GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium): The Ultimate Performance & Pricing Comparison

Deep dive into reasoning, benchmarks, and latency insights.

The Final Verdict in the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) Showdown

After a comprehensive analysis, GPT-5 nano (medium) emerges as the superior choice for users prioritizing raw intelligence and reasoning. However, GPT-3.5 Turbo remains a highly competitive option, especially for scenarios demanding faster response times and cost-efficiency. This detailed GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) comparison will break down every critical metric to help you make the best decision.

Explore best-for scenarios•Let the AI Selector recommend next steps

Model Snapshot

Key decision metrics at a glance.

GPT-3.5 Turbo

OpenAI

Reasoning: 6
Coding: 1
Multimodal: 1
Long Context: 1
Blended Price / 1M tokens: $0.001
P95 Latency: 1000ms
Tokens per second: 100.48tokens/sec

GPT-5 nano (medium)

OpenAI

Reasoning: 8
Coding: 2
Multimodal: 2
Long Context: 3
Blended Price / 1M tokens: $0.000
P95 Latency: 1000ms
Tokens per second: 127.071tokens/sec

Overall Capabilities

The capability radar provides a holistic view of the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) matchup. This chart illustrates each model's strengths and weaknesses at a glance, forming a cornerstone of our GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) analysis.

This radar chart visually maps the core capabilities (reasoning, coding, math proxy, multimodal, long context) of `GPT-3.5 Turbo` vs `GPT-5 nano (medium)`.

Benchmark Breakdown

For a granular look, this chart directly compares scores across standardized benchmarks. In the critical MMLU Pro test, a key part of the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) debate, GPT-3.5 Turbo scores 60 against GPT-5 nano (medium)'s 80. This data-driven approach is essential for any serious GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) comparison.

This grouped bar chart provides a side-by-side comparison for each benchmark metric.

Speed & Latency

Speed is a crucial factor in the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) decision for interactive applications. The metrics below highlight the trade-offs you should weigh before shipping to production.

Time to First Token

GPT-3.5 Turbo300ms

GPT-5 nano (medium)300ms

Tokens per Second

GPT-3.5 Turbo100.48

GPT-5 nano (medium)127.071

Head to the playground to validate these results yourself

The Economics of GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium)

Power is only one part of the equation. This GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) pricing analysis gives you a true sense of value.

Pricing Breakdown

Compare input and output pricing at a glance.

Real-World Cost Scenario

To process 1M input tokens and generate 250k output tokens, GPT-3.5 Turbo would cost $0.001, whereas GPT-5 nano (medium) would cost $0.000. This practical calculation is vital for any developer considering the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) choice.

Review the complete pricing and packaging strategy

Which Model Wins the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) Battle for You?

Choose GPT-3.5 Turbo if...

Cost is a secondary concern to power in your GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) decision.

You need the most advanced reasoning capabilities available.

Your use case demands cutting-edge AI performance.

Choose GPT-5 nano (medium) if...

You need a highly responsive model for user-facing applications.

Your budget is a primary consideration in the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) choice.

You are developing at scale where operational costs are critical.

Explore all Best picks Use the AI Selector for a tailored recommendation

Your Questions about the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-5 nano (medium) Comparison

Review the full evaluation methodology · Read the latest analysis posts

Data source: https://artificialanalysis.ai/