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OpenAI: GPT-5.1 vs OpenAI: GPT-5 Chat

Head-to-head API cost, context, and performance comparison. Synced at 9:54:00 AM.

Executive Summary

When evaluating OpenAI: GPT-5.1 against OpenAI: GPT-5 Chat, the pricing structure is a key differentiator. Both models are remarkably similar in API costs.

However, when looking at raw reasoning capabilities, OpenAI: GPT-5 Chat leads with a statistical ELO score of 1300. For tasks involving complex logic, coding, or instruction-following, developers might prefer OpenAI: GPT-5 Chat, provided their budget allows for the API burn rate.

Raw Technical comparison

Metric
OpenAI: GPT-5.1
OpenAI: GPT-5 Chat
Performance (ELO)
1300
1300
Input Cost / 1M
$1.25
$1.25
Output Cost / 1M
$10.00
$10.00
Context Window
400,000 tokens
128,000 tokens

Verdict

If you are looking for pure performance and capability, Tie is statistically superior. However, if API burn rate is the primary concern, Tie wins out aggressively in pricing.

People Also Ask

Is OpenAI: GPT-5.1 cheaper than OpenAI: GPT-5 Chat?

No. OpenAI: GPT-5 Chat is the more cost-effective model, operating at a lower price point per 1 million tokens.

Which model has the larger context window?

The OpenAI: GPT-5.1 model has the advantage in memory, offering a massive 400,000 token limit for document ingestion.

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