On February 27, 2025, OpenAI launched GPT-4.5 for ChatGPT Plus subscribers. Like many, I was eager to test its capabilities, though a bit skeptical.
We’ve all heard about the challenges developers face in surpassing earlier groundbreaking AI models. GPT-4o already sets a high bar, excelling in many tasks and featuring impressive tools like the ‘Deep Research’ option.
OpenAI highlighted GPT-4.5’s enhanced emotional intelligence and nuanced understanding, suggesting it could surprise users with thoughtful gestures – like gifting poetry on birthdays.
Curious, I decided to run practical, everyday tests comparing GPT-4o and GPT-4.5 with prompts typical ChatGPT users would employ. Interestingly, if you primarily use GPT-4o for these five tasks, upgrading might not be necessary.
1. Core Functionality
Both GPT-4o and GPT-4.5 excel at natural language processing, generating fluent, human-like text suitable for emails, summaries, and creative tasks. To test their creative capabilities, I prompted:
“Generate a short poem about the beauty of nature during spring.”
Both responses were impressive. GPT-4.5 provided an emotional three-paragraph poem vividly capturing spring. GPT-4o matched this quality but added a thoughtful title, “Whispers of Spring.”
To test summarization, I asked both to:
“Summarize the key ideas from the book ‘1984’ by George Orwell in 150 words.”
GPT-4o delivered 147 words, while GPT-4.5 used 138 words, each accurately capturing the essence of Orwell’s classic.
2. Accuracy
AI’s effectiveness hinges on accuracy. To assess clarity and correctness, I asked:
“What is the significance of Newton’s laws in modern physics? Provide an explanation suitable for a high school student.”
Both models provided clear, accurate explanations, making complex concepts easy to grasp. While their phrasing varied, reliability was equally strong.
3. Problem-Solving
Effective problem-solving is vital for AI advancement. To evaluate logical reasoning, I asked:
“What are the economic effects of inflation, and how can governments mitigate them?”
Both models listed six economic effects clearly. However, GPT-4.5 provided slightly more detailed mitigation strategies. Still, GPT-4o’s solutions remained robust, indicating strong problem-solving abilities in both.
4. Multimodal Capabilities
Multimodal processing, such as interpreting text and images, is a strength shared by GPT-4o and GPT-4.5. To test visual comprehension, I uploaded an image of a hamburger, fries, and Coca-Cola bottle and prompted:
“Describe this image in detail.”
Both accurately identified not only the items but also their positioning and minor details, demonstrating exceptional multimodal capability.
5. Persistent Memory
Both models effectively maintain context within conversations. To test this, after the image description, I asked:
“So, what were we talking about?”
Remarkably, both recalled not only the last prompt but also the previous context, affirming their strong contextual awareness.
Additionally, they preserve chat histories across sessions unless deleted, which makes referencing past conversations easy.
Final Thoughts
Both GPT-4o and GPT-4.5 prioritize intuitive user experience and deliver exceptional performance across these key areas.
Although GPT-4.5 shows subtle enhancements, particularly in nuanced emotional intelligence, it doesn’t mark a huge leap from GPT-4o in these five essential functions. Unless you’re a power user with specialized needs, GPT-4o remains sufficiently powerful and versatile.
I’ll continue testing both models to uncover scenarios where GPT-4.5 might significantly outperform GPT-4o. For now, if your primary tasks align with these areas, there’s no pressing need to upgrade.
