GPT-4.1 mini vs o4-mini Deep Research
GPT-4.1 mini vs o4-mini Deep Research: GPT-4.1 mini is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($0.40/M vs $2.00/M input tokens), while GPT-4.1 mini is better for long-context tasks (200,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose GPT-4.1 mini for lower token spend and choose GPT-4.1 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)
GPT-4.1 mini
o4-mini Deep Research
Cost Differences
o4-mini Deep Research costs more than GPT-4.1 mini
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: GPT-4.1 mini. At the default workload, GPT-4.1 mini saves about $14.40/month ($175.20/year) versus o4-mini Deep Research.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-4.1 mini | o4-mini Deep Research |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $0.40/1M tokens | $2.00/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $1.60/1M tokens | $8.00/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 200,000 tokens | 200,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 16,384 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | efficient | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textvisioncode | textreasoningcode |
| Release Date | 4/14/2025 | 6/26/2025 |
GPT-4.1 mini vs o4-mini Deep Research: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between GPT-4.1 mini and o4-mini Deep Research 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 tokens — 80% cheaper than o4-mini Deep Research.
These models target different tiers: GPT-4.1 mini is a efficient model while o4-mini Deep Research is reasoning. This means they're optimized for different workloads. o4-mini Deep Research 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 $8.00 for o4-mini Deep Research. 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 o4-mini Deep Research 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're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Choose o4-mini Deep Research when:
- • You need longer outputs (up to 32,768 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
GPT-4.1 mini
- • Input pricing: $0.40/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $1.60/M tokens
- • Context window: 200,000 tokens
- • Max output: 16,384 tokens
Watch out for
- • Trade-offs are minor in this matchup.
o4-mini Deep Research
- • Input pricing: $2.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $8.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 200,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than GPT-4.1 mini
- • Higher output cost than GPT-4.1 mini
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
GPT-4.1 mini (OpenAI)
o4-mini Deep Research (OpenAI)
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