STEALTHMARK · HEAD TO HEAD

All comparisons ↗

GPT-5.6 Sol vs Step 5 Preview

GPT-5.6 Sol leads Step 5 Preview by 15.1 points on StealthMark, 54.1 to 39.0. It leads on 8 of 9 benchmarks, including both games, and Step 5 Preview on 1. GPT-5.6 Sol scores higher on Beach, with its largest category advantage in prompt & likeness.

See the difference ↘
All results ↗
All results ↗

Overall StealthMark

54.1/100Overall rank 12/53
39.0/100Overall rank 36/53

General Intelligence

51.9/100
37.1/100

Visual Intelligence

58.2/100
41.9/100

Reasoning efficiency

On every task, result quality and reasoning tokens are each compared with all measured models and weighed equally. Each dot is one model.

Single-step reasoning Result quality weighed against reasoning tokens on a single problem

Multi-step reasoning Result quality weighed against reasoning tokens across connected steps, as in agentic workflows

BENCHMARK BY BENCHMARK

Where each model leads

  • GPT-5.6 Sol
  • Step 5 Preview
  • Other models
  • Median

DATASHEET

Specs and pricing

Both take about 1.05M tokens of context.

  • GPT-5.6 Sol
  • Step 5 Preview
  • Other models
  • Median
PricePer 1M output tokens, input below
GPT-5.6 Sol: $20$4 inputStep 5 Preview: No list price
Context windowTokens per request, max output below
GPT-5.6 Sol: 1.05MTied128K max outputStep 5 Preview: 1MTied
Output speedTokens per second, our measurement
GPT-5.6 Sol: 81tokens/sStep 5 Preview: Not measured
SizeTotal and active parameters
GPT-5.6 Sol: Not disclosedStep 5 Preview: 600B27B active
Developer
OpenAIStepFun
Released
9 Jul 2026Not published
Origin
United StatesNot published
Input → output
Text, image → textText, image, video → text
Architecture
Not publishedSparse mixture-of-experts; 92 layers (88 MoE), 352 routed experts with 8 selected per token plus a shared expert; grouped-query attention with 512-token sliding windows and full attention every fourth layer; 3 multi-token-prediction layers; vision tower for image and video input

Full datasheets, every price and sourceGPT-5.6 Sol ↗Step 5 Preview ↗

Anticipating threats and planning ahead. Collect coins while avoiding ghosts. Ghosts move before the player each turn, and collisions cost a life. 3 levels in sequence, up to 66 turns in total. Earlier moves and outcomes carry forward, testing learning across levels.

GPT-5.6 Sol 62.9/100Rank 8/49

Survived 1 of 3
Foresight: complete playing field
Level 311 ptsTurn 17 / 20

Step 5 Preview 59.9/100Rank 42/491 of 3 levels

1 of 3 played
Foresight: complete playing field
Level 122 ptsTurn 28 / 28

Points per level

LevelGPT-5.6 SolStep 5 Preview
Level 1Second Thoughts
27 ptsSurvived
22 ptsSurvived
Level 2Pressure Pot
10 ptsOut of lives
Pending
Level 3Hide or Flight
11 ptsOut of lives
Pending

Cooperative planning and learning from experience. Coordinate two robots to push numbered cores onto matching sockets. Pressure plates hold doors open; moving either robot uses one turn. 5 levels in sequence, up to 152 turns in total. Earlier moves and outcomes carry forward, testing learning across levels.

GPT-5.6 Sol 83.6/100Rank 5/50

Cleared 5 of 5
Latch: complete playing field
Level 520.6 ptsTurn 27 / 40

Step 5 Preview 40.7/100Rank 28/50

Cleared 4 of 5
Latch: complete playing field
Level 515 ptsTurn 35 / 40

Points per level

LevelGPT-5.6 SolStep 5 Preview
Level 1Hold the door
5.2 ptsCleared
5.2 ptsCleared
Level 2Crossfeed
10.2 ptsClearedFinished early · 1 beacon left
9 ptsCleared
Level 3Relay vault
18.8 ptsCleared
18.6 ptsCleared
Level 4Passing bay
18.2 ptsClearedFinished early · 3 beacons left
15.6 ptsClearedFinished early · 3 beacons left
Level 5Second thoughts
20.6 ptsCleared
15 ptsFinished early

Newton's Mirror

Same task instructions

Physics, perspective and recursive reflections, tested together. Explore the test ↗

The judgment

GPT-5.6 Sol

The central sphere and paint ordering are supported, but a frontal, centrally converging chamber replaces the required corner perspective. The first wall and floor images have incorrect placement and scale relationships. Sparse reflection cues remain, while continuous outer chains, open lateral sightlines, dense planar light sequences and curved nested spherical imagery are largely missing.

Step 5 Preview

The main sphere, airborne black and small colored features occupy broadly appropriate positions. Most of the defining mirror system is absent, and paint interaction remains only partially supported. The small paint features do not visibly establish a separate volume-scale violation.

Score breakdown

CategoryGPT-5.6 SolStep 5 Preview
State at 600 ms23.0/2520.0/25
Camera and placement6.0/1513.5/15
Reflections11.0/12020.0/120
Materials and scale7.5/107.0/10
Floor-damage reward0.0/100.0/10

Benchmark task

A spinning metal sphere and paint in a mirrored room test physical reasoning, perspective and consistency across repeated reflections.

Selfie

Different task instructions

Visual construction and creative interpretation.

The judgment

GPT-5.6 Sol

Six evenly spaced lobes, outward-facing heads and a clear central hexagon establish the requested knot. The ivory silhouette is controlled, but broad crossing bands resemble rigid strips, shading provides limited muscular volume, and repetitive scale lines extend across black loop openings. Small oval heads have readable eyes and mouths but limited anatomical character or moist surface detail.

Step 5 Preview

A charming diagonal climber and warm palette communicate the central idea. Simple rounded construction, crowded limb counting, uncertain footholds and an unattached upper shelf limit its physical coherence. Growth bands and the yarn trail add specificity, but the requested material distinctions and unravelled bootie remain underdeveloped.

Score breakdown

CategoryGPT-5.6 SolStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness7.5/106.0/10
Anatomy & construction6.0/104.5/10
Space & placement7.0/105.0/10
Light & reflections5.0/105.5/10
Purposeful detail6.0/105.5/10
Artistry & character6.5/105.0/10
Materials & effects4.5/106.0/10
Visual integrity6.0/105.0/10

Benchmark task

GPT-5.6 Sol

A pale serpent woven into an interlocking knot tests connected anatomy, repeated structure and readable overlaps. Organic surface detail must work with the overall geometry.

Step 5 Preview

Character scenes test expression, anatomy, materials and coherent visual construction.

Mona Lisa

Same task instructions

Precise visual recall and portrait reconstruction.

The judgment

GPT-5.6 Sol

The crossed hands, dark dress and winding landscape establish the Mona Lisa composition. Replication is limited by enlarged eyes, an elongated face and a more frontal pose. Broad gradients suggest volume, but outlined features and flattened, overlapping fingers weaken the portrait. The frame and restrained palette unify the image; visible grain adds texture without convincing painterly transitions.

Step 5 Preview

A recognizable, coherent simplification with purposeful facial contours and differentiated fingers. These provide more construction and detail than the broad silhouette alone suggests. The oversized face, frontal seated pose, unresolved wrists and sparse landscape still substantially limit likeness, depth and finish.

Score breakdown

CategoryGPT-5.6 SolStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness4.5/104.0/10
Anatomy & construction4.0/104.0/10
Space & placement5.5/104.0/10
Light & reflections5.0/103.5/10
Purposeful detail5.0/104.0/10
Artistry & character4.5/104.0/10
Materials & effects5.5/103.0/10
Visual integrity6.5/103.5/10

Benchmark task

An SVG interpretation of the Mona Lisa tests facial likeness, anatomy and the composition of a familiar portrait.

Beach

Same task instructions

Creativity, perspective and visual beauty.

The judgment

GPT-5.6 Sol

The purple-to-gold sunset, framing palms and varied beach activities create an appealing, coherent illustration. The sun’s reflection establishes a clear focal path. Figures and animals are recognizable but geometrically simplified; airborne dolphins lack convincing splashes, and the boat reflection is schematic. Clean silhouettes and playful details succeed more strongly than anatomical depth or material realism.

Step 5 Preview

A recognizable sunset beach with clear warm-cool contrast and playful accessories. Basic animal construction, shallow foreground placement and schematic reflections limit spatial and physical credibility. Sparse descriptive detail and abruptly ended sky bands constrain the finish.

Score breakdown

CategoryGPT-5.6 SolStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness8.5/104.0/10
Anatomy & construction6.0/103.0/10
Space & placement7.0/103.5/10
Light & reflections6.5/103.5/10
Purposeful detail7.0/103.0/10
Artistry & character6.5/103.0/10
Materials & effects6.5/103.5/10
Visual integrity7.0/104.0/10

Benchmark task

A busy shoreline at sunset tests scene composition, animal forms and the relationship between light and water reflections.

Ground Truth

Same task instructions

Physical reasoning, light and visual reconstruction.

The judgment

GPT-5.6 Sol

This benchmark has not been assessed yet.

Step 5 Preview

This benchmark has not been assessed yet.

Benchmark task

A plank, computer mouse and blueberry in a steel room test physical stability, spatial relationships, materials and lighting.

Raccoon

Same task instructions

Scene composition and interacting subjects.

The judgment

GPT-5.6 Sol

Expressive faces, bold silhouettes and layered waves make an appealing cartoon. The raccoon sits convincingly behind the dog's shoulders, and the dog's forward paw reaches the steering grip. Steering construction and seated support remain somewhat ambiguous. The glowing sunset lacks a corresponding warm reflection or consistent illumination on the riders.

Step 5 Preview

Recognizable animals, a bright palette and identifying accessories support a basic cartoon. Primitive anatomy, partial seated support, unresolved steering and weak hull-water contact limit the central action. Lighting and spray provide atmosphere without establishing convincing physical depth.

Score breakdown

CategoryGPT-5.6 SolStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness6.5/104.0/10
Anatomy & construction5.0/104.5/10
Space & placement6.5/103.0/10
Light & reflections6.5/103.5/10
Purposeful detail7.5/104.0/10
Artistry & character5.0/103.5/10
Materials & effects7.0/103.0/10
Visual integrity5.0/103.0/10

Benchmark task

A jet-ski scene pairs a canine driver with a raccoon passenger. It tests the placement and contact of interacting subjects, along with vehicle construction.

Pelican

Same task instructions

Subject construction and spatial relationships.

The judgment

GPT-5.6 Sol

The expressive pelican and balanced coastal composition remain appealing, but a sky-colored slit between the neck contours above the wing leaves the central anatomy incoherent. This visible construction and layering defect prevents a clean-integrity assessment. Clustered feet lack clear pedal contacts and the chain routing is schematic; lighting and water reflections remain graphic.

Step 5 Preview

The pelican and bicycle are recognizable, with a pleasant palette and basic diffuse shading. The riding relationship fails physically: the bird is unsupported, the front wheel is unmounted, and pedalling is unresolved. Simple geometric construction and sparse material treatment further limit the drawing.

Score breakdown

CategoryGPT-5.6 SolStep 5 Preview
Task & likeness8.5/103.0/10
Anatomy & construction5.0/103.0/10
Space & placement7.5/103.0/10
Light & reflections7.5/103.0/10
Purposeful detail8.0/104.0/10
Artistry & character6.5/103.0/10
Materials & effects7.0/103.0/10
Visual integrity4.5/102.0/10

Benchmark task

A cycling pelican tests anatomy, riding posture and contact between the bird and the bicycle.