GPT-5.2 pro vs GPT-5.6 Terra
Pricing verdict: GPT-5.2 pro vs GPT-5.6 Terra: GPT-5.6 Terra is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($2.50/M vs $21.00/M input tokens), while GPT-5.6 Terra is better for long-context tasks (1,050,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose GPT-5.6 Terra for lower token spend and choose GPT-5.6 Terra when your workload needs longer context.
Compare API pricing, input and output token costs, context windows, and monthly estimates on one page so you can pick the right model fast.
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
GPT-5.2 pro
GPT-5.6 Terra
Cost Differences
GPT-5.6 Terra costs less than GPT-5.2 pro
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: GPT-5.6 Terra. At the default workload, GPT-5.6 Terra saves about $285.00/month ($3,467.50/year) versus GPT-5.2 pro.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-5.2 pro | GPT-5.6 Terra |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $21.00/1M tokens | $2.50/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $168.00/1M tokens | $15.00/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 1,000,000 tokens | 1,050,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Category | reasoning | balanced |
| Capabilities | textvisionaudiocodereasoning | textvisioncodereasoning |
| Release Date | 12/11/2025 | 6/26/2026 |
GPT-5.2 pro vs GPT-5.6 Terra: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between GPT-5.2 pro and GPT-5.6 Terra depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. GPT-5.6 Terra is the more affordable option at $2.50/1M input tokens — 88% cheaper than GPT-5.2 pro. Meanwhile, GPT-5.6 Terra offers a significantly larger context window at 1,050,000 tokens vs 1,000,000 for GPT-5.2 pro.
These models target different tiers: GPT-5.2 pro is a reasoning model while GPT-5.6 Terra is balanced. This means they're optimized for different workloads. GPT-5.2 pro is built for complex tasks that require deeper reasoning, while GPT-5.6 Terra offers better value for routine operations.
Output costs matter too. GPT-5.2 pro charges $168.00/1M output tokens vs $15.00 for GPT-5.6 Terra. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. GPT-5.6 Terra has the edge here at $15.00/1M 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-5.2 pro when:
- • You need more capabilities (audio)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Choose GPT-5.6 Terra when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (1,050,000 tokens)
- • 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-5.6 Terra
- • Higher output cost than GPT-5.6 Terra
- • Smaller context window than GPT-5.6 Terra
GPT-5.6 Terra
- • Input pricing: $2.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $15.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 1,050,000 tokens
- • Max output: 128,000 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
GPT-5.2 pro (OpenAI)
GPT-5.6 Terra (OpenAI)
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Which is cheaper, GPT-5.2 pro or GPT-5.6 Terra?▼
What is the context window difference between GPT-5.2 pro and GPT-5.6 Terra?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
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