Pairwise benchmark snapshot · Aug 1, 2026
In this head-to-head showdown, GPT-4.5 Orion delivers higher overall intelligence and human-preferred responses (Elo 1,540 vs 1,272), while GPT-4.5 Orion leads in SWE-bench software engineering benchmarks (71%), while GPT-4o mini is more budget-friendly at $0.6/1M per 1M output tokens. Review the complete breakdown below to determine which model best fits your performance and budget requirements.
8 direct benchmark disciplines evaluated across capability, speed, and cost
OpenAI largest dense non-reasoning model with expansive world knowledge and reduced hallucinations.
Legacy small OpenAI model. Useful as a cheap baseline.
Currently comparing GPT-4.5 Orion vs GPT-4o mini. Alternative family tiers available.
Δ 268 Arena Elo pts
160 tok/s
$0.6 / 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 | GPT-4.5 Orion | GPT-4o mini | Advantage Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preference Elo | +268 | ||
| Coding Elo | — | — | |
| LiveBench | +20.4% | ||
| SWE-bench | +29.8% | ||
| GPQA Diamond | +23.9% | ||
| Time to first token | +220 ms | ||
| Output speed | 60 tok/s | 160 tok/s | +100 tok/s |
| Input price | $0.15/1M | +$74.85/1M | |
| Output price | $150/1M | $0.6/1M | +$149.4/1M |
| Context window | — |
Simulate monthly production API costs in USD (US Dollar).
GPT-4o mini is estimated to save $4,860.75/month ($58,329/year).
Higher SWE-bench (71%).
Lower output list price ($0.6/1M).
Lower TTFT (130 ms).
Larger window (128k).
Both accept images. Defaulting to the higher-Elo side (GPT-4.5 Orion).
| Target Workload | Recommended Pick | Evaluation Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Repo / coding agents | GPT-4.5 Orion | Higher SWE-bench (71%). |
| High-volume chat | GPT-4o mini | Lower output list price ($0.6/1M). |
| Voice / low-latency UI | GPT-4o mini | Lower TTFT (130 ms). |
| Long-document RAG | GPT-4.5 Orion | Larger window (128k). |
| Screenshots / vision | GPT-4.5 Orion | Both accept images. Defaulting to the higher-Elo side (GPT-4.5 Orion). |
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Verified Head-to-Head Telemetry