GPT-5.2 pro vs GPT-5.3 Codex
GPT-5.2 pro vs GPT-5.3 Codex: GPT-5.3 Codex is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($1.75/M vs $21.00/M input tokens), while GPT-5.2 pro is better for long-context tasks (1,000,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose GPT-5.3 Codex for lower token spend and choose GPT-5.2 pro 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-5.2 pro
GPT-5.3 Codex
Cost Differences
GPT-5.3 Codex costs less than GPT-5.2 pro
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: GPT-5.3 Codex. At the default workload, GPT-5.3 Codex saves about $288.75/month ($3,513.125/year) versus GPT-5.2 pro.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-5.2 pro | GPT-5.3 Codex |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $21.00/1M tokens | $1.75/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $168.00/1M tokens | $14.00/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 1,000,000 tokens | 256,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | reasoning | coding |
| Capabilities | textvisionaudiocodereasoning | textcode |
| Release Date | 12/11/2025 | 3/1/2026 |
GPT-5.2 pro vs GPT-5.3 Codex: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between GPT-5.2 pro and GPT-5.3 Codex depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. GPT-5.3 Codex is the more affordable option at $1.75/1M input tokens — 92% cheaper than GPT-5.2 pro. Meanwhile, GPT-5.2 pro offers a significantly larger context window at 1,000,000 tokens vs 256,000 for GPT-5.3 Codex.
These models target different tiers: GPT-5.2 pro is a reasoning model while GPT-5.3 Codex is coding. This means they're optimized for different workloads. GPT-5.2 pro is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while GPT-5.3 Codex offers better value for routine operations.
Output costs matter too. GPT-5.2 pro charges $168.00/1M 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-5.3 Codex has the edge here at $14.00/1M output tokens.
Multimodal capabilities: GPT-5.2 pro 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-5.2 pro when:
- • You need a larger context window (1,000,000 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (vision, audio, reasoning)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Choose GPT-5.3 Codex when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
GPT-5.2 pro
- • Input pricing: $21.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $168.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 1,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than GPT-5.3 Codex
- • Higher output cost than GPT-5.3 Codex
GPT-5.3 Codex
- • Input pricing: $1.75/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $14.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 256,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Smaller context window than GPT-5.2 pro
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
GPT-5.2 pro (OpenAI)
GPT-5.3 Codex (OpenAI)
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