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GPT-4.1 vs GPT-4.1 mini

Compare OpenAI and OpenAI AI models

OpenAI
GPT-4.1
vs
OpenAI
GPT-4.1 mini

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

GPT-4.1

Per Request:$0.006000
Daily:$0.60
Monthly:$18.00
Yearly:$219.00

GPT-4.1 mini

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

Cost Differences

$0.004800
Per Request
$0.48
Daily
$14.40
Monthly
$175.20
Yearly

GPT-4.1 mini costs less than GPT-4.1

Feature Comparison

FeatureGPT-4.1GPT-4.1 mini
ProviderOpenAIOpenAI
Input Price$2.00/1M tokens$0.40/1M tokens
Output Price$8.00/1M tokens$1.60/1M tokens
Context Window200,000 tokens200,000 tokens
Max Output32,768 tokens16,384 tokens
Categoryflagshipefficient
Capabilities
textvisioncode
textvisioncode
Release Date4/14/20254/14/2025

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

Choosing between GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini 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 tokens80% cheaper than GPT-4.1.

These models target different tiers: GPT-4.1 is a flagship model while GPT-4.1 mini is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. GPT-4.1 is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while GPT-4.1 mini offers better value for routine operations.

Output costs matter too. GPT-4.1 charges $8.00/1M output tokens vs $1.60 for GPT-4.1 mini. 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: Both models support vision (image understanding), so you can send images alongside text prompts with either option.

Best Use Cases

Choose GPT-4.1 when:

  • • You need longer outputs (up to 32,768 tokens)
  • • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem

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

Try Different Scenarios

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

GPT-4.1 (OpenAI)

GPT-4.1 mini (OpenAI)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GPT-4.1 or GPT-4.1 mini?
GPT-4.1 mini is cheaper for input tokens at $0.40 per million tokens vs $2.00 for GPT-4.1 — that's 80% savings on input costs.
What is the context window difference between GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini?
GPT-4.1 supports 200,000 tokens while GPT-4.1 mini supports 200,000 tokens — a difference of 0 tokens in favor of GPT-4.1.
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-4.1 offers a larger context window (200,000 vs 200,000 tokens). Choose GPT-4.1 mini for budget sensitivity or GPT-4.1 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 costs about $18.00/month and GPT-4.1 mini costs about $3.60/month. Overall, GPT-4.1 mini has lower combined input + output rates ($0.40 in, $1.60 out) vs GPT-4.1.

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