GPT-5.2 Codex vs GPT-5.3-Codex
GPT-5.2 Codex (2025) and GPT-5.3-Codex (2026) are agentic coding models from OpenAI. GPT-5.2 Codex ships a not-yet-sourced context window, while GPT-5.3-Codex ships a 400k-token context window. On pricing, both list $1.75/1M input and $14/1M output tokens on the cheapest tracked route. This comparison covers specs, pricing, capabilities, benchmarks, provider availability, and production fit. It focuses on practical selection signals rather than broad model-family marketing.
GPT-5.3-Codex is safer overall; choose GPT-5.2 Codex when coding workflow support matters.
Decision scorecard
Local evidence first| Signal | GPT-5.2 Codex | GPT-5.3-Codex |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | custom coding agents, code generation, and tool loops | custom coding agents, code generation, and tool loops |
| Decision fit | Coding, Agents, and Vision | Coding, RAG, and Agents |
| Context window | — | 400k |
| Cheapest output | $14/1M tokens | $14/1M tokens |
| Provider routes | 1 tracked | 3 tracked |
| Shared benchmarks | 0 rows | 0 rows |
Decision tradeoffs
- GPT-5.2 Codex uniquely exposes Multimodal in local model data.
- Local decision data tags GPT-5.2 Codex for Coding, Agents, and Vision.
- GPT-5.3-Codex has the larger context window for long prompts, retrieval packs, or transcript analysis.
- GPT-5.3-Codex has broader tracked provider coverage for fallback and procurement flexibility.
- GPT-5.3-Codex uniquely exposes Structured outputs in local model data.
- Local decision data tags GPT-5.3-Codex for Coding, RAG, and Agents.
Monthly cost at traffic
Estimate token spend from the cheapest tracked input and output route or tier on this page.
GPT-5.2 Codex
$4,900
Cheapest tracked route/tier: Vercel AI Gateway
GPT-5.3-Codex
$4,900
Cheapest tracked route/tier: OpenRouter
Estimated monthly gap: $0.00. Batch, cache, alternate speed tiers, and negotiated pricing are excluded from this local estimate.
Switch friction
- Provider overlap exists on Vercel AI Gateway; start route-level A/B tests there.
- Cheapest tracked output pricing is tied, so migration risk shifts to quality, latency, and provider packaging.
- Check replacement coverage for Multimodal before moving production traffic.
- GPT-5.3-Codex adds Structured outputs in local capability data.
- Provider overlap exists on Vercel AI Gateway; start route-level A/B tests there.
- Cheapest tracked output pricing is tied, so migration risk shifts to quality, latency, and provider packaging.
- Check replacement coverage for Structured outputs before moving production traffic.
- GPT-5.2 Codex adds Multimodal in local capability data.
Specs
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2025-12-18 | 2026-02-05 |
| Context window | — | 400k |
| Parameters | — | — |
| Architecture | decoder only | decoder only |
| License | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Knowledge cutoff | 2025-08 | 2025-08 |
Pricing and availability
| Pricing attribute | GPT-5.2 Codex | GPT-5.3-Codex |
|---|---|---|
| Input price | $1.75/1M tokens | $1.75/1M tokens |
| Output price | $14/1M tokens | $14/1M tokens |
| Providers |
Capabilities
| Capability | GPT-5.2 Codex | GPT-5.3-Codex |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Multimodal | Yes | No |
| Reasoning | Yes | Yes |
| Function calling | Yes | Yes |
| Tool use | Yes | Yes |
| Structured outputs | No | Yes |
| Code execution | Yes | Yes |
| IDE integration | No | No |
| Computer use | No | No |
| Parallel agents | No | No |
Benchmarks
No shared benchmark rows are currently sourced for this pair.
Deep dive
The capability footprint differs most on multimodal input: GPT-5.2 Codex and structured outputs: GPT-5.3-Codex. Both models share vision, reasoning mode, function calling, and tool use, so the practical split is not just feature count. Use those differences to decide whether the page is about raw model quality, agentic coding support, multimodal ingestion, or predictable structured API behavior.
For cost, GPT-5.2 Codex lists $1.75/1M input and $14/1M output tokens on the cheapest tracked provider, while GPT-5.3-Codex lists $1.75/1M input and $14/1M output tokens on the cheapest tracked provider. A 70/30 input-output blend is tied on the cheapest tracked routes. Availability is 1 providers versus 3, so concentration risk also matters.
Choose GPT-5.2 Codex when coding workflow support are central to the workload. Choose GPT-5.3-Codex when coding workflow support and broader provider choice are more important. For production, rerun your own prompts through the exact provider, region, and tool stack you plan to ship. This keeps the decision grounded in measurable tradeoffs instead of brand-level assumptions. It also helps separate model capability from provider packaging, which can change cost and latency. For teams standardizing a stack, that distinction is often the difference between a benchmark win and a reliable deployment.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, GPT-5.2 Codex or GPT-5.3-Codex?
Neither is cheaper on tracked token pricing. Both list $1.75/1M input and $14/1M output tokens on the cheapest tracked route. Provider discounts, batch pricing, or route-specific tiers can still change the final bill.
Is GPT-5.2 Codex or GPT-5.3-Codex open source?
GPT-5.2 Codex is listed under Proprietary. GPT-5.3-Codex is listed under Proprietary. License labels affect whether you can self-host, redistribute weights, or rely only on hosted APIs, so confirm the upstream license before deployment.
Which is better for vision, GPT-5.2 Codex or GPT-5.3-Codex?
Both GPT-5.2 Codex and GPT-5.3-Codex expose vision. The better choice depends on benchmark fit, context budget, pricing, and whether your provider route exposes the same capability surface. Use this as a quick comparison signal, then confirm the provider-specific limits before committing to production.
Which is better for multimodal input, GPT-5.2 Codex or GPT-5.3-Codex?
GPT-5.2 Codex has the clearer documented multimodal input signal in this comparison. If multimodal input is mission-critical, validate it against the provider endpoint because model-level support and API-level exposure can differ.
Which is better for reasoning mode, GPT-5.2 Codex or GPT-5.3-Codex?
Both GPT-5.2 Codex and GPT-5.3-Codex expose reasoning mode. The better choice depends on benchmark fit, context budget, pricing, and whether your provider route exposes the same capability surface. Use this as a quick comparison signal, then confirm the provider-specific limits before committing to production.
Where can I run GPT-5.2 Codex and GPT-5.3-Codex?
GPT-5.2 Codex is available on Vercel AI Gateway. GPT-5.3-Codex is available on OpenRouter, OpenAI API, and Vercel AI Gateway. Provider coverage can affect latency, region availability, compliance posture, and fallback options.
Continue comparing
Last reviewed: 2026-05-22. Data sourced from public model cards and provider documentation.