GPT-4o Mini wins on price ($0.15 vs $12/1M input). GPT-5.2 wins on coding (85 vs 65) and writing quality and context window (200K vs 128K). For most workflows, GPT-5.2 is the stronger default — capable but outclassed — gpt-5.4 is now cheaper and better.
The shortest way to see the safest default, the lower-cost option, and the specialist pick before you read deeper.
GPT-5.2 is the safest overall answer here when you want the strongest default instead of the lowest list price.
Meta: Llama 3.1 8B Instruct is the lower-cost option to start with when you still need useful output at scale.
GPT-4o Mini is the better pick when response speed matters more than maximum reasoning depth.
GPT-5.2 leads on coding with a score of 85 vs 65 for GPT-4o Mini.
GPT-5.2 has the larger context window: 200K vs 128K for GPT-4o Mini.
GPT-4o Mini is cheaper at $0.15/1M input tokens vs $12/1M for GPT-5.2.
Choose GPT-5.2 for coding and research — serious coding and complex product work.
Choose GPT-4o Mini when high-volume everyday tasks where gpt-4o quality is overkill.
GPT-4o Mini is the more cost-efficient option at $0.15/1M — worth considering if token volume is a concern.
Switch the scoring lens to see whether the top answer changes when you care more about cost, speed, or long-document work.
OpenAI / Premium / Jun 3, 2026
Capable but outclassed — GPT-5.4 is now cheaper and better.
Ranks models by the broadest mix of coding, writing, research, and long-context usefulness.
You're starting a new project — GPT-5.4 is cheaper and more capable.
The fastest way to see where the recommendation shifts when your priority changes.
OpenAI's fastest, cheapest option for everyday high-volume tasks.
Capable but outclassed — GPT-5.4 is now cheaper and better.
Reliable at debugging and multi-file code edits
Strong structured reasoning for product and technical workflows
Solid default for teams that want one premium OpenAI model
Superseded by GPT-5.4 for most use cases
Claude Sonnet 4.6 leads on both coding and writing quality
UseRightAI recommendations are based on practical decision factors people actually feel in day-to-day use.
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GPT-5.2 wins on more categories — coding, research, reasoning. GPT-4o Mini is the better pick when high-volume everyday tasks where gpt-4o quality is overkill. The right choice depends on your specific use case.
GPT-4o Mini is cheaper at $0.15/1M input and $0.6/1M output. GPT-5.2 costs $12/1M input and $38/1M output.
GPT-5.2 has the larger context window at 200K tokens vs GPT-4o Mini's 128K. For large document analysis, GPT-5.2 is the stronger pick.
GPT-5.2 is better for coding with a score of 85 vs GPT-4o Mini's 65. For the highest coding quality available, Claude Sonnet 4.6 (79.6% SWE-bench) or Opus 4.6 (80.8%) remain benchmarks.
GPT-4o Mini is faster with a very fast speed rating (score: 5) vs GPT-5.2's balanced rating (score: 3).
