GPT-5.2 pro vs o3
GPT-5.2 pro vs o3: o3 is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($2.00/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 o3 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
o3
Cost Differences
o3 costs less than GPT-5.2 pro
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: o3. At the default workload, o3 saves about $297.00/month ($3,613.50/year) versus GPT-5.2 pro.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-5.2 pro | o3 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $21.00/1M tokens | $2.00/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $168.00/1M tokens | $8.00/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 1,000,000 tokens | 1,000,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 131,072 tokens |
| Category | reasoning | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textvisionaudiocodereasoning | textreasoningvisioncode |
| Release Date | 12/11/2025 | 4/16/2025 |
GPT-5.2 pro vs o3: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between GPT-5.2 pro and o3 depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. o3 is the more affordable option at $2.00/1M input tokens — 90% cheaper than GPT-5.2 pro.
Both models are in the reasoning category, making this a direct head-to-head comparison. At scale — say 10,000 requests per day — the cost difference adds up: o3 would save you roughly $29,700.00/month compared to GPT-5.2 pro. For startups and indie developers, that difference can be significant.
Output costs matter too. GPT-5.2 pro charges $168.00/1M output tokens vs $8.00 for o3. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. o3 has the edge here at $8.00/1M 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're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Choose o3 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 o3
- • Higher output cost than o3
o3
- • Input pricing: $2.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $8.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 1,000,000 tokens
- • Max output: 131,072 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)
o3 (OpenAI)
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Sign Up for OpenAI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GPT-5.2 pro or o3?▼
What is the context window difference between GPT-5.2 pro and o3?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
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