025-12-11, while Step-3.5-Flash was released on 2026-02-02.
Step-3.5-Flash is 2 months newer than GPT-5.2.
Dec 11, 2025
9 months ago
Feb 2, 2026
8 months ago
1mo newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-5.2 has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2025-08-25, while Step-3.5-Flash's cutoff date is not specified.
We can confirm GPT-5.2's training data extends to 2025-08-25, but cannot make a direct comparison without Step-3.5-Flash's cutoff date.
Aug 2025
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Provider Availability
GPT-5.2 is available from OpenAI. Step-3.5-Flash is available from StepFun.
GPT-5.2
Step-3.5-Flash
Outputs Comparison
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-5.2 and Step-3.5-Flash side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-5.2 vs Step-3.5-Flash.