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GPT-5.3 Codex vs Grok 3 Mini

Compare OpenAI and xAI AI models

OpenAI
GPT-5.3 Codex
vs
xAI
Grok 3 Mini

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

GPT-5.3 Codex

Per Request:$0.008750
Daily:$0.875
Monthly:$26.25
Yearly:$319.375

Grok 3 Mini

Per Request:$0.000550
Daily:$0.055
Monthly:$1.65
Yearly:$20.075

Cost Differences

$0.008200
Per Request
$0.82
Daily
$24.60
Monthly
$299.30
Yearly

Grok 3 Mini costs less than GPT-5.3 Codex

Feature Comparison

FeatureGPT-5.3 CodexGrok 3 Mini
ProviderOpenAIxAI
Input Price$1.75/1M tokens$0.30/1M tokens
Output Price$14.00/1M tokens$0.50/1M tokens
Context Window256,000 tokens128,000 tokens
Max Output32,768 tokens131,072 tokens
Categorycodingefficient
Capabilities
textcode
textreasoningcode
Release Date3/1/20262/17/2025

GPT-5.3 Codex vs Grok 3 Mini: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between GPT-5.3 Codex and Grok 3 Mini depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Grok 3 Mini is the more affordable option at $0.30/1M input tokens83% cheaper than GPT-5.3 Codex. Meanwhile, GPT-5.3 Codex offers a significantly larger context window at 256,000 tokens vs 128,000 for Grok 3 Mini.

These models come from different providers — OpenAI and xAI — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with OpenAI, switching to xAIinvolves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.

These models target different tiers: GPT-5.3 Codex is a coding model while Grok 3 Mini is efficient. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Grok 3 Mini targets more demanding workloads, while GPT-5.3 Codex provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.

Output costs matter too. GPT-5.3 Codex charges $14.00/1M output tokens vs $0.50 for Grok 3 Mini. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Grok 3 Mini has the edge here at $0.50/1M output tokens.

Best Use Cases

Choose GPT-5.3 Codex when:

  • • You need a larger context window (256,000 tokens)
  • • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem

Choose Grok 3 Mini when:

  • • Budget is a primary concern
  • • You need more capabilities (reasoning)
  • • You need longer outputs (up to 131,072 tokens)
  • • You're already using xAI'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-5.3 Codex (OpenAI)

Grok 3 Mini (xAI)

Start using GPT-5.3 Codex today

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Start using Grok 3 Mini today

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GPT-5.3 Codex or Grok 3 Mini?
Grok 3 Mini is cheaper for input tokens at $0.30 per million tokens vs $1.75 for GPT-5.3 Codex — that's 83% savings on input costs.
What is the context window difference between GPT-5.3 Codex and Grok 3 Mini?
GPT-5.3 Codex supports 256,000 tokens while Grok 3 Mini supports 128,000 tokens — a difference of 128,000 tokens in favor of GPT-5.3 Codex.
Which model is better for AI Chatbot?
Both models support text. For ai chatbot, Grok 3 Mini is the lower-cost option, while GPT-5.3 Codex offers a larger context window (256,000 vs 128,000 tokens). Choose Grok 3 Mini for budget sensitivity or GPT-5.3 Codex 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-5.3 Codex costs about $26.25/month and Grok 3 Mini costs about $1.65/month. Overall, Grok 3 Mini has lower combined input + output rates ($0.30 in, $0.50 out) vs GPT-5.3 Codex.

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