GPT-4.1 vs GPT-4.1 Mini: a non-reasoning API cost comparison
For an existing GPT-4.1 integration, the Mini variant provides a different text-token budget while retaining the same reviewed context and output ceilings. The task outcome still needs its own evaluation.
A fivefold unit-price difference
GPT-4.1 lists $2 input and $8 output per million tokens; Mini lists $0.40 and $1.60. Cache reads list $0.50 and $0.10 respectively. This fivefold rate difference is not a measured end-to-end saving: actual token counts and any extra processing determine the final bill.
Capacity and feature support stay visible
Both entries document 1,047,576 context tokens and 32,768 maximum output, with streaming, function calling and structured-output support. Both are marked non-reasoning in the reviewed specification. None of those facts is treated as a benchmark or a recommendation to migrate blindly.
Treat migration as a task-level test
When assessing an existing workflow, retain your prompt, validation rules and representative inputs. Check answer correctness and format compliance before reducing a budget based on unit rates. No observed latency or task score is available on this page.
Documented specifications and standard direct API rates, manually checked 2026-10-09. Evaluation suggestions are editorial guidance; no measured comparative quality or speed is claimed.
Unknown fields are not evidence of equal capabilities. Specifications describe support, not comparative answer quality.
BENCHMARK EVIDENCE
No reliable data available
Comparable results with confirmed reuse permission have not been published here yet.
A published result must include the exact model version, benchmark version, original value and unit, test date, conditions and source. No scores or overall rankings are inferred.
Text tokens only. Billable output includes reasoning tokens where applicable. Excludes cache creation, tools, media and regional or processing-tier uplifts.
Text tokens only. Billable output includes reasoning tokens where applicable. Excludes cache creation, tools, media and regional or processing-tier uplifts.
KNOW YOUR API COST
A small prompt. A clearer budget.
Same token counts for both models. Standard paid text rates in USD. Output must include all billable reasoning tokens.
Cached input is included in total input. No cache creation/storage, tools, media, taxes or regional/priority/Batch fees. Tokenizers differ; equal token counts do not imply equal text length.
8 estimated credits / comparison8,000 credits across 1,000 comparisons.Reference estimate only. Playground uses verified OpenRouter charges; 1,000 credits = $1. A + B round up together once for each comparison.
See how your prompt behaves.
Choose an enabled official model pair in the Playground. Your maximum reservation is shown before running; confirmed usage determines the final charge.