The debate over GPT-5’s superiority compared to GPT-4o has grown louder since OpenAI released its latest model. While GPT-5 brings remarkable improvements in accuracy and reasoning, many users continue to prefer GPT-4o. The reasons are not only technical but also emotional, as GPT-4o is considered friendlier, faster, and more human-like in daily conversations.
GPT-5 Performance and Accuracy
GPT-5 delivers significant improvements across benchmarks. In the SWE-bench Verified coding test, GPT-5 scored 74.9 percent while GPT-4o only reached 30.8 percent. In the AIME 2025 math exam, GPT-5 achieved 94.6 percent, far above GPT-4o’s 71 percent. These numbers highlight how powerful GPT-5 is for technical use cases that demand high precision.
Moreover, GPT-5 has proven stronger in medical applications. Research published on arXiv shows that GPT-5 outperformed GPT-4o by up to 29 percent in MedXpertQA multimodal case comprehension. In radiology and medical physics, GPT-5 also showed a performance advantage of 11 to 20 percent over GPT-4o. This makes GPT-5 an ideal choice for professional sectors requiring accuracy, from healthcare to science.
Safety and Reduced Hallucination
One of the main issues in generative AI models is hallucination, the tendency to provide incorrect answers as if they were factual. GPT-5 offers a safer solution with significantly lower hallucination rates. OpenAI equipped the model with safe completions to avoid risky outputs. Reports confirm that GPT-5 reduces factual errors by up to 45 percent compared to GPT-4o. This is a major benefit for professional users who cannot tolerate misinformation.
GPT-5’s Universal Architecture
GPT-5 is built with a universal architecture approach. The system can automatically switch between fast responses and deep reasoning through an intelligent router. OpenAI also provides mini and nano variants for low-latency or cost-efficient scenarios. With a context window of up to 400,000 tokens, GPT-5 supports long and complex conversations without losing consistency. This flexibility makes it suitable for diverse needs, from casual chats to in-depth analysis.
Personalization and Response Style
GPT-5 allows users to choose response styles according to their preferences, ranging from concise and formal to creative. This flexibility delivers a wider range of personalization compared to GPT-4o. However, this is also where a notable difference arises. GPT-5 is often perceived as too formal and cold, whereas GPT-4o is more beloved for feeling warm and conversational, almost like talking to a friend.
Why GPT-4o Is Still Loved
Although GPT-4o lags technically, it holds a special place in users’ hearts. Many find GPT-4o more natural in communication. Its responses are longer, more nuanced, and less rushed. Some users describe GPT-4o as friendly and empathetic, making it feel closer to human interaction. This is particularly meaningful for those who rely on AI not only for information but also for companionship in daily routines.
Speed and Convenience Factors
GPT-4o is also known for its fast responses. For many, speed matters more than absolute accuracy. The model feels lightweight and efficient, making it practical for everyday activities. This is why GPT-4o is often chosen for casual conversations, brainstorming ideas, or serving as a discussion partner.
Nostalgia and Emotional Attachment
When OpenAI initially pulled GPT-4o after GPT-5’s release, waves of user protest and nostalgia followed. The company eventually brought it back, though now offered as part of the paid Plus plan. This reflects the strong emotional bond between users and GPT-4o. Many felt a sense of loss when the model was unavailable, since GPT-4o had become more than just a tool. It was seen as a virtual friend who understood.
GPT-4o vs GPT-5 Comparison Table
| Aspect | GPT-5 | GPT-4o |
|---|---|---|
| Benchmarks and reasoning | Excels in coding, math, medical fields | Strong for general conversation and creativity |
| Safety and accuracy | Safer, fewer hallucinations | More prone to errors, but feels more natural |
| Style and tone | Formal, concise, efficient | Warm, longer, more personal |
| Speed and cost | Slightly slower, flexible with mini/nano variants | Faster and lighter for daily use |
| Personalization and context | 400k tokens, customizable response styles | Standard context, fewer personalization options |
User and Market Perspective
International media such as TechRadar, Ars Technica, and Windows Central reported that many users find GPT-4o more enjoyable. While GPT-5 is praised for its advanced capabilities, GPT-4o remains popular for its friendly communication style. This proves that in AI, technical superiority is not the only deciding factor. Emotional connection and user comfort play a major role too.
Conclusion
GPT-5 clearly represents a leap forward in accuracy, safety, and reasoning abilities. It is best suited for professional environments that demand precision. On the other hand, GPT-4o continues to thrive as a favorite because it delivers a more human-like, faster, and more comfortable conversational experience.
Both models have their strengths. GPT-5 excels technically, while GPT-4o shines emotionally. The choice ultimately depends on whether users prioritize accuracy or conversational warmth.
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