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GPT-4.1 mini vs GPT-5.3 Codex

Compare OpenAI and OpenAI AI models

OpenAI
GPT-4.1 mini
vs
OpenAI
GPT-5.3 Codex

Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)

GPT-4.1 mini

Per Request:$0.001200
Daily:$0.12
Monthly:$3.60
Yearly:$43.80

GPT-5.3 Codex

Per Request:$0.008750
Daily:$0.875
Monthly:$26.25
Yearly:$319.375

Cost Differences

+$0.007550
Per Request
+$0.755
Daily
+$22.65
Monthly
+$275.575
Yearly

GPT-5.3 Codex costs more than GPT-4.1 mini

Feature Comparison

FeatureGPT-4.1 miniGPT-5.3 Codex
ProviderOpenAIOpenAI
Input Price$0.40/1M tokens$1.75/1M tokens
Output Price$1.60/1M tokens$14.00/1M tokens
Context Window200,000 tokens256,000 tokens
Max Output16,384 tokens32,768 tokens
Categoryefficientcoding
Capabilities
textvisioncode
textcode
Release Date4/14/20253/1/2026

GPT-4.1 mini vs GPT-5.3 Codex: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between GPT-4.1 mini and GPT-5.3 Codex depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. GPT-4.1 mini is the more affordable option at $0.40/1M input tokens77% cheaper than GPT-5.3 Codex. Meanwhile, GPT-5.3 Codex offers a significantly larger context window at 256,000 tokens vs 200,000 for GPT-4.1 mini.

These models target different tiers: GPT-4.1 mini is a efficient model while GPT-5.3 Codex is coding. This means they're optimized for different workloads. GPT-5.3 Codex targets more demanding workloads, while GPT-4.1 mini provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.

Output costs matter too. GPT-4.1 mini charges $1.60/1M output tokens vs $14.00 for GPT-5.3 Codex. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. GPT-4.1 mini has the edge here at $1.60/1M output tokens.

Multimodal capabilities: GPT-4.1 mini supports vision (image inputs) while GPT-5.3 Codex is text-only. If your application needs image understanding, this narrows your choice.

Best Use Cases

Choose GPT-4.1 mini when:

  • • Budget is a primary concern
  • • You need more capabilities (vision)
  • • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
  • • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads

Choose GPT-5.3 Codex when:

  • • You need a larger context window (256,000 tokens)
  • • You need longer outputs (up to 32,768 tokens)
  • • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem

Try Different Scenarios

Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns

GPT-4.1 mini (OpenAI)

GPT-5.3 Codex (OpenAI)

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Start using GPT-5.3 Codex today

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GPT-4.1 mini or GPT-5.3 Codex?
GPT-4.1 mini is cheaper for input tokens at $0.40 per million tokens vs $1.75 for GPT-5.3 Codex — that's 77% savings on input costs.
What is the context window difference between GPT-4.1 mini and GPT-5.3 Codex?
GPT-4.1 mini supports 200,000 tokens while GPT-5.3 Codex supports 256,000 tokens — a difference of 56,000 tokens in favor of GPT-5.3 Codex.
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?
Both models support text. For ai chatbot, GPT-4.1 mini is the lower-cost option, while GPT-5.3 Codex offers a larger context window (256,000 vs 200,000 tokens). Choose GPT-4.1 mini for budget sensitivity or GPT-5.3 Codex for longer context tasks.
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?
At 100 requests/day with 1,000 input and 500 output tokens each, GPT-4.1 mini costs about $3.60/month and GPT-5.3 Codex costs about $26.25/month. Overall, GPT-4.1 mini has lower combined input + output rates ($0.40 in, $1.60 out) vs GPT-5.3 Codex.

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