OpenAI ships GPT-6.1 Terra: visual reasoning and computer use at half the price
Simon Willison · rss · 2026-10-27
OpenAI released GPT-6.1 Terra, a fast, efficient midrange model emphasizing detailed visual reasoning, precise computer use, and clearer writing, claiming a significant step up from GPT-5.6 Terra on workday tasks like drafting proposals, reading technical drawings, filling forms, and editing videos. Pricing: $1/M input, $5/M output tokens — roughly half of GPT-5.6 Terra and GPT-6.1 Sol, 10x GPT-6 Luna.
OpenAI's Ted Sanders said on HN that Terra is likely better than Astra and Sol at technical communication, similar on vision and computer use but much faster, slightly worse elsewhere — a midrange option for API developers wanting cheaper-than-Sol, smarter-than-Luna; for subscribers it's not a bombshell but helps with limits and faster computer use. Simon Willison notes its Sonnet-like positioning and ran his pelican benchmark across all reasoning tiers (max cost 11.3161 cents, 4m11s).
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