text model comparison
GPT-4.1 vs GPT-4.1 mini
GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini are both current text models, from OpenAI. GPT-4.1 mini is 80% cheaper per 1M input tokens than GPT-4.1, $0.40 vs $2. On Arena Text, GPT-4.1 scores 1415 Elo and GPT-4.1 mini 1383 Elo (Arena, measured October 8, 2026). Both accept 1,047,576 tokens of context.
Data verified October 12, 2026 · Dataset 2026-10-12
Side by side
Standard-tier prices in effect today. The better value in each row is highlighted.
| Fact | GPT-4.1 | GPT-4.1 mini |
|---|---|---|
| Price per 1M input tokens | $2 | $0.40 (better) |
| Price per 1M output tokens | $8 | $1.60 (better) |
| Cost of 10M input and 2M output tokens | $36 | $7.20 (better) |
| Arena Text | 1415 Elo (#36 of 39) (better) | 1383 Elo (#38 of 39) |
| GPQA Diamond | 66.9% (#35 of 37) (better) | 65.8% (#36 of 37) |
| FrontierMath Tiers 1-3 (v2) | 6% (#37 of 37) | 6.7% (#36 of 37) (better) |
| SimpleQA Verified | 31.1% (#29 of 34) (better) | 12.7% (#33 of 34) |
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Release date | April 14, 2025 | April 14, 2025 |
| Access | API only | API only |
| Context window | 1,047,576 tokens | 1,047,576 tokens |
| Max output | 32,768 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Input | text, image | text, image |
| Output | text | text |
When to choose each
GPT-4.1
Best for
- Long-context API trials using text and image inputs
Watch out for
- Not in the pinned LiveBench snapshot; its independent scores here come from Epoch AI's own GPQA Diamond, FrontierMath and SimpleQA Verified runs
GPT-4.1 mini
Best for
- Cost-sensitive long-context API evaluation
Watch out for
- Not in the pinned LiveBench snapshot; its independent scores here come from Epoch AI's own GPQA Diamond, FrontierMath and SimpleQA Verified runs
GPT-4.1 vs GPT-4.1 mini FAQ
Which is cheaper, GPT-4.1 or GPT-4.1 mini?
GPT-4.1 mini is 80% cheaper per 1M input tokens than GPT-4.1, $0.40 vs $2. For 10M input and 2M output tokens, GPT-4.1 costs $36 and GPT-4.1 mini $7.20 at standard rates.
Which scores higher on independent benchmarks, GPT-4.1 or GPT-4.1 mini?
GPT-4.1 leads on Arena Text, 1415 Elo to 1383 Elo; GPT-4.1 leads on GPQA Diamond, 66.9% to 65.8%; GPT-4.1 mini leads on FrontierMath Tiers 1-3 (v2), 6.7% to 6%. Scores are independent evaluations, not either vendor's launch figures.
Which has the larger context window, GPT-4.1 or GPT-4.1 mini?
Both accept 1,047,576 tokens of context.
Related comparisons
Production evaluation
Choosing between GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini?
Public benchmarks narrow the shortlist. We run both on your own tasks, data and cost limits, then build the routing and review controls to run the winner in production.
- A head-to-head evaluation on your real workload
- Routing between models by cost and difficulty