Is OpenAI O1 Actually Better Than ChatGPT-4o? Ultimate Comparison

OpenAI O1 vs ChatGPT-4o: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, OpenAI has recently unveiled its new series of AI models, dubbed the OpenAI o1 family, which includes the o1-preview and o1-mini models. These models are designed to enhance complex reasoning and problem-solving capabilities, prompting a significant comparison with the established GPT-4o models. Here’s a detailed look at the features, performance, and use cases of these models to determine if the OpenAI o1 is indeed better than ChatGPT-4o.

Design and Purpose

The OpenAI o1 models are engineered to allocate more time for deliberation before responding, which significantly enhances their ability to tackle complex problems. This is particularly evident in domains such as science, coding, and mathematics. The o1-preview model, with its broader world knowledge, is ideal for tasks that require advanced reasoning and problem-solving, while the o1-mini model, though lacking broad world knowledge, excels in coding and other technical tasks where the necessary context is provided within the prompt.

Performance Metrics

In rigorous testing, the OpenAI o1 models have demonstrated superior reasoning skills compared to their predecessors. For instance, the o1 model scored an impressive 83% on a qualifying exam for the International Mathematics Olympiad, far outperforming the GPT-4o model which managed only 13%. Additionally, the o1 model achieved the 89th percentile in Codeforces coding competitions, matching the capabilities of PhD students in physics, chemistry, and biology.

Technical Capabilities

The o1-mini model stands out for its technical prowess, particularly in STEM-related tasks. It supports a significantly higher output of 65,000 tokens, compared to GPT-4o's limit of 16,000 tokens. However, GPT-4o excels in speed, generating 103 tokens per second, while o1-mini generates 73.9 tokens per second. Both models share the same input context window and knowledge cutoff of October 2023.

Use Cases

The OpenAI o1 models are particularly suited for complex, problem-solving tasks. Here are some scenarios where they excel:

• Strategy Ideation: The o1-preview model can be a valuable partner in early strategy development, helping to create test scenarios, prioritization frameworks, and next steps.
• Education: The o1 models are capable of providing advanced mathematical explanations and solving complex math problems, making them a valuable resource for educational purposes.
• Coding: The o1-mini model is designed for coding and agentic applications, excelling at writing and debugging complex code without the need for broad world knowledge.

Limitations and Availability

While the OpenAI o1 models offer advanced reasoning capabilities, they come with certain limitations. Unlike GPT-4o, the o1 models do not have access to advanced tools such as memory, custom instructions, data analysis, file uploads, web browsing, vision, and voice features. Users on ChatGPT Plus and Team accounts have access to 30 messages per week with the o1-preview model and 50 messages per week with the o1-mini model. These models are currently available to paid tiers and Usage Tier 5 API customers, with plans to extend access to free tiers in the future.

Pricing

The OpenAI o1 models come at a higher cost compared to GPT-4o. The o1-preview model is almost six times more expensive than GPT-4o, with costs of $15.00 per million input tokens and $60.00 per million output tokens. The o1-mini model, while more cost-efficient, still costs $3.00 per million input tokens and $12.00 per million output tokens, compared to GPT-4o's $2.50 per million input tokens and $10.00 per million output tokens.

Safety and Compliance

The OpenAI o1 models have shown improved performance in safety tests, indicating better adherence to safety protocols compared to GPT-4o. This is a significant advantage, especially in applications where safety and compliance are critical.

In summary, the OpenAI o1 models offer enhanced reasoning and problem-solving capabilities, making them superior in complex tasks involving science, coding, and mathematics. However, their higher cost and limited access to certain tools may make GPT-4o a more suitable choice for users who require general knowledge, simpler coding tasks, and access to advanced features like vision and file uploads. The choice between these models ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user.