As someone who tests AI tools for a living, I’ve seen models improve fast — sometimes overnight. ChatGPT-4.5 and Gemini Pro 2.5 are two of the best in the game right now, and they’ve each had major updates in recent months.
On paper, they’re both powerful, multimodal assistants designed to help with everything from writing and coding to image analysis and productivity. But which one actually performs better when it matters?
To find out, I gave both models the same five prompts, carefully chosen to reflect tasks that many people use AI for every day: summarizing, brainstorming, answering complex questions, generating images and personal assistance.
I didn’t expect perfection — I expected differences. What I didn’t expect was how certain tasks revealed strengths (and quirks) that gave one model a surprising edge.
Here’s how ChatGPT-4.5 and Gemini Pro 2.5 stacked up — and why you might choose one over the other depending on how you work.
1. Summarization & compression
Prompt: “Summarize this New York Times article in under 100 words and give me one key takeaway I might not catch on my own.” (I uploaded the article 5 Science-Backed Longevity ‘Hacks’ That Don’t Cost a Fortune)
ChatGPT-4.5 provided a concise summary under 100 words as requested. It included a clear, insightful key takeaway about the role of social connections in longevity, which aligns with the request for something a reader might miss.
Gemini 2.5 Pro offered a general breakdown of the article but failed to meet the core request because it didn’t summarize the actual article or provide a unique takeaway.
Winner: ChatGPT wins for directly addressing the prompt with a succinct summary and a thoughtful key takeaway. Gemini’s response was truly disappointing this time.
2. Creative writing & tone adaptation
Prompt: “Write a product description for a retro-style smartwatch that sounds like it was written by Taylor Swift.”
ChatGPT-4.5 balanced retro and tech with a description of the watch’s aesthetic, while also highlighting smart features. The copy is engaging and lyrical, which feels straight out of a Taylor Swift song.
Gemini 2.5 Pro included strong Swiftian imagery, which feels very Folklore/Evermore era. The copy evokes nostalgia well. However, the copy lacks a clear call to action.
Winner: ChatGPT wins for nailing Taylor’s voice while also delivering persuasive product copy. Gemini’s copy was prettier, but less practical, which felt more like a poem than proper sales packaging.
3. Analytical reasoning
Prompt: “Explain quantum computing to a 12-year-old using analogies, but also include one paragraph for adults who want the technical details.”
ChatGPT-4.5 supplied a simple and punchy analogy for kids. It was succinct yet accurate, catering to the attention span of kids. The technical aspects are streamlined, focusing more on concepts without diving too deep into math or algorithms.
Gemini 2.5 Pro engaged with an analogy for kids and metaphors that make superposition and entanglement intuitive. It makes a clear distinction between classical and quantum computer.
Winner: ChatGPT wins for balancing clarity in a way that both children and adults can understand. While Gemini’s response is good, it over-explains, which might not be appropriate for a child.
4. Image generation interpretation
Prompt: “Based on this image, tell me what you observe and what story it might be telling.” I uploaded an image of my son and I going down a tube together at a farm playground.
ChatGPT-4.5 engaged emotionally by focusing on the warmth and joy, which led to stronger storytelling by framing the moment as a “snapshot of childhood innocence” and “parenting joy,” which feels more evocative.
Gemini 2.5 Pro was detailed in its observation including specific elements like the corrugated tube, shoes, and clothing. It identifies the setting well and the relationship between my child and me. The storytelling aspect was there as it describes the scene as “joyful bonding.”
Winner: ChatGPT wins for better synthesizing the details into a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative.
5. Task organization
Prompt: “Help me plan a weekend trip to Portland, Oregon, including a budget itinerary, places to eat and family-friendly activities.”
ChatGPT-4.5 created a clear, budget-conscious schedule with a family-friendly focus. It offered plenty of kid-approved spots as well as an estimated budget breakdown.
Gemini 2.5 Pro delivered a highly detailed itinerary that included local insights and flexible options. The budget was transparent and the breakdown of cost estimates was clear.
Winner: Gemini wins for a more practical response that included everything from transportation guidelines to contingency plans. It was meticulous and detailed aspects of a trip that a user might have missed.
Final verdict: ChatGPT wins
After comparing Gemini and ChatGPT across five different prompts — ranging from summarizing articles and crafting marketing copy to explaining complex topics and planning a trip — it’s clear that both chatbots excel in different ways.
ChatGPT shines in creativity, storytelling, and concise communication, making it ideal for engaging narratives and quick, digestible explanations.
Gemini proves stronger in detailed logistics, technical accuracy, and structured planning, offering deeper dives into topics.
While it’s clear the "better" chatbot depends on the task, it’s also true that they both have winning features. I suggest using them together. They cover a wide range of needs, from casual creativity to meticulous problem-solving and in many instances a hybrid of both chatbots could fulfill user needs even more.
More from Tom's Guide
- OpenAI is retiring GPT-4 from ChatGPT— here’s what that means for you
- A revamped Siri is on the way — but a surprising snag is slowing things down
- I've tested countless AI tools — this one surpasses them all
- I use ChatGPT every day — here's 10 prompts I can't live without
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
