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March 1, 2025
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9
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ChatGPT-4.5 vs GPT-4o: Which AI Model Is Right for You?
George Miloradovich
Researcher, Copywriter & Usecase Interviewer
Looking for the best AI model for your needs? Here's a quick breakdown of ChatGPT-4.5 and GPT-4o to help you decide.
| Feature | ChatGPT-4.5 | GPT-4o |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Complex tasks, accuracy | Speed, multimodal inputs |
| Pricing | $200/month (Pro) | $20/month (Plus) |
| Speed | Standard | 2–8 seconds per response |
| Context Window | Standard | Up to 128,000 tokens |
| Coding | Advanced workflows | Quick debugging |
| Multimodal Support | Limited | Text, voice, image |
| API Cost | $75/1M input tokens | $2.50/1M input tokens |
In short: Choose ChatGPT-4.5 for precision and complex tasks, and GPT-4o for faster, cost-effective operations. Dive deeper into the article for detailed insights.
GPT-4o is designed to deliver quicker responses, making it a strong choice for tasks where timing is crucial. This speed has shown to be especially useful in live chat systems and voice AI applications .
Both models handle multimodal inputs, but each has its own strengths. ChatGPT-4.5 uses standard ChatGPT tools and APIs, including features like image input handling and in-line SVG generation through DALL·E . On the other hand, GPT-4o supports text, voice, and visual inputs in a more integrated way . Here's a breakdown of their input capabilities:
| Feature | ChatGPT-4.5 | GPT-4o |
|---|---|---|
| Text Processing | Advanced, with full ChatGPT tool support | Integrated multimodal processing |
| Image Handling | DALL·E integration and in-line SVGs | Native image support |
| Audio Support | Limited | Native audio processing |
| Context Window | Standard | Up to 128,000 tokens |
| File Support | Supports all file types | Multimodal file handling |
GPT-4o's ability to process text, voice, and visual inputs simultaneously ensures smooth transitions between different types of data . This distinction highlights the models' varying approaches to handling input.
GPT-4o stands out with its massive context window of up to 128,000 tokens , making it ideal for extended conversations or tasks requiring long-term context retention. Its ability to handle and retain information across text, audio, and visual data ensures consistency, even in complex workflows .
While both models excel in specific areas, their focus differs: ChatGPT-4.5 offers robust file handling and tool integrations , whereas GPT-4o shines in its advanced multimodal processing capabilities.
Continuing from our evaluation of core features, let’s dive into how each model performs when it comes to delivering quality outputs.
ChatGPT-4.5 stands out for its accuracy in handling facts and data, especially when compared to GPT-4o. According to the SimpleQA benchmark, ChatGPT-4.5 provides more reliable factual responses and has fewer issues with hallucinations . This accuracy is particularly important in fields like mathematics and science, where precision is non-negotiable. Benchmark tests consistently highlight ChatGPT-4.5's edge in these areas .
Now, let’s look at how these models handle coding tasks, where precision and efficiency are key.
When it comes to coding, ChatGPT-4.5 handles complex tasks and multi-step automation workflows with ease . In contrast, GPT-4o sometimes produces redundant code segments . Some developers even prefer models like Gemini and Claude over GPT-4o for coding-related tasks .
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of their coding capabilities:
| Aspect | ChatGPT-4.5 | GPT-4o |
|---|---|---|
| Complex Programming | Strong performance | Basic capability |
| Code Debugging | High precision | Good for quick fixes |
| Context Understanding | Excellent | Prone to redundancy |
| Cost Efficiency | Higher cost ($200/month) | More affordable ($20/month) |
| Multi-step Workflows | Very effective | Limited capability |
Beyond coding, let’s explore how these models handle broader problem-solving tasks.
ChatGPT-4.5 demonstrates advanced problem-solving skills, particularly in multi-step and complex scenarios . Its ability to grasp human intent, understand emotional nuances, and interpret subtle cues makes it highly effective for tasks requiring deeper reasoning .
Key strengths of ChatGPT-4.5 include:
Early testing supports these findings, showing that ChatGPT-4.5 feels more conversational and provides dependable analytical responses .
Each model shines in different writing scenarios, thanks to their unique strengths. ChatGPT-4.5 is ideal for producing detailed, creative content with a refined tone, while GPT-4o focuses on delivering concise, results-oriented output .
Here's how they compare across various content types:
| Content Type | Best Model | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Copywriting | ChatGPT-4.5 | Stronger creativity and emotional appeal |
| Social Media Posts | GPT-4o | Faster, budget-friendly content creation |
| Email Marketing | GPT-4o | Clear, action-focused messaging |
| Long-form Articles | ChatGPT-4.5 | Superior context retention and flow |
These capabilities can have a direct impact on improving business workflows.
Both models play a role in automating business processes, but they do so in different ways. ChatGPT-4.5 is better suited for handling intricate workflows and complex automation tasks .
"Low-code and no-code platforms can help organizations reduce the cost of developing applications by up to 90%, enabling them to focus on delivering value to customers." – Gartner
For example, in integrations like Latenode, GPT-4o excels in delivering quick, real-time responses, whereas ChatGPT-4.5 handles multi-step, detailed workflows with ease. IT leaders report a 70% improvement in customer experience and 86% better collaboration between IT and business teams when leveraging these models . These varied strengths naturally extend into development-related tasks.
The choice between these models also impacts developer workflows. ChatGPT-4.5 is the go-to for complex, high-stakes development work, while GPT-4o is better for routine tasks and quick debugging .
GPT-4o offers a cost-effective solution at $2.50 per 1M input tokens and is highly efficient for debugging and basic coding tasks . On the other hand, ChatGPT-4.5 excels in handling intricate automation workflows but can be up to 15 times more expensive than GPT-4o for similar tasks . This makes GPT-4o an attractive option for developers looking to balance efficiency and cost.
Integrating ChatGPT-4.5 and GPT-4o into low-code platforms requires different strategies. GPT-4o's streamlined API supports efficient implementation, while ChatGPT-4.5 is designed for more advanced automation tasks. For instance, in February 2025, a 4-step workflow using ChatGPT-4.5 linked the OpenAI Assistants API with Gmail, Google Sheets, and Slack. This setup was used to process, classify, and route customer inquiries effectively . These differences highlight the unique capabilities of each API.
| Integration Feature | GPT-4o | ChatGPT-4.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Token Processing | $2.50/1M input tokens | $75.00/1M input tokens |
| Multimodal Support | Yes | Limited |
| Function Calling | Advanced | Basic |
For businesses using automation platforms like Latenode, understanding the API features of these models is essential. GPT-4o offers strong multimodal support and advanced function calling, making it a reliable choice for diverse use cases. Its cost-efficient pricing of $2.50 per million input tokens makes it ideal for high-volume automation needs .
On the other hand, ChatGPT-4.5's API, though priced higher at $75.00 per million input tokens, delivers greater accuracy in handling complex workflows. Its enhanced ability to retain context makes it a strong option for intricate business process automation .
The API features of these models directly impact workflow performance. Latenode’s AI assistant, for example, boosts efficiency through its visual workflow builder:
To put this into perspective, processing 60 input and 581 output tokens costs $0.00596 with GPT-4o, compared to $0.09165 with ChatGPT-4.5 . This 15-fold cost difference is a critical factor for organizations managing multiple automated workflows.
Here's a breakdown of the pricing for each plan:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | GPT-4o Access | GPT-4.5 Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited | No |
| Plus | $20 | Up to 5× Free Plan | No |
| Pro | $200 | Unlimited | Yes |
| Team | $25–30/user | Expanded | No |
| Enterprise | Custom | Expanded | No |
For API usage, GPT-4.5 costs $75 per million input tokens and $150 per million output tokens . Meanwhile, GPT-4o's API is priced at $2.50 per million input tokens and $10.00 per million output tokens . This makes GPT-4o a cost-effective choice for businesses handling large volumes of data.
Both models run on OpenAI's cloud platform but have different hardware needs. GPT-4.5, built on Microsoft Azure AI supercomputers , demands more computing power, which contributes to its higher operational costs. However, this also means enhanced accuracy and better context handling. On the other hand, GPT-4o is designed for real-time efficiency, making it a good fit for businesses managing multiple processes at once.
Regional availability is another factor to consider. The latest version of GPT-4o, launched on December 17, 2024, is accessible in East US2 (Global Standard) and Sweden Central (Global Standard) .
Accessing GPT-4.5 through Azure OpenAI requires registration and Microsoft's approval . The platform leverages global infrastructure with dynamic traffic routing to ensure efficient request handling. Additionally, OpenAI provides discounts for nonprofit organizations: 20% off ChatGPT Team plans and 50% off ChatGPT Enterprise plans , making advanced AI tools more accessible.
GPT-4.5 stands out with its precision, emotional depth, and advanced reasoning. It’s ideal for tackling complex tasks that demand detailed thought and creativity. This makes it a strong choice for high-stakes projects where accuracy and nuance are key .
GPT-4o, on the other hand, is built for speed and cost-effectiveness. Its ability to handle text, images, and audio inputs makes it a great fit for tasks requiring quick responses and logical processing.
These strengths cater to different needs, so the right model depends on what you’re trying to achieve.
"GPT-4.5 shows strong capabilities in agentic planning and execution, including multi-step coding workflows and complex task automation" .
GPT-4o, with its lower-cost API, works well for rapid prototyping and high-volume projects.
When deciding, think about your specific needs and budget. If you’re juggling multiple AI applications, a hybrid approach could be the way to go - leveraging GPT-4.5 for critical tasks and GPT-4o for everyday operations.
