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ChatGPT-3.5 vs. 4: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?

ChatGPT-3.5 vs. 4: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?

Updated on 18 December, 2024

1.35K+ views

• 8 min read

Table of Contents

What is ChatGPT-3.5?
What is ChatGPT-4?
Difference Between ChatGPT-3.5 vs. GPT-4
ChatGPT-3.5 vs. 4: Key Similarities
ChatGPT-3.5 vs. 4: Pricing and Accessibility
ChatGPT's New Ability to Access Real-Time Internet Information
Popular Use Cases of ChatGPT-4 in Modern Applications
Latest Updates of ChatGPT: Vision, Turbo, and Search Results
How Can upGrad Help You Learn How to Use ChatGPT?

Let’s say you’re preparing for a job interview or working on a project, and you need quick, precise answers. You give ChatGPT a prompt, and within seconds, you have a response tailored to your query. But here’s the catch—are you using the right version of ChatGPT to get the most accurate and efficient results?

Knowing the difference between ChatGPT-3.5 vs GPT-4 isn’t just about choosing a tool; it’s about enhancing your knowledge, optimizing your workflow, and staying competitive in your career.

This blog will guide you through their nuances, empowering you to make the best choice for your goals. Dive in to learn more!

What is ChatGPT-3.5?

Released as a successor to GPT-3, ChatGPT-3.5 is designed to handle a wide range of text-based tasks with impressive speed and accuracy.

Here are a few of its features:

Processes queries quickly, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Supports tasks like content creation, coding help, and customer support.
Offers a balance of performance and affordability, making it accessible for most users.

Now, it’s time to look at ChatGPT-4, the advanced version that has taken AI capabilities to the next level.

What is ChatGPT-4?

ChatGPT-4, the latest version of OpenAI’s GPT series, surpasses GPT-3.5 with over 100 trillion parameters, enabling more refined, context-aware responses and advancing the capabilities of conversational AI.

Here are a few of its features:

Better problem-solving than GPT-3.
More precise query handling.
Refined content generation.

ChatGPT-4 is perfect for professionals and power users who need a high-performing AI tool for more demanding tasks.

Also Read: Where can we use Generative AI? A Complete Guide

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While both models share a common origin, the difference between ChatGPT-3.5 vs GPT-4 are what set them apart in terms of performance, accuracy, and application.

Difference Between ChatGPT-3.5 vs. GPT-4

ChatGPT-3.5 vs. 4, both are part of OpenAI’s generative pre-trained transformer models. While they share a common foundation, they differ significantly in their capabilities, accuracy, and ideal use cases.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the difference between ChatGPT-3.5 vs GPT-4:

Feature	ChatGPT-3.5	ChatGPT-4
Input Modality	Text-based input only.	Supports text and image inputs for richer interactions.
Processing Power	Faster but limited in handling complex queries.	Handles complex queries with greater depth and accuracy, albeit slightly slower.
Understanding Nuances	Good at simple queries but struggles with ambiguous or nuanced inputs.	Excels at understanding context, subtlety, and intricate prompts.
Creativity and Coherence	Generates coherent content but may falter in highly creative tasks.	Delivers more refined, imaginative, and coherent responses.
Context Retention	Limited context retention in longer conversations.	Retains context effectively for extended, multi-turn interactions.
Accuracy	Reliable for straightforward tasks, but prone to occasional errors in complex queries.	Highly accurate and reliable, especially in technical or specialized tasks.
User Base	Designed for everyday users needing quick and efficient responses.	Suited for professionals, businesses, and users with advanced requirements.
Applications	Ideal for simple tasks like drafting emails, summarizing content, or coding assistance.	Tailored for advanced tasks, such as creative writing, complex problem-solving, and in-depth research.

Also Read: Top 15+ Challenges of AI in 2025: Key Types, Strategies, Jobs & Trends

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Despite their differences, ChatGPT-3.5 vs. 4 share several strengths that make them powerful tools for users across industries.

ChatGPT-3.5 vs. 4: Key Similarities

Despite the difference between ChatGPT-3.5 vs GPT-4, they both share a strong foundation that makes both models reliable tools for AI-powered tasks.

Here are the key areas where they overlap:

Both models are built on OpenAI’s transformer architecture, enabling them to process and generate natural language with remarkable efficiency.
Whether it’s writing, coding, brainstorming, or customer support, both models can handle a wide range of applications effectively.
Both models can be fine-tuned for specific use cases, allowing users to tailor their outputs for unique applications or specialized industries.

Also Read: The Evolution of Generative AI From GANs to Transformer Models

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However, pricing and accessibility are critical factors when deciding which model best fits your needs. Let’s break them down.

ChatGPT-3.5 vs. 4: Pricing and Accessibility

Pricing and accessibility play a crucial role in choosing between ChatGPT-3.5 vs. 4.

Here’s how they differ:

Free Access for ChatGPT-3.5: ChatGPT-3.5 is available at no cost, making it a great option for hobbyists, students, and casual users who need AI for simple tasks.
Premium Access for ChatGPT-4: GPT-4 is available through the ChatGPT Plus subscription, priced at $20 per month (approximately ₹1,650 per month).

Here are a few additional features of ChatGPT Plus:

Faster response times, even during peak usage.
Access to GPT-4’s advanced reasoning and creative capabilities.
Improved reliability for mission-critical tasks.

Also Read: Machine Translation in NLP: Examples, Flow & Models

Now, let’s check out another standout improvement in ChatGPT.

ChatGPT's New Ability to Access Real-Time Internet Information

One of the most groundbreaking updates to ChatGPT is its ability to access real-time internet information. This feature allows it to provide up-to-date, accurate, and dynamic responses that were not possible in earlier versions.

Here are a few benefits of real-time internet access:

Provides accurate, up-to-date responses.
Resolves queries needing recent data.
Adapts to industry and market changes.
Ideal for research and market analysis.
Delivers precise solutions with external resources.

Also Read: Top 5 Natural Language Processing (NLP) Projects & Topics For Beginners

ChatGPT-4’s versatility shines in its wide-ranging applications. Let’s dive into some of the most popular ways it’s transforming industries.

Popular Use Cases of ChatGPT-4 in Modern Applications

ChatGPT-4’s ability to generate human-like text and understand context makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.

Here are some of its popular use cases:

Educational tools and tutoring
Customer support and chatbots
Code generation and debugging
Translation and language services
Content creation and writing assistance

Companies Using ChatGPT

Several leading companies have adopted ChatGPT to enhance their services and user experiences.

Here are a few examples:

Duolingo: Provides AI-assisted language learning with personalized practice.
Coca-Cola: Uses ChatGPT to assist in creating creative content and social media posts.
Microsoft: Integrates ChatGPT into tools like Word and Excel for improved productivity.

ChatGPT-4’s adaptability makes it a valuable asset for businesses across industries, enabling innovation and efficiency in day-to-day operations.

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Also Read: 5 Applications of Natural Language Processing for Businesses

Now, let’s look at some of the new updates that are expected in the ChatGPT space.

Latest Updates of ChatGPT: Vision, Turbo, and Search Results

ChatGPT is continuously evolving, with exciting new features and updates that enhance its functionality and user experience.

Here’s a look at some of the latest advancements:

Vision: ChatGPT can now process images, enabling users to ask questions about visual content and receive insights based on image analysis.
Turbo: The introduction of ChatGPT Turbo provides faster response times, enhancing efficiency without compromising the quality of answers.
Search Results: With real-time internet access, ChatGPT now provides up-to-date information, offering more relevant and accurate answers to user queries.

These updates push the boundaries of AI, making ChatGPT an even more powerful tool for a wide range of applications.

Also Read: What is Google Bard AI (Gemini): Capabilities, Features, Modal Variants, Use Cases, Limitations, and More

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How Can upGrad Help You Learn How to Use ChatGPT?

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References:
https://www.kommunicate.io/blog/chatgpt-4-vs-chatgpt-3-5-key-differences/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/05/30/10-amazing-real-world-examples-of-how-companies-are-using-chatgpt-in-2023/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ChatGPT-4 for free?

No, ChatGPT-4 requires a subscription (ChatGPT Plus), while ChatGPT-3.5 is available for free.

2. What are the key advantages of using GPT-4 over GPT-3.5?

GPT-4 offers improved accuracy, better contextual understanding, and enhanced creativity, making it suitable for more complex tasks.

3. How does ChatGPT-4 handle more complex queries compared to 3.5?

GPT-4 excels in tasks requiring nuanced reasoning, long-term contextual understanding, and multi-step problem solving, unlike GPT-3.5.

4. Is GPT-4 better at understanding multiple languages than GPT-3.5?

Yes, GPT-4 has improved multilingual capabilities, allowing it to generate more accurate and contextually relevant responses in a variety of languages.

5. Can ChatGPT-4 provide real-time internet information?

Yes, ChatGPT-4 can access real-time information, providing more up-to-date responses compared to earlier versions like GPT-3.5, which rely on pre-existing knowledge.

6. How does the pricing for GPT-4 compare to GPT-3.5?

GPT-3.5 is free, while GPT-4 is available through the ChatGPT Plus subscription, which costs $20/month as of now.

7. What are the limitations of ChatGPT-4?

Despite its improvements, GPT-4 still has limitations, including occasional inaccuracies and the inability to access personal data or specific databases unless programmed to do so.

8. How much better is GPT-4 at handling creative writing tasks than GPT-3.5?

GPT-4 generates more coherent, imaginative, and contextually richer content, making it better suited for creative writing, storytelling, and artistic tasks.

9. Does GPT-4 require more computing resources than GPT-3.5?

Yes, GPT-4 requires significantly more processing power, making it more resource-intensive compared to GPT-3.5.

10. How accurate is GPT-4 compared to GPT-3.5 in technical fields like coding?

GPT-4 offers better accuracy in technical fields, such as coding and debugging, with improved problem-solving capabilities and error detection compared to GPT-3.5.

11. Can GPT-4 handle more intricate conversational exchanges than GPT-3.5?

Yes, GPT-4 is much better at maintaining context over longer and more complex conversations, providing more relevant responses even in extended interactions.

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