Chat GPT 4 vs 5: 20 Ways the Upgrade Feels Different

When ChatGPT‑5 came out, a lot of people wondered if it really felt like an upgrade from GPT‑4.

After using both, it is clear that GPT‑5 changes the way you work, create, and communicate with AI in many industries, including dental and insurance.

Some changes are obvious, others are subtle but powerful. Let’s see the difference between Chat GPT 4 vs 5:

Chat GPT 4 vs 5

GPT‑4		GPT‑5
Released 2023	VS	Released 2025
Best at writing, chatting, handling images	VS	Better at problem‑solving, coding, science
Works with text + pictures	VS	Works with text, pictures, audio & video
Medium memory capacity	VS	Almost twice the memory capacity
Good at solving problems	VS	Even better, expert‑like reasoning
Good at coding	VS	World‑class coding performance
Fewer mistakes	VS	Far fewer mistakes, more trustworthy
Creative but sometimes repetitive	VS	More expert‑like but less playful

1. Remembers really long conversations

GPT‑4 can follow a conversation for a while but loses track if it gets too long.

GPT‑5 can remember conversations stretching over hundreds of pages.

Example: Imagine writing a novel chapter by chapter over weeks. GPT‑4 might forget a side character’s backstory. GPT‑5 will still recall that detail you mentioned weeks ago.

2. Picks the right tool for every question

GPT‑4 uses the same process for all queries.

GPT‑5 decides if your question needs a quick answer or deep research.

Example: If you ask “What is the capital of Norway?” it replies instantly. If you ask “Help me draft a business pitch for a solar startup,” it will slow down and go into research‑mode depth.

3. Improves answers by checking itself

GPT‑4 sometimes gives answers with small errors and moves on.

GPT‑5 often re‑reads its own draft and fixes mistakes before sending it to you.

This is especially helpful in coding because it can spot a missing bracket or wrong variable name before you even test the code.

4. Honest when it does not know something

GPT‑4 sometimes guesses if it is unsure.

GPT‑5 will say “I do not have enough info” and suggest where you can look. This saves time because you are not chasing false information.

5. Lets you change its personality

GPT‑4 keeps the same tone.

GPT‑5 can switch between funny, nerdy, supportive, or serious styles.

Example: You can have it explain taxes like a stand‑up comedian, then switch to a straight‑to‑the‑point accountant for the actual filing details.

6. Can read your emails and calendar if you allow it

GPT‑4 cannot do this.

GPT‑5 can check your Gmail or Google Calendar, highlight important items, and help you schedule your week.

Example: It could remind you that your “team call” tomorrow overlaps with your friend’s birthday lunch.

7. Handles big multi‑step tasks better

GPT‑4 can get lost if there are too many linked steps.

GPT‑5 breaks a big job into small steps and remembers where it stopped.

Perfect for things like creating a 10‑part marketing plan without repeating instructions.

8. Understands pictures as well as text

GPT‑4 is mostly text‑only.

GPT‑5 can look at an image and describe what is in it.

Example: Show it a photo of your living room and it can suggest furniture rearrangements.

9. Lets you talk without typing

GPT‑4 is mostly for typing.

GPT‑5 includes voice chat so you can speak naturally.

Example: Great when cooking and you want to ask “How much salt for two servings of pasta?” without touching your phone.

10. Kinder with tricky questions

GPT‑4 might just refuse to answer certain sensitive topics with a blunt “I cannot help.”

GPT‑5 explains why and offers safe, alternate ways to think about your question.

11. Chooses the right version automatically

GPT‑4 expects you to pick which version you want.

GPT‑5 decides behind the scenes which option is fastest and smartest for your question.

12. Explains things in plain language or step‑by‑step

GPT‑4 can simplify explanations if you ask clearly.

GPT‑5 has built‑in modes like “ELI5” (Explain like I’m 5) to make ideas child‑friendly or give step‑by‑step guides without needing a perfect prompt.

13. Can detect AI‑made content

GPT‑4 is not great at spotting text or images made by AI.

GPT‑5 can tell if something is likely AI‑generated.

Example: Handy if you need to check if a product review was written by a bot.

14. Writes perfect prompts for AI art tools

GPT‑4 needs you to be specific when making art prompts.

GPT‑5 can take “I want a magical forest” and turn it into “A glowing fairy forest at twilight in watercolor style” so you get better results on the first try.

15. Rewrites in different styles instantly

GPT‑4 can change tone, but results vary.

GPT‑5 can make something sound casual, technical, fun, or luxurious with far more accuracy.

Example: A product description can go from “professional corporate brochure” to “quirky Instagram caption” in seconds.

16. Fewer mistakes overall

GPT‑4 makes more factual or logical errors.

GPT‑5 cuts those errors by almost half, so you spend less time fixing replies.

17. Explains complex topics clearly

GPT-4 explains things, although it can still be long or complicated.

GPT‑5 can break down legal, medical, or scientific info into everyday language without losing accuracy.

18. Remembers your preferences better

GPT‑4 does not remember your style between chats.
GPT‑5 can.

Example: If you like bullet‑point answers for work and friendly paragraphs for personal chats, it will adjust automatically.

19. Great with code

GPT-4 can write code, but it might have faults.

GPT-5 tells you what the code does, finds problems, and lets you test tiny parts of it to make sure it works before you use it.

20. Offers smaller, faster versions for techies

GPT‑4 is one‑size for most things.

GPT‑5 has Mini and Nano versions for tasks that do not need the full power, saving speed and cost.

People Views On ChatGPT‑5 After Using It

When ChatGPT‑5 launched, everyone was curious to see how much better it was compared to older versions. Some people were impressed, while others were left disappointed.

We went through a detailed Reddit discussion where experienced users shared their honest opinions after really putting GPT‑5 to the test.
Here is what they said.

1. Feels More Like a Cost Update Than a Big Technology Jump

A lot of people think GPT‑5 is mainly designed to help OpenAI save money on running costs, rather than being a huge leap forward in AI capability.

It works okay, but it seems more like a polished version of something than anything really new.

OpenAI seems to be focused on making it less expensive to run while still making it useful for most users.

2. Performance Is Mixed Depending on Who You Ask

Some people think that GPT-5 is smoother, makes fewer mistakes, and is good for everyday tasks like writing or organizing thoughts.

Some people think it’s actually less detailed than GPT-4.1 and sometimes even slower.

Some people found that it has trouble remembering the context of long or difficult conversations and can overlook essential information.

3. Less Choice and Usage Limits Are Annoying

Many long‑time users miss being able to choose older models like GPT‑4.1.
OpenAI made GPT‑5 the default option, so the choice is gone.

Plus, there are now limits on how many messages you can send per week, which is frustrating for people who use it heavily for work.

4. The Hype Felt Bigger Than The Reality

Before the release, there was a lot of excitement about OpenAI’s strange teaser messages, such as the “death star” picture that the CEO published.

Some people think this raised expectations that weren’t realistic.

When GPT-5 came out, it was excellent, but not as amazing as many people had hoped.

5. Still Useful For Most People

Many people still think that GPT-5 is a solid and useful tool, even though it has been criticized. It is wonderful for helping with writing, coding, coming up with ideas, and keeping track of information.

If you’re new to AI, GPT-5 can seem powerful and easy to use immediately.

6. A Foundation For The Future

Some people think that GPT-5 is more of a solid “foundation” than a finished result. It is important to be dependable, affordable, and easy to get to for millions of people.

It provides OpenAI a good starting point for making better, more advanced versions in the future.

Final Thoughts

Don’t anticipate GPT-5 to be a big step up from GPT-4. It’s more about safety, smoothness, and saving money. It works well for most things, but it might not be able to do highly specific or hard tasks that previous models can.

If you use it a lot, the limitations and lack of model variety could feel limiting. What marketing says isn’t always true. Set realistic goals and think about what you can really achieve for yourself.