GPT-4.5: A Pivotal Moment in AI Evolution

Author

Yoshi Soornack
March 03, 2025

Released in February 2025, GPT-4.5 (code name “Orion”) stands as OpenAI’s largest model in the classic GPT series. Unlike its reasoning-enhanced successors, GPT-4.5 focuses solely on general language tasks. It offers deeper world knowledge, enhanced emotional intelligence, and significantly reduced hallucinations—qualities that make interactions feel more natural and empathetic. However, these benefits come at a cost: the model is compute-intensive and expensive, available mainly to ChatGPT Pro subscribers and through paid API tiers.

The Last of the Non-Reasoning Models

GPT-4.5 is distinguished as the final iteration that does not incorporate explicit reasoning capabilities. This designation hints at a future where models like o1 and o3, which follow a chain-of-thought approach, become the standard. The implications are noteworthy:

  • Enhanced Accuracy for Complex Tasks: Future models will likely excel in structured problem-solving, making them superior in tasks such as mathematics and coding.

  • Potential Trade-offs: Greater reasoning ability might result in slower processing speeds and higher costs. Users and developers will need to balance the need for speed against the demand for nuanced, step-by-step reasoning.

  • Evolving Ecosystem: As we stand on the cusp of this shift, the upcoming GPT-5 may well integrate the strengths of both approaches, offering a more unified and versatile system.

This transition invites us to reflect on the nature of intelligence itself. Should we prioritise swift, conversational fluency, or embrace the slow, deliberate process of reasoning that mirrors human thought? The answer may depend on the task at hand, and indeed, on the philosophical view of what it means to "think."

User Perceptions: A Mixed Reception

Feedback on GPT-4.5 reveals a spectrum of opinions. Many users appreciate the model’s natural conversational style and its reduction in fabricated facts. This makes it particularly valuable for creative writing and emotionally charged interactions. Yet, there are notable criticisms:

  • Performance Concerns: Some users find GPT-4.5 to be disappointingly slow, especially when tasked with coding or complex problem-solving.

  • Economic Considerations: The high cost of access, whether via a $200/month ChatGPT Pro subscription or the API pricing, has led to some scepticism regarding its value.

These varied responses underscore the complexity of user needs. While some celebrate the warmth and intuitive design of GPT-4.5, others miss the robust performance in areas that require deep reasoning. This duality prompts a broader question: in our pursuit of technological advancement, how do we balance the art of conversation with the rigour of logical thought?

A Comparative Look at Benchmarks

A comparative analysis reveals that while GPT-4.5 outshines its predecessor, GPT-4, in terms of general language understanding and factual accuracy, it falls short in specialised areas like coding. Benchmarks indicate improvements in domains such as historical, scientific, and technical knowledge, yet its performance in coding remains less impressive when contrasted with emerging reasoning models like o3-mini.

Here’s a table comparing GPT-4.5 with GPT-4o and o3-mini based on available benchmarks:

Benchmark

GPT-4.5 Score

GPT-4o Score

o3-mini Score

Notes

Math (Improvement)

27.4%

Baseline

Higher

GPT-4.5 excels, but o3-mini better overall

Science (Improvement)

17.8%

Baseline

Slightly less

GPT-4.5 strong, o3-mini competitive

Multilingual (MMLU)

85.1%

81.5%

Not specified

GPT-4.5 outperforms in language tasks

Coding (SWE-Lancer)

32.6%

Lower

23.3%

o3-mini lags, GPT-4.5 better but not top

This divergence in performance highlights an emerging plateau in scaling benefits. As we push the boundaries of what large language models can achieve, we are reminded that each advance brings new challenges—and opportunities for philosophical reflection on the nature of progress itself.

Looking to the Future

GPT-4.5 may not be revolutionary, but it represents a significant milestone in the evolution of language models. Its mixed reception suggests that while we celebrate advancements in natural conversation and reduced hallucinations, there is still room for improvement, especially as we transition towards models with integrated reasoning.

The shift towards reasoning-focused models invites us to consider broader implications: How will the balance between speed and accuracy shape our future interactions with AI? And in what ways might this evolution mirror the complexities of human cognition? These questions lie at the heart of our ongoing dialogue with technology.

GPT-4.5 Project use-cases

  1. Progress Tracking and Reporting

    Keeping everyone updated on project status is a constant need. GPT-4.5 can automate the creation of status reports, meeting minutes, and progress summaries. For instance, site supervisors can feed the AI a set of bullet notes or a daily log, and it will produce a clear, structured progress report highlighting accomplishments, upcoming tasks, and any issues. This saves project managers significant time in writing reports.

  2. Scope and Feasibility Analysis

    GPT-4.5 can review project scopes, requirements, and constraints to identify potential challenges early. By sharing a draft project plan or design concept with the model, teams can get feedback on missing considerations or risks of delays. This preemptive review can prevent costly rework by catching overlooked details or unrealistic assumptions in the planning phase.

  3. Cost Estimation Support

    Generative AI tools can assist with preliminary cost estimates by summarising historical cost data. For instance, GPT-4.5 (when linked to relevant data) could summarise costs from similar past projects – factoring in materials, labor rates, and even inflation trends – to inform a new project's budget. Such AI-driven analysis of past contracts and pricing trends can lead to more precise and competitive bid estimates. While detailed estimating may still require specialised tools, GPT-4.5 can rapidly provide ballpark figures and highlight cost drivers from past experience.

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