Phi-4 vs GPT-4o-mini: Which SLM Reigns Supreme?

When LLMs first arrived, they impressed the world with their scale and capabilities. However then got here their sleeker, extra environment friendly cousins—small language fashions (SLMs). Compact, nimble, and surprisingly highly effective, SLMs are proving that greater isn’t at all times higher. As we head into 2025, the main target is squarely on unlocking the potential of those smaller, smarter fashions. Main the cost are Phi-4 and GPT-4o-mini. Each the fashions have their execs and cons. To check out which one among them is definitely higher for day-to-day duties, I’ve examined them on 4 duties. Let’s see Phi-4 vs GPT-4o-mini efficiency under!

Phi-4 vs GPT-4o-mini: An Overview

Phi-4, developed by Microsoft Analysis, focuses on reasoning-driven duties utilizing artificial knowledge generated via progressive methodologies. This method boosts STEM-related capabilities and optimizes coaching effectivity for reasoning-heavy benchmarks​.

GPT-4o-mini represents OpenAI’s pinnacle in multimodal LLMs. It incorporates Reinforcement Studying from Human Suggestions (RLHF) to refine efficiency on various duties, reaching high scores in exams just like the Uniform Bar Examination and excelling in multilingual benchmarks​.

Phi-4 vs GPT-4o-mini: Core Architectures and Coaching Methodologies

Phi-4: Optimized for Reasoning

It builds upon the foundations of the Phi household, using a decoder-only transformer structure with 14 billion parameters. In contrast to its predecessors, Phi-4 locations heavy emphasis on artificial knowledge, leveraging various methods equivalent to multi-agent prompting, self-revision, and instruction reversal to generate datasets tailor-made for reasoning and problem-solving. The mannequin’s coaching employs a rigorously curated curriculum, specializing in high quality somewhat than sheer scale, and integrates a novel method to Direct Choice Optimization (DPO) for refining outputs throughout post-training​.

Key architectural options of Phi-4 embody:

• Artificial Information Dominance: A good portion of coaching knowledge comes from artificial sources, meticulously curated to boost reasoning depth and problem-solving expertise.
• Prolonged Context Size: Coaching begins with a context size of 4K, prolonged to 16K throughout mid-training, permitting improved dealing with of long-form inputs​.

GPT-4o-mini: Multimodal and Scalable

GPT-4o-mini represents a step ahead in OpenAI’s GPT sequence, designed as a Transformer-based mannequin pre-trained on a mixture of publicly out there and licensed knowledge. A distinguishing function of GPT-4o-mini is its multimodal functionality, which permits the processing of textual content and picture inputs to generate textual content outputs. OpenAI’s predictable scaling method ensures constant optimization throughout various mannequin sizes, supported by a strong infrastructure​.

Distinctive traits of GPT-4o-mini embody:

• Reinforcement Studying from Human Suggestions (RLHF): Superb-tuning through RLHF considerably enhances factuality and alignment with consumer intents.
• Scaling Predictability: Methodologies equivalent to loss prediction and efficiency extrapolation guarantee optimized coaching outcomes throughout mannequin iterations

To know extra go to OpenAI.

Phi-4 vs GPT-4o-mini: Efficiency on Benchmarks

Phi-4: Specialization in Reasoning and STEM

It demonstrates distinctive efficiency in reasoning-heavy benchmarks, typically surpassing fashions of comparable or bigger sizes. Its emphasis on artificial knowledge era tailor-made for STEM and logical duties has led to outstanding outcomes:

• GPQA (Graduate-level STEM Q&A): Phi-4 considerably outperforms gpt-4o-mini-mini, reaching a rating of 56.1 in comparison with gpt-4o-mini’s 40.9​.
• MATH Benchmark: With a rating of 80.4, Phi-4 excels in mathematical problem-solving, showcasing its coaching give attention to structured reasoning​.
• Contamination-Proof Testing: Through the use of benchmarks just like the November 2024 AMC-10/12 math assessments, Phi-4 validates its capability to generalize with out overfitting​.

GPT-4o-mini: Broad Excellence Throughout Domains

GPT-4o-mini shines in versatility, acting at human ranges throughout a wide range of skilled and tutorial assessments:

• Exams: GPT-4o-mini displays human-level efficiency on the vast majority of skilled and tutorial exams

• MMLU (Huge Multitask Language Understanding): gpt-4o-mini outperforms earlier language fashions throughout various topics, together with non-English languages​.

Phi-4 vs GPT-4o-mini: Comparative Insights

Whereas Phi-4 focuses on STEM and reasoning duties, leveraging artificial datasets for enhanced efficiency, GPT-4o-mini displays a balanced ability set throughout conventional benchmarks, excelling in multilingual capabilities {and professional} exams. This distinction underscores the divergent philosophies of the 2 fashions—one centered on domain-specific mastery, the opposite on generalist proficiency.

Code Implementation of Phi-4 vs GPT-4o-mini

Phi-4

# Set up the mandatory libraries

!pip set up transformers

!pip set up torch

!pip set up huggingface_hub

!pip set up speed up

from huggingface_hub import login

from IPython.show import Markdown

# Log in utilizing your Hugging Face token (copy your token from Hugging Face account)

login(token="your_token")

import transformers

# Load the Phi-4 mannequin for textual content era

phi_pipeline = transformers.pipeline(

   "text-generation",

   mannequin="microsoft/phi-4",

   model_kwargs={"torch_dtype": "auto"},

   device_map="auto",

)

messages = [

   {"role": "system", "content": "You are a data scientist providing insights and explanations to a curious audience."},

   {"role": "user", "content": "How should I explain machine learning to someone new to the field?"}

]

GPT-4o mini

!pip set up openai

from getpass import getpass

OPENAI_KEY = getpass('Enter Open AI API Key: ')

import openai

from IPython.show import HTML, Markdown, show

openai.api_key = OPENAI_KEY

def get_completion(immediate, mannequin="gpt-4o-mini"):

   messages = [{"role": "user", "content": prompt}]

   response = openai.chat.completions.create(

       mannequin=mannequin,

       messages=messages,

       temperature=0.0, # diploma of randomness of the mannequin's output

   )

   return response.selections[0].message.content material

response = get_completion(immediate=""'You're a knowledge scientist offering insights and explanations to a curious viewers.How ought to I clarify machine studying to somebody new to the sector?''',

                         mannequin="gpt-4o-mini")

show(Markdown(response))

Job 1: Reasoning Efficiency Comparability

Immediate:

• Commentary: The solar has risen within the east each day for the previous 1,000 days.
• Query: Will the solar rise within the east tomorrow? Why?

Phi-4 Code

messages = [{"role": "user", "content": '''Observation: The sun has risen in the east every day for the past 1,000 days.

Question: Will the sun rise in the east tomorrow? Why?

'''}]

# Generate output primarily based on the messages

outputs = phi_pipeline(messages, max_new_tokens=256)

# Print the generated response

Markdown(outputs[0]['generated_text'][1]['content'])

Phi-4 Output

GPT-4o-mini Code

response = get_completion(immediate=""'Commentary: The solar has risen within the east each day for the previous 1,000 days.

Query: Will the solar rise within the east tomorrow? Why?''',mannequin="gpt-4o-mini")

show(Markdown(response))

GPT-4o-mini Output

Evaluation of Each Outputs:

1. Tone: GPT-4-mini adopts a philosophical and reflective tone, emphasizing the restrictions of scientific certainty and contemplating broader implications. In distinction, Phi-4 is simple and factual, specializing in delivering clear and exact explanations with out venturing into philosophical territory.
2. Construction: GPT-4-mini presents its argument in a single compact paragraph, combining scientific rationalization with reflective insights. Then again, Phi-4 organizes its content material into a number of paragraphs, guaranteeing a logical and systematic development of concepts.
3. Readability: Whereas GPT-4-mini’s rationalization is concise, its inclusion of philosophical components could make it really feel summary to some readers. Phi-4, nonetheless, prioritizes readability and is less complicated to observe because of its structured breakdown of info.
4. Depth: GPT-4-mini delves into the philosophical underpinnings of scientific reasoning, discussing the assumptions behind pure legal guidelines. Phi-4 focuses extra on empirical particulars, equivalent to Earth’s rotational path and the steadiness of pure phenomena over time.
5. Scientific Reasoning: Each talk about the identical scientific precept—Earth’s rotation inflicting the solar to rise within the east—however GPT-4-mini frames this inside the context of philosophical inquiry, whereas Phi-4 emphasizes the consistency of the sample and the improbability of disruption.
6. Chance of Occasion: GPT-4-mini acknowledges that the prediction of the solar rising tomorrow is extremely dependable but not an absolute certainty. Phi-4 explicitly states the excessive chance, supported by historic and pure stability, with out delving into epistemological issues.
7. Viewers Suitability: GPT-4-mini appeals to readers looking for mental depth and reflection, whereas Phi-4 is extra appropriate for readers who prioritize clear, factual, and direct explanations.

Verdict

Each outputs are well-crafted however serve completely different functions. In case your objective is to interact readers who worth philosophical perception and are all in favour of exploring the limitations of scientific certainty, GPT-4-mini is the higher selection. Nevertheless, if the target is to ship a clear, factual, and direct rationalization rooted in empirical reasoning, Phi-4 is the extra appropriate choice.

For normal instructional functions or scientific communication, Phi-4 is stronger because of its readability and structured rationalization. Then again, GPT-4-mini is good for discussions involving important considering or addressing audiences inclined in direction of conceptual and reflective inquiry.

General, Phi-4 wins in accessibility and precision, whereas GPT-4-mini stands out in depth and nuance. The selection is dependent upon the context and the audience.

Job 2: Coding Efficiency Comparability

Immediate:   

Implement a perform to calculate the nth Fibonacci quantity utilizing dynamic programming.

Phi-4

GPT-4o-mini

Evaluation of Each Outputs:

1. Introduction and Rationalization:
   • Phi-4: Supplies a transparent, concise rationalization of utilizing dynamic programming for Fibonacci calculation. The introduction briefly explains the iterative method with out a lot elaboration on why it’s environment friendly in comparison with different strategies.
   • GPT-4-mini: Provides a extra detailed introduction, explicitly discussing the Fibonacci sequence’s definition and why dynamic programming is preferable because of its effectivity over the naive recursive method.
2. Error Dealing with:
   • Phi-4: Implements error dealing with for unfavourable indices, elevating a ValueError with the message “Fibonacci numbers usually are not outlined for unfavourable indices.”
   • GPT-4-mini: Makes use of an identical method however refines the error message to “Enter ought to be a non-negative integer.” This phrasing is broader and extra exact.
3. Code Type:
   • Phi-4: Makes use of simple feedback to information the reader, conserving the reasons minimal and to the purpose.
   • GPT-4-mini: Contains barely extra descriptive feedback, aiming to make sure readability for much less skilled readers (e.g., describing the aim of array creation extra explicitly).
4. Construction and Logic:
   • Each outputs use the identical logic for Fibonacci calculation with an iterative bottom-up method, initializing the primary two Fibonacci numbers and iterating to fill the array. The implementation is nearly similar.
5. Output Instance:
   • Phi-4: Supplies an instance on the finish utilizing n = 10, outputting the tenth Fibonacci quantity.
   • GPT-4-mini: Additionally consists of an instance with the identical format, making the utilization similar.
6. Tone:
   • Phi-4: Maintains a extra formal tone, specializing in direct rationalization and implementation.
   • GPT-4-mini: Adopts a barely extra conversational and tutorial tone, making it extra partaking for learners.
7. Viewers:
   • Phi-4: Appropriate for readers who’re already accustomed to dynamic programming and wish a fast, clear implementation.
   • GPT-4-mini: Targets a broader viewers, together with rookies, by offering extra context and a extra complete rationalization.

Verdict:

Each outputs are wonderful implementations of the Fibonacci sequence utilizing dynamic programming. Phi-4 is best fitted to a technically skilled viewers that values concise explanations, whereas GPT-4-mini is extra acceptable for learners or those that recognize detailed steerage and contextual info.

Job 3: Creativity Efficiency Comparability

Immediate: Write a brief kids’s story

Phi-4

GPT-4o-mini

Evaluation of Each Outputs:

1. Story Theme:
   • Phi-4 (“The Magic Backyard”): The story is whimsical and fantastical, set in a magical backyard the place kindness and goals come to life. It focuses on the emotional and mystical expertise of Lily discovering and cherishing the magical backyard.
   • GPT-4-mini (“The Nice Cookie Caper”): The story is lighthearted and humorous, revolving round a thriller and teamwork to resolve it. It focuses on Benny and Lucy’s cooperation to bake cookies and highlights friendship as its central theme.
2. Setting:
   • Phi-4: Set in a mystical, idyllic location—a backyard hidden in nature that feels timeless and magical. The setting conveys serenity and marvel.
   • GPT-4-mini: Set in a full of life city, Sweetville, throughout a festive occasion. The setting is vibrant and energetic, centered round a group celebration.
3. Characterization:
   • Phi-4: Focuses on a single protagonist, Lily, whose purity of coronary heart permits her to entry the magical world. A pleasant squirrel briefly seems as a information.
   • GPT-4-mini: Options two predominant characters, Benny the Bunny and Lucy the Squirrel, with a stronger emphasis on their dynamic. Benny is set and Lucy is playful however apologetic.
4. Plot Growth:
   • Phi-4: The plot is straightforward and linear—Lily discovers the backyard, interacts briefly with its magic, and leaves with a remodeled coronary heart. The main focus is on exploration and private development.
   • GPT-4-mini: The plot is extra dynamic, involving an issue (lacking cookie dough), a lighthearted confrontation, and a decision via teamwork. The narrative has a clearer battle and determination construction.
5. Tone:
   • Phi-4: The tone is calm, dreamy, and reflective, evoking marvel and enchantment.
   • GPT-4-mini: The tone is cheerful, playful, and humorous, aiming to entertain with a way of enjoyable.

Verdict:

Each tales excel of their respective kinds. Phi-4 creates a fascinating and moral-focused story appropriate for these drawn to fantasy and reflection, whereas GPT-4-mini delivers a full of life and humorous narrative with a transparent problem-solving arc, making it extra partaking for readers looking for leisure and enjoyable. The selection is dependent upon whether or not the viewers prefers magical marvel or playful journey.

Job 4: Summarization Efficiency Comparability

Immediate: summarize the next textual content 

Johannes Gutenberg (1398 – 1468) was a German goldsmith and writer who launched printing to Europe. His introduction of mechanical movable sort printing to Europe began the Printing Revolution and is broadly thought to be crucial occasion of the fashionable interval. It performed a key position within the scientific revolution and laid the idea for the fashionable knowledge-based economic system and the unfold of studying to the lots. Gutenberg many contributions to printing are: the invention of a course of for mass-producing movable sort, using oil-based ink for printing books, adjustable molds, and using a wood printing press. His really epochal invention was the mixture of those components right into a sensible system that allowed the mass manufacturing of printed books and was economically viable for printers and readers alike. In Renaissance Europe, the arrival of mechanical movable sort printing launched the period of mass communication which completely altered the construction of society. The comparatively unrestricted circulation of knowledge—together with revolutionary concepts—transcended borders, and captured the lots within the Reformation. The sharp enhance in literacy broke the monopoly of the literate elite on schooling and studying and bolstered the rising center class.

Phi-4

GPT-4o-mini

Evaluation of Each Outputs:

1. Readability and Conciseness:
   • Phi-4: The abstract is well-structured and clear, offering a scientific breakdown of Gutenberg’s contributions and their societal impression. It maintains an expert tone with detailed explanations.
   • GPT-4-mini: The abstract can also be clear and concise however barely extra compact, combining info into longer sentences and paragraphs, which may really feel denser.
2. Tone:
   • Phi-4: Adopts a extra descriptive and tutorial tone, appropriate for readers preferring a proper fashion with structured element.
   • GPT-4-mini: Whereas nonetheless formal, it has a barely extra flowing and narrative tone, which can really feel extra partaking to some readers.
3. Concentrate on Key Contributions:
   • Phi-4: Highlights Gutenberg’s key innovations (movable sort, oil-based ink, adjustable molds, and the wood press) as a part of a scientific course of, emphasizing the practicality and financial viability of the system.
   • GPT-4-mini: Additionally lists Gutenberg’s improvements however focuses barely extra on their transformative societal results, equivalent to fostering a knowledge-based economic system and growing literacy.
4. Impression on Society:
   • Phi-4: Discusses the societal impacts, together with the rise of mass communication, breaking the monopoly of the literate elite, and supporting the center class, however in a extra segmented and step-by-step method.
   • GPT-4-mini: Tends to merge these societal impacts right into a cohesive narrative, emphasizing how the unfold of revolutionary concepts remodeled society as a complete.
5. Historic Context:
   • Phi-4: Locations important emphasis on the Renaissance and the way Gutenberg’s innovations aligned with the period of mass communication, highlighting the broader historic significance.
   • GPT-4-mini: Mentions the Renaissance however integrates it inside the context of societal and mental transformation, tying it carefully to revolutionary concepts and schooling.
6. Readability:
   • Phi-4: Simpler to digest for readers looking for a step-by-step breakdown of Gutenberg’s contributions and their results.
   • GPT-4-mini: Extra partaking for readers in search of a cohesive and flowing narrative that connects historic info with their broader implications.

Verdict:

Each summaries are correct and efficient however differ in fashion and emphasis:

• Phi-4 is best fitted to readers preferring a transparent, detailed, and structured tutorial method.
• GPT-4-mini is good for readers preferring a narrative-driven abstract with a stronger give attention to the societal transformations brought on by Gutenberg’s improvements.

The selection is dependent upon the viewers’s choice for construction versus narrative circulation.

Outcome

Standards	Phi-4	GPT-4o-mini	Verdict
Core Focus	Reasoning, STEM-related duties	Multimodal capabilities, broad area protection	Phi-4 for STEM, GPT-4o-mini for versatility
Coaching Information	Artificial knowledge, reasoning-optimized	Publicly out there and licensed knowledge	Phi-4 specializes; GPT-4o-mini generalizes
Structure	Decoder-only transformer (14B parameters)	Transformer-based with RLHF	Totally different optimizations for particular wants
Context Size	16K tokens	Variable primarily based on use-case	Phi-4 handles longer contexts higher
Benchmark Efficiency	Sturdy in STEM and logical reasoning	Sturdy in multilingual {and professional} exams	Phi-4 for STEM, GPT-4o-mini for normal duties
Reasoning Capacity	Clear, factual, structured breakdown	Philosophical, reflective, and insightful	Phi-4 for readability, GPT-4o-mini for depth
Coding Duties	Concise and environment friendly code era	Detailed explanations with beginner-friendly tone	Phi-4 for consultants, GPT-4o-mini for learners
Creativity	Fantasy-oriented, structured storytelling	Playful, humorous, dynamic storytelling	Is determined by viewers choice
Summarization	Structured, segmented, technical focus	Narrative-driven, emphasizing societal impression	Phi-4 for educational, GPT-4o-mini for normal use
Tone and Type	Formal, factual, and exact	Conversational, partaking, and various	Viewers-dependent
Multimodal Assist	Textual content-focused	Textual content and picture processing	GPT-4o-mini leads in multimodal duties
Finest Use Instances	STEM fields, technical documentation	Normal schooling, multilingual communication	Is determined by the appliance
Ease of Use	Appropriate for knowledgeable customers	Newbie-friendly and intuitive	GPT-4o-mini is extra accessible
General Verdict	Specialised in STEM and reasoning	Versatile, generalist proficiency	Is determined by whether or not depth or breadth is required

Conclusion

Phi-4 excels in STEM and reasoning duties via artificial knowledge and precision, whereas GPT-4o-mini shines in versatility, multimodal capabilities, and human-like efficiency. It fits technical audiences needing to be structured, logic-driven outputs, whereas GPT-4o-mini appeals to broader audiences with creativity and generalist proficiency. Phi-4 prioritizes specialization and readability, whereas GPT-4o-mini emphasizes flexibility and engagement. The selection is dependent upon whether or not depth or breadth is required for the duty or viewers.

Often Requested Questions