Looking for an honest OpenAI GPT-4.5 vs Microsoft Phi-4 comparison in 2026? We scored both ai language models on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Microsoft Phi-4 comes out ahead 51/100 to 60/100 — a 9-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Microsoft Phi-4 pulls noticeably ahead.
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Microsoft Phi-4 edges out the OpenAI GPT-4.5 in the ai language models category, especially in value, scoring 60 vs 51. If you want the better overall ai language models, Microsoft Phi-4 is the recommended choice.
Scores are relative within the ai language modelscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Lower cost = better value. Free = open-source self-hosted.
| Metric | OpenAI GPT-4.5 | Microsoft Phi-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Input (Prompt) | $75.00/1M | ✓$0.07/1M |
| Output (Completion) | $150.00/1M | ✓$0.26/1M |
| Open Source | Proprietary | ✓ Free |
Context Window (tokens)
| Metric | OpenAI GPT-4.5 | Microsoft Phi-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | ✓16,384 tok | 4,096 tok |
| Speed | 50 tok/s | ✓250 tok/s |
| Time to First Token | 900ms | ✓150ms |
| Languages | ✓50+ | 15+ |
Higher is better. Industry-standard AI evaluation benchmarks.
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| Feature | OpenAI GPT-4.5 | Microsoft Phi-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning / Chain-of-Thought | ✕ | ✕ |
| Vision (Image Input) | ✓ | ✕ |
| Audio Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Video Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Image/Audio Output | ✕ | ✕ |
| Function Calling / Tools | ✓ | ✕ |
| JSON Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time Web Access | ✕ | ✕ |
| Fine-tuning Support | ✕ | ✓ |
| Batch API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Streaming | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✕ | ✓ |
| Field | OpenAI GPT-4.5 | Microsoft Phi-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | Microsoft |
| Parameters | — | 14B |
| Knowledge Cutoff | 2024-09 | 2024-06 |
| License | Commercial | MIT |
| Best For | creative writingemotional intelligenceconversationnuanced tasks | edge deploymentSTEMcost efficiencymathsmall footprint |
Buy OpenAI GPT-4.5 if…
The OpenAI GPT-4.5 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Microsoft Phi-4 if…
Buy the Microsoft Phi-4 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Microsoft Phi-4 edges out the OpenAI GPT-4.5 in the ai language models category, especially in value, scoring 60 vs 51. If you want the better overall ai language models, Microsoft Phi-4 is the recommended choice.
No, Microsoft Phi-4 scores higher (75 vs 75).
Check the latest prices using the buy links above.
The OpenAI GPT-4.5 is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Microsoft Phi-4 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.