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OpenAI's GPT-4.1 boasts a groundbreaking 1 million token context length and the best coding performance among non-reasoning models, but is it enough to overshadow emerging competitors?
GPT-4.1 is OpenAI's latest non-reasoning multimodal model, introducing several groundbreaking features that push the boundaries of artificial intelligence. One of the most significant advancements is its unprecedented 1 million token context length, which allows for deep, nuanced interactions in user engagement. This capability is enhanced by the model's availability in three distinct sizes, catering to different usage needs and budgets:
When it comes to coding-related tasks, GPT-4.1 showcases impressive performance metrics that set it apart from other models. It achieved a score of 55% on the Python-focused software engineering benchmark, the highest among all OpenAI models to date, and a 53% on the Polyglot benchmark, which measures code writing and editing abilities—placing it third among non-reasoning models.
In the realm of budget-friendly options, DeepSeek V324 proves to be a formidable competitor. It comes in at an impressive 7.5 times cheaper than GPT-4.1, all while surpassing it in performance metrics on tools like Aderbench. Notably, DeepSeek offers a 50% discount during off-peak hours and operates on an open-source architecture. However, it is limited to a 62.5K context window, in stark contrast to GPT-4.1’s expansive 1M.
While Gemini 2.5 Pro presents more competitive pricing at $1.25 per 1M input tokens (for inputs under 200K tokens) and superior benchmark performance, it comes with notable limitations. These include a slower processing speed and higher API costs due to its reasoning capabilities, as well as increased pricing for contexts that exceed 200K tokens.
Not only does GPT-4.1 excel in text-based tasks, but it also demonstrates considerable prowess in visual processing. With a 72% score on the Math Vista benchmark, it matches the capabilities of Gemini 2.0 Flash, while achieving a 75% accuracy on the MMU benchmark for general visual problem-solving. This places it as the third highest performer after the 01 high model and Llama 4 behemoth, although it slightly trails behind Llama 4 Maverick in mathematical visual tasks.
In assessing context window performance, GPT-4.1 records around 50% accuracy on the MRCR benchmark when dealing with context lengths between 100K-1M tokens. Its performance on the Fiction Life Bench reaches 60% accuracy at 120K tokens. However, it is essential to note that Gemini 2.5 Pro outperforms the competition in this aspect, maintaining an impressive 90% accuracy on the same benchmark.
OpenAI has recently announced the deprecation of the GPT-4.5 API access, although users will still retain access via the ChatGPT interface. Speculation abounds regarding whether GPT-4.5 was an unsuccessful attempt at iterating towards GPT-5, especially given its 37 times higher cost than GPT-4.1, which severely limits practical adoption in real-world applications.
GPT-4.1 maintains its position as the most affordable high-performance model offered by OpenAI. It boasts enhanced multimodal capabilities, faster token output speed, and extensive context window support, making it a prime candidate for developers seeking flexibility and power. Additionally, it provides developer-focused API access tailored for innovative projects.
However, no model is without its shortcomings. GPT-4.1 does not currently allow ChatGPT interface access, and when compared to specialized competitors, its performance falls short in several areas. Its context retrieval capabilities lag behind those of Gemini 2.5 Pro, and its performance on specialized visual tasks remains moderate at best.
In conclusion, GPT-4.1 emerges as a frontrunner in the AI landscape, combining affordability with unmatched multimodal capabilities, making it a compelling choice for developers and businesses alike. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to leverage its groundbreaking features—sign up today and explore how GPT-4.1 can transform your projects and enhance your productivity.
