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What is the difference between GPT-4 and GPT-5?

GPT-5 is smarter, faster, cheaper per token, and better at multi-step reasoning and tool use. For most everyday tasks, the difference is speed and reliability, not raw capability.

Mark Barclay
Answer curated and reviewed byMark Barclay

Key takeaways

  • GPT-5 is smarter, faster, cheaper per token, and better at multi-step reasoning and tool use.
  • For most everyday tasks, the difference is speed and reliability, not raw capability.

Compared to GPT-4, GPT-5 improved most on three axes: multi-step reasoning (agents), reliability (fewer refusals and hallucinations on well-formed prompts), and cost per token. It is also faster.

For casual writing and Q&A, most users will not notice a night-and-day difference. For agents, coding and long analysis, GPT-5 is a clear upgrade.