Pairwise benchmark snapshot · Aug 17, 2026
In this head-to-head showdown, GPT-5.6 Terra delivers higher overall intelligence and human-preferred responses (Elo 1,548 vs 1,492), while GPT-5.6 Terra leads in SWE-bench software engineering benchmarks (70.4%), while GLM-5.2 is more budget-friendly at $3.74/1M per 1M output tokens, while GPT-5.6 Terra provides faster response streaming (128 tok/s). Review the complete breakdown below to determine which model best fits your performance and budget requirements.
10 direct benchmark disciplines evaluated across capability, speed, and cost
Zhipu flagship. Strong Chinese/English coding and agents.
OpenAI 5.6 mid tier. Official API $2/$12 per 1M after the Jul 30 2026 price cut.
Currently comparing GLM-5.2 vs GPT-5.6 Terra. Alternative family tiers available.
Δ 56 Arena Elo pts
128 tok/s
$3.74 / 1M output
Relative percentile scores computed across all active models in the benchmark catalog.
Comparing top Western standard models with China's leading frontier rival across 6 skill dimensions. Tap any spoke or dot to inspect.
Category wins across reasoning intelligence, generation speed, and token cost.
Preference Elo, Coding proficiency, SWE-bench & LiveBench accuracy
Generation throughput and time to first token responsiveness
Cost per million tokens and max context window length
| Benchmark | GLM-5.2 | GPT-5.6 Terra | Advantage Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preference Elo | +56 | ||
| Coding Elo | +38 | ||
| LiveBench | +3.9% | ||
| SWE-bench | +1.1% | ||
| GPQA Diamond | +2.5% | ||
| Time to first token | +110 ms | ||
| Output speed | 84 tok/s | 128 tok/s | +44 tok/s |
| Input price | $1.19/1M | +$0.19/1M | |
| Output price | $3.74/1M | +$2.26/1M | |
| Context window | +1k |
Simulate monthly production API costs in USD (US Dollar).
GLM-5.2 is estimated to save $27.25/month ($327/year).
Higher SWE-bench (70.4%).
Lower output list price ($3.74/1M).
Lower TTFT (160 ms).
Larger window (1.1M).
Both accept images. Defaulting to the higher-Elo side (GPT-5.6 Terra).
| Target Workload | Recommended Pick | Evaluation Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Repo / coding agents | GPT-5.6 Terra | Higher SWE-bench (70.4%). |
| High-volume chat | GLM-5.2 | Lower output list price ($3.74/1M). |
| Voice / low-latency UI | GPT-5.6 Terra | Lower TTFT (160 ms). |
| Long-document RAG | GPT-5.6 Terra | Larger window (1.1M). |
| Screenshots / vision | GPT-5.6 Terra | Both accept images. Defaulting to the higher-Elo side (GPT-5.6 Terra). |
GLM-5.2 undercuts GLM 5V Turbo by 74.2% on input at $0.31/1M, with 1,492 Elo and 69.3% SWE-bench in dated 2026 snapshots.
Terra is OpenAI’s Sonnet-class invoice. Use it when Sol is too expensive and Luna is too small.
Strong Chinese/English coding. 5.3 is the new row; 5.2 stays so the delta is visible.
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