GPT-4 vs. GPT-4o: Detailed Comparison

Learn the GPT-4 vs. GPT-4o model details and compare the responses on AI chatbots.

GPT-4 is a high-capacity language model designed for complex, long-form tasks requiring deep comprehension, with higher token limits and robust processing power. GPT-4o is a cost-effective, streamlined version optimized for quick, budget-friendly tasks, offering solid performance for straightforward, high-volume applications with slightly reduced token limits.

1. Token Limits

  • GPT-4: Supports up to 8192 input and output tokens, making it ideal for long-form content, in-depth conversations, and complex tasks.
  • GPT-4o: Has a slightly lower token capacity, tailored for shorter, more efficient exchanges.

2. Cost Per Token

  • GPT-4: With its higher cost per token, GPT-4 is suited for high-accuracy projects where detailed analysis is critical.
  • GPT-4o: Lower token costs make GPT-4o an attractive option for budget-conscious applications that prioritize efficiency over depth.

3. Functionality

Both models support function and parallel function calling, though GPT-4 is better suited for intricate tasks that require high comprehension and multi-turn interactions.

4. Vision Support

Both models include vision capabilities, enabling them to process image-based tasks. However, GPT-4 may deliver more nuanced outputs in visual applications due to its larger parameter capacity.

In summary, GPT-4 is the go-to choice for applications needing comprehensive processing power and advanced functionality, while GPT-4o serves as a practical, cost-effective alternative for high-speed, straightforward interactions. 

How to Choose the Best LLM Models for Your Needs: Is GPT-4o Better than GPT-4?

→ Assess Your Task Complexity

  • Choose GPT-4 if: Your tasks involve detailed, multi-turn conversations, long-form content, or complex queries that require in-depth understanding. Its estimated 1.8 trillion parameters enable it to process nuanced information effectively.
  • Choose GPT-4o if: You need a model that provides quick, straightforward responses. GPT-4o is optimized for speed, making it better for simpler tasks like basic customer service or straightforward data retrieval.

Consider Your Budget

  • Choose GPT-4 if: Budget is less of a concern, and you prioritize accuracy and depth of responses. GPT-4’s advanced architecture comes at a higher cost per token but can be worth it for high-stakes projects.
  • Choose GPT-4o if Cost-efficiency is a priority. With lower input and output costs per token, It is ideal for projects where performance and budget constraints must be balanced.

Also see: Chatbot Pricing: How Much Does a Chatbot Cost? 

Evaluate the Required Speed

  • Choose GPT-4 if: You are willing to trade slightly longer response times for more comprehensive and thoughtful outputs. Its more extensive parameter structure might take longer to process but yields detailed answers.
  • Choose GPT-4o if: Speed is crucial. GPT-4o’s streamlined design allows it to deliver quicker responses, making it ideal for real-time applications like customer support or high-frequency API calls.

Determine the Importance of Token Capacity

  • Choose GPT-4 if: You need to handle larger text inputs or outputs. With higher token limits, it can manage more context, making it ideal for long-form content or intricate queries.
  • Choose GPT-4o if: Your tasks involve shorter interactions that don’t require extensive context windows. Its reduced token limits can handle brief inputs efficiently without overpaying for capacity you don’t need.

Look at Integration Needs

  • Choose GPT-4 if: You need advanced integrations that benefit from GPT-4’s detailed function-calling capabilities. It’s better suited for applications that require deep data processing.
  • Choose GPT-4o if: Your focus is on simpler API integrations or basic function calls. It’s a practical choice for developers seeking quick deployment without needing the full complexity of GPT-4.

Focus on Use Case Requirements

  • Choose GPT-4 if: Your use cases include research, content generation, creative writing, or any application that benefits from nuanced understanding and interpretation.
  • Choose GPT-4o if: You need efficiency and speed for tasks like chatbots, FAQ automation, or generating brief summaries—situations where the difference in subtlety won’t impact the user experience.

So, Is GPT-4o Better than GPT-4?

It depends on your priorities:

  • If you prioritize depth, context handling, and have a higher budget, GPT-4 is the better choice.
  • If you value cost savings, speed, and simpler interactions, GPT-4o is more suited to your needs.

Ultimately, neither is inherently “better”—they excel in different scenarios. Choose based on your project requirements, budget, and the complexity of your tasks.

How Can You Use the GPT-4 vs. GPT-4o Comparison Tool?

Since you are on the GPT-4 vs. GPT-4o Comparison Tool page, you know how to find where the essential details of each model are listed side-by-side.

1. Review Key Metrics for Each Model

  • Examine the provided information for both GPT-4 and GPT-4o, which includes:

→ Token Limits: Maximum tokens each model can handle.

→ Costs per Token: Estimated cost per token for input and output.

→ Provider Information: Model provider and available modes (e.g., Chat mode).

→ Functionality: Whether the model supports function calling, parallel function calling, and vision capabilities.

2. View Response Comparisons

The tool lets you compare real-time responses generated by each model. 

Change the toggle to “Compare Responses” and type a prompt to see how GPT-4 and GPT-4o respond on interactive AI chatbots, displayed side-by-side for direct comparison. 

This feature helps you judge responses' tone, accuracy, and relevance.

3. Add Additional Models for Comparison

You can add other LLMs to the comparison if you want to explore beyond GPT-4 and GPT-4o. This feature lets you see how different models handle your prompts, giving you a broader perspective on each model's strengths.

4. Analyze the Best Fit for Your Needs

Use the tool’s metrics and response comparisons to determine which model suits your specific requirements best, whether you prioritize cost-efficiency, output detail, or processing speed.

What Are the Advantages of the GPT-4 vs. GPT-4o Comparison Tool?

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Access comprehensive metrics such as token limits, parameter estimates, and costs, helping you confidently choose the best model for your needs. For example, GPT-4 is estimated to have approximately 1.8 trillion parameters, while the smaller, cost-effective GPT-4o Mini may have around 8 billion.
  • Real-Time Response Comparison: Compare each model’s responses side-by-side to observe differences in tone, detail, and relevance. This feature helps you gauge how each model’s parameter count, like GPT-4’s massive architecture versus GPT-4o’s streamlined setup, might affect their performance.
  • Comprehensive Performance Insights: Compare numerical specs and live responses to understand how each model performs across scenarios. While GPT-4’s advanced “Mixture of Experts” design allows for targeted task handling, GPT-4o offers a simplified approach for efficiency.
  • Flexible Model Options: Add and test other models beyond GPT-4 and GPT-4o. Models like Claude 2 (over 130 billion parameters) or Meta’s Llama 2 (70 billion parameters) can also be compared, giving you a complete view of available options.
  • Customizable Prioritization: Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, response speed, or processing capacity, the tool lets you weigh each model’s unique strengths, such as GPT-4’s massive 1.8 trillion parameters for high comprehension or GPT-4o’s efficient size and cost savings.

Use Cases for the GPT-4 vs. GPT-4o Comparison Tool

  • Evaluating Customer Support Effectiveness

Use the tool to test how GPT-4 and GPT-4o handle customer support prompts, allowing you to compare response detail and speed. This can help you choose between GPT-4’s ability for complex, multi-turn interactions and GPT-4o’s efficiency in high-volume, quick-response scenarios.

  • Comparing Content Creation Quality

Enter prompts related to various content types and industries to observe each model’s tone, style, and detail. This helps you determine whether GPT-4’s nuanced language abilities or GPT-4o’s faster, streamlined structure better suits your content creation needs.

  • Assessing Data Analysis Capabilities

Use data-oriented prompts to compare each model’s approach to interpreting and summarizing structured information. The tool lets you see if GPT-4’s complex data handling or GPT-4o’s quick summarization style aligns better with your chatbot analytical requirements.

  • Testing Personalized Product Recommendation

Input product recommendation prompts to evaluate each model’s ability to provide personalized suggestions. The tool allows you to compare GPT-4’s depth in recommendations against GPT-4o’s efficiency in generating real-time, straightforward suggestions, helping you pick the right model for your recommendation strategy.

→ If you want to calculate the pricing of GPT-4o that you use, here is the Open AI GPT-4o Pricing Calculator.

Suggested Blog Posts:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which model is better for handling large amounts of text?
GPT-4 is better suited for handling large text inputs due to its higher token limits and parameter count, making it ideal for long-form content, detailed analysis, and extended conversations.

Is GPT-4o as accurate as GPT-4?
While GPT-4o can provide accurate responses for many tasks, it may need more in-depth understanding and contextual handling that GPT-4 offers. GPT-4o is optimized for efficiency and cost-effectiveness rather than the advanced accuracy of GPT-4.

Can I use GPT-4 and GPT-4o for the same tasks?

Yes, both models can be used for a range of tasks. However, GPT-4 is generally more suitable for complex, nuanced tasks, while GPT-4o is better for straightforward, high-speed applications where budget is a consideration.