Gemini 3.1 Pro vs o4-mini
Gemini 3.1 Pro vs o4-mini: o4-mini is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($1.10/M vs $2.00/M input tokens), while o4-mini is better for long-context tasks (2,000,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose o4-mini for lower token spend and choose o4-mini when your workload needs longer context.
Compare input and output token pricing, context windows, and monthly cost estimates on one page so you can pick the cheaper model fast.
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
Gemini 3.1 Pro
o4-mini
Cost Differences
o4-mini costs less than Gemini 3.1 Pro
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: o4-mini. At the default workload, o4-mini saves about $14.10/month ($171.55/year) versus Gemini 3.1 Pro.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Gemini 3.1 Pro | o4-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | |
| Input Price | $2.00/1M tokens | $1.10/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $12.00/1M tokens | $4.40/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 1,000,000 tokens | 2,000,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 65,536 tokens | 131,072 tokens |
| Category | flagship | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textvisionaudiovideocodereasoning | textreasoningcode |
| Release Date | 2/19/2026 | 4/16/2025 |
Gemini 3.1 Pro vs o4-mini: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Gemini 3.1 Pro and o4-mini depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. o4-mini is the more affordable option at $1.10/1M input tokens — 45% cheaper than Gemini 3.1 Pro. Meanwhile, o4-mini offers a significantly larger context window at 2,000,000 tokens vs 1,000,000 for Gemini 3.1 Pro.
These models come from different providers — Google and OpenAI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with Google, switching to OpenAIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
These models target different tiers: Gemini 3.1 Pro is a flagship model while o4-mini is reasoning. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Gemini 3.1 Pro is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while o4-mini offers better value for routine operations.
Output costs matter too. Gemini 3.1 Pro charges $12.00/1M output tokens vs $4.40 for o4-mini. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. o4-mini has the edge here at $4.40/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: Gemini 3.1 Pro supports vision (image inputs) while o4-mini is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.
Best Use Cases
Choose Gemini 3.1 Pro when:
- • You need more capabilities (vision, audio, video)
- • You're already using Google's API ecosystem
Choose o4-mini when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (2,000,000 tokens)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Gemini 3.1 Pro
- • Input pricing: $2.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $12.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 1,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 65,536 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than o4-mini
- • Higher output cost than o4-mini
- • Smaller context window than o4-mini
o4-mini
- • Input pricing: $1.10/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $4.40/M tokens
- • Context window: 2,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Gemini 3.1 Pro (Google)
o4-mini (OpenAI)
Start using Gemini 3.1 Pro today
Sign Up for Google →Start using o4-mini today
Sign Up for OpenAI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Gemini 3.1 Pro or o4-mini?▼
What is the context window difference between Gemini 3.1 Pro and o4-mini?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare Google and OpenAI API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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