Model Comparison
GPT-5.2 Pro vs GPT-5.6 TerraWhich is better in 2026?
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks. GPT-5.6 Terra is 12.8x cheaper per token.
Verdict: GPT-5.2 Pro vs GPT-5.6 Terra — which is better?
GPT-5.2 Pro (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-5.2 Pro outperforms in 1 benchmarks (GPQA), while GPT-5.6 Terra is better at 1 benchmark (BrowseComp). Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
On price, GPT-5.6 Terra is roughly 12.8x 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-5.2 Pro if…
- you want predictable pricing at $21.00/M input and $168.00/M output
Choose GPT-5.6 Terra if…
- cost matters — it's about 12.8x cheaper per token
- 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-5.2 Pro outperforms in 1 benchmarks (GPQA), while GPT-5.6 Terra is better at 1 benchmark (BrowseComp).
Both models are evenly matched across the benchmarks.
Arena Performance
Human preference votes
Pricing Analysis
Price comparison per million tokens
For input processing, GPT-5.2 Pro ($21.00/1M tokens) is 10.5x more expensive than GPT-5.6 Terra ($2.00/1M tokens).
For output processing, GPT-5.2 Pro ($168.00/1M tokens) is 14.0x more expensive than GPT-5.6 Terra ($12.00/1M tokens).
In conclusion, GPT-5.2 Pro is more expensive than GPT-5.6 Terra.*
* 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-5.2 Pro's 400,000 tokens. Both models can generate responses up to 128,000 tokens.
Input Capabilities
Supported data types and modalities
Both GPT-5.2 Pro and GPT-5.6 Terra support multimodal inputs.
They are both capable of processing various types of data, offering versatility in application.
GPT-5.2 Pro
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-5.2 Pro was released on 2025-12-11, while GPT-5.6 Terra was released on 2026-07-09.
GPT-5.6 Terra is 7 months newer than GPT-5.2 Pro.
Dec 11, 2025
7 months ago
Jul 9, 2026
4 weeks ago
7mo newerKnowledge Cutoff
When training data ends
GPT-5.6 Terra has a documented knowledge cutoff of 2026-02-16, while GPT-5.2 Pro's cutoff date is not specified.
We can confirm GPT-5.6 Terra's training data extends to 2026-02-16, but cannot make a direct comparison without GPT-5.2 Pro's cutoff date.
—
Feb 2026
Provider Availability
GPT-5.2 Pro is available from OpenAI. GPT-5.6 Terra is available from OpenAI.
GPT-5.2 Pro
GPT-5.6 Terra
Outputs Comparison
Key Takeaways
GPT-5.2 Pro
View detailsOpenAI
Detailed Comparison
Interactive Arena
Judge for yourself.
Run your own prompts against GPT-5.2 Pro and GPT-5.6 Terra side-by-side, then vote on the output you prefer.
| Feature | | |
|---|
FAQ
Common questions about GPT-5.2 Pro vs GPT-5.6 Terra.