GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1: The Ultimate Performance & Pricing Comparison

Deep dive into reasoning, benchmarks, and latency insights.

The Final Verdict in the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1 Showdown

After a comprehensive analysis, GPT-4.1 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-4.1 comparison will break down every critical metric to help you make the best decision.

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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-4.1

OpenAI

Reasoning: 3
Coding: 2
Multimodal: 2
Long Context: 3
Blended Price / 1M tokens: $0.004
P95 Latency: 1000ms
Tokens per second: 84.644tokens/sec

Overall Capabilities

The capability radar provides a holistic view of the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1 matchup. This chart illustrates each model's strengths and weaknesses at a glance, forming a cornerstone of our GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1 analysis.

This radar chart visually maps the core capabilities (reasoning, coding, math proxy, multimodal, long context) of `GPT-3.5 Turbo` vs `GPT-4.1`.

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-4.1 debate, GPT-3.5 Turbo scores 60 against GPT-4.1's 30. This data-driven approach is essential for any serious GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1 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-4.1 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-4.1300ms

Tokens per Second

GPT-3.5 Turbo100.48

GPT-4.184.644

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The Economics of GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1

Power is only one part of the equation. This GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1 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-4.1 would cost $0.004. This practical calculation is vital for any developer considering the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1 choice.

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Which Model Wins the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1 Battle for You?

Choose GPT-3.5 Turbo if...

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

You need the most advanced reasoning capabilities available.

Your use case demands cutting-edge AI performance.

Choose GPT-4.1 if...

You are developing at scale where operational costs are critical.

You prioritize cost-effectiveness over maximum performance.

Your workload requires consistent, reliable performance.

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Your Questions about the GPT-3.5 Turbo vs GPT-4.1 Comparison

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Data source: https://artificialanalysis.ai/