GPT-5.2 pro vs o3 Deep Research
GPT-5.2 pro vs o3 Deep Research: o3 Deep Research is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($10.00/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 Deep Research 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 Deep Research
Cost Differences
o3 Deep Research costs less than GPT-5.2 pro
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: o3 Deep Research. At the default workload, o3 Deep Research saves about $225.00/month ($2,737.50/year) versus GPT-5.2 pro.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-5.2 pro | o3 Deep Research |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input Price | $21.00/1M tokens | $10.00/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $168.00/1M tokens | $40.00/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 1,000,000 tokens | 200,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 131,072 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | reasoning | reasoning |
| Capabilities | textvisionaudiocodereasoning | textreasoningvisioncode |
| Release Date | 12/11/2025 | 6/26/2025 |
GPT-5.2 pro vs o3 Deep Research: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between GPT-5.2 pro and o3 Deep Research depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. o3 Deep Research is the more affordable option at $10.00/1M input tokens — 52% cheaper than GPT-5.2 pro. Meanwhile, GPT-5.2 pro offers a significantly larger context window at 1,000,000 tokens vs 200,000 for o3 Deep Research.
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 Deep Research would save you roughly $22,500.00/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 $40.00 for o3 Deep Research. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. o3 Deep Research has the edge here at $40.00/1M 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 a larger context window (1,000,000 tokens)
- • You need more capabilities (audio)
- • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
Choose o3 Deep Research 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 Deep Research
- • Higher output cost than o3 Deep Research
o3 Deep Research
- • Input pricing: $10.00/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $40.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 200,000 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)
o3 Deep Research (OpenAI)
Start using GPT-5.2 pro today
Sign Up for OpenAI →Start using o3 Deep Research today
Sign Up for OpenAI →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GPT-5.2 pro or o3 Deep Research?▼
What is the context window difference between GPT-5.2 pro and o3 Deep Research?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Related Comparisons
Related Articles
Learn when to pick each model, then compare live pricing scenarios.