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Model Comparison

GPT Image 1 Mini vs Step 5 PreviewWhich Is Better in 2026?

GPT Image 1 Mini vs Step 5 Preview: which should you choose in 2026?

GPT Image 1 Mini (by OpenAI) and Step 5 Preview (by StepFun) are compared below. Here is how they stack up on benchmarks, price, and capabilities, and which one to pick in 2026.

There are not enough shared, protocol-compatible benchmark results to declare a performance leader.

Choose GPT Image 1 Mini if…

  • • you need image generation

Choose Step 5 Preview if…

  • • you need a model with explicit reasoning support

The benchmark count includes only results measured with a matching benchmark version and protocol. Arena scores are shown separately. Missing, preliminary, and incompatible data is not treated as a controlled win. Published point-score comparisons are labeled separately when protocol details are incomplete. For text-output models, the verdict also compares token pricing and context windows.

vs

Performance benchmarks

Every value links to its source. A dash means that no reviewed result is available for that exact model and protocol.

GPT Image 1 Mini and Step 5 Preview benchmark results
BenchmarkGPT Image 1 MiniStep 5 Preview
AutomationBench-AA

A 657-task benchmark of multi-step work across simulated SaaS applications in six business domains. The Artificial Analysis protocol reports a guardrail-aware score and is distinct from both the public Zapier split and the unrelated dynamic AutoBench framework.

Guardrail-aware score

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BrowseComp

A benchmark of difficult, verifiable information-seeking questions designed to measure an agent's ability to locate hard-to-find facts through web browsing.

Accuracy

——
OSWorld-Verified

A verified computer-use benchmark in which multimodal agents operate desktop applications and are graded from the resulting environment state.

Mean task reward

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SWE-Bench Verified

A human-validated subset of real GitHub issues used to measure whether a coding agent can produce repository patches that resolve the associated tests.

Resolved

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Terminal-Bench 2.1

Version 2.1 of the benchmark for completing realistic tasks in terminal environments. Harness, resource limits, and attempt count are part of the protocol.

Mean task success

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AutoBench

A dynamic LLM evaluation framework in which models generate questions, answer them, and participate in reciprocal peer assessment. AutoBench is distinct from Zapier's AutomationBench.

Weighted peer-assessment score

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GPQA Diamond

The highest-quality subset of Graduate-Level Google-Proof Q&A, designed to test expert-level scientific reasoning in biology, physics, and chemistry.

Accuracy

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Humanity's Last Exam

A 2,500-question expert-level benchmark spanning dozens of academic fields. Tool-assisted and no-tools results are separate protocols and must not be merged.

Accuracy

——
Arena preference scores
Arena (Text)

Human preference score

—
1454 ±11
Arena (Text-to-Image)

Human preference score for generated images

1110 ±3
—

Benchmark sources

Reviewed evidence last updated 2026-08-09. Arena data last refreshed Oct 5, 2026.

Pricing, capabilities, and model facts

GPT Image 1 Mini and Step 5 Preview model facts
FeatureGPT Image 1 MiniStep 5 Preview
Context & model facts
DeveloperOpenAIStepFun
API providerOpenAIStepFun
Input context400,000 tokens1,000,000 tokens
Maximum output360,000 tokens64,000 tokens
Released——
Added to WritingmateJun 24, 2026Oct 8, 2026
LicenseNot availableNot available
Knowledge cutoff——
Capabilities
InputsText, ImageText, Image, Video
OutputsImageText
Provider endpoint accepts tool parametersNoYes
ReasoningNoYes
VisionYesYes
Image GenerationYesNo
Video GenerationNoNo
API performance
p95 latencyNot measuredNot measured
Output throughputNot measuredNot measured
Writingmate shows API performance only when both models have enough observations from the same measurement window, prompt profile, and provider. Third-party latency values are not copied into this table.

Data sources

  • Writingmate model catalog (pricing, limits, and availability)

Catalog data last updated Oct 8, 2026.

Why Pay for Multiple Subscriptions?

Comparing GPT Image 1 Mini from OpenAI with Step 5 Preview from StepFun? Instead of managing separate API keys and subscriptions, get both with Writingmate.

Subscription-plan access for GPT Image 1 Mini and Step 5 Preview
PlanPriceGPT Image 1 MiniStep 5 PreviewAI ImagesAI Video
Writingmate Pro
Most popular
$20/moIncludedIncludedNano Banana Pro, FLUX.2, DALL-E & moreVEO 3.1, Kling 3.0
Writingmate Ultimate
Power users
$60/moIncludedIncludedNano Banana Pro, FLUX.2, DALL-E & moreVEO 3.1, Kling 3.0

GPT Image 1 Mini vs Step 5 Preview FAQ

Which is better, GPT Image 1 Mini or Step 5 Preview?

There are not enough shared, protocol-compatible benchmark results to declare a performance leader.

Which model is cheaper to use through an API?

A comparable blended token price is not available for both models. Check the API pricing rows for the values that are currently published.

Which model supports more context?

Comparable context-window data is not available for both models.

Can I switch between GPT Image 1 Mini and Step 5 Preview?

Yes. Use the model selector on this page to open any current Writingmate model comparison. You can also run the same prompt with both models in Writingmate.