o4-mini (high) vs o3: The Ultimate Performance & Pricing Comparison

The Final Verdict in the o4-mini (high) vs o3 Showdown

After a comprehensive analysis, o4-mini (high) emerges as the superior choice for users prioritizing raw intelligence and reasoning. However, o3 remains a highly competitive option, especially for scenarios demanding faster response times and cost-efficiency. This detailed o4-mini (high) vs o3 comparison will break down every critical metric to help you make the best decision.

o4-mini (high) vs o3: Key Differences at a Glance

Before we dive deep, here's a high-level summary of the o4-mini (high) vs o3 comparison. This highlights the core metrics that define each model.

o4-mini (high)

By OpenAI

Intelligence Index:10

Blended Price / 1M:$0.001925

Generation Speed:126.38 tokens/sec

Released 2025-08-28

By OpenAI

Intelligence Index:9

Blended Price / 1M:$0.0035

Generation Speed:218.705 tokens/sec

Released 2025-08-28

Performance Analysis: The Definitive o4-mini (high) vs o3 Battle

This radar chart visually maps the core capabilities (e.g., Intelligence, Coding, Math indices) of `o4-mini (high)` vs `o3`.

The capability radar provides a holistic view of the o4-mini (high) vs o3 matchup. This chart illustrates each model's strengths and weaknesses at a glance, forming a cornerstone of our o4-mini (high) vs o3 analysis.

The Economics of o4-mini (high) vs o3

Power is only one part of the equation. This o4-mini (high) vs o3 pricing analysis gives you a true sense of value.

Pricing Breakdown

Real-World Cost Scenario

To process 1M input tokens and generate 250k output tokens, `o4-mini (high)` would cost $0.002, whereas `o3` would cost $0.004. This practical calculation is vital for any developer considering the o4-mini (high) vs o3 choice.

Which Model Wins the o4-mini (high) vs o3 Battle for You?

Choose o4-mini (high) if...

Your top priority is raw performance and capability.

You are working in a technical or scientific field requiring the highest accuracy.

You need the most advanced reasoning capabilities available.

Choose o3 if...

You are developing at scale where operational costs are critical.

You prioritize cost-effectiveness over maximum performance.

Your workload requires consistent, reliable performance.

Your Questions about the o4-mini (high) vs o3 Comparison

Data provided by https://artificialanalysis.ai/