“GPT-5 is a significant step on our way to AGI.” ~ Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI
Introduction
When you login, there are seemingly fewer model options to choose from. At the time of writing these are GPT-5 and GPT-5 Thinking (‘get more thorough answers’).
ChatGPT-5 is available on the free version (although you have to login) and the paid for versions (which offer higher usage limits).
As opposed to having to select the right model, everthing is available via the context window (where you ask your question).
You should notice that the model is less gushy in its responses.
ChatGPT-5 is OpenAI’s latest ‘everything’ or ‘unified’ LLM (Large Language Model). Building on previous versions, it offers better understanding and more helpful outputs. In this review I will outline the key features and explore the benefits they bring to users.
Menu items
The menu options in the context window seem to have disappeared. However, if you click on the + sign to the left of the context window, there they are. Arguably, this is a little confusing, as the + sign previously meant ‘upload something’.
Real-time router
The real-time router decides whether to use GPT‑5 Thinking automatically, depending on the nature of the question. Alternatively, you can include ‘Think hard about this’ in your prompt). In the near future GPT‑5 Thinking will be incorported within a single model.
Improved language comprehension
The new software has a deeper grasp of nuance and context. It can interpret multi-layered questions, follow complex arguments and maintain conversational coherence over extended interactions. This leads to more relevant, accurate responses. In addition, it reduces misunderstandings, making the output feel more natural and effective.
Better user experience
Because ChatGPT-5 recognises subtleties in tone and intention, it’s less likely to misinterpret requests (fewer hallucinations). You should find that you spend less time rephrasing prompts.
Quicker response times
ChatGPT-5 should deliver noticeably faster responses. Optimised model architecture allows for greater computational efficiency, reducing time lag when formulating answers.
Productivity
Faster responses mean that you will be able to complete tasks more rapidly, whether you are working on new ideas, drafting text, or searching for information.
Knowledge base
The new version of ChatGPT-5 draws on a broader and more recent knowledge base spanning a wide range of domains. Its training includes recent developments in technology, science, culture and news items.
Improved assistance
ChatGPT-5 provides access to insights and information that reflect the state of the world as of its latest training cut-off. This makes it more reliable when dealing with contemporary topics or emerging trends.
Memory and session persistence
The latest release offers an extended conversational memory, retaining more context over single sessions. It may also support optional memory features across recurring interactions, enabling continuity over time.
Agent
Either click on the + sign in the context window or type: /agent ….and Agent appears:
Improved code support
Programmers and developers will experience enhanced coding capabilities. ChatGPT-5 understands a wider array of programming languages, frameworks and tools.
Run the code in ChatGPT-5
There is a ‘Run code’ button so that you can see what the code looks like when it is in operation.
Streamlined development process
There is greater accuracy in code assistance, saving developers’ time. Rapid support can help maintain project momentum and reduce frustration.
Creativity
The new version exhibits enhanced creative outputs across genres and formats. For example, it can generate more nuanced copy, diversified styles of writing and imaginative content such as stories or marketing copy.
Richer creative collaboration
With ChatGPT-5, people who create content, such as writers or marketers can use a greater variety of writing styles, tones and formats.
Because the AI is more versatile in how it writes, users can experiment with different approaches. For example, formal, casual, persuasive, or technical (and feel more confident that the output will suit their needs and match the intended style).
Better safety and moderation
The latest release includes more advanced safety filters and moderation capabilities. It better recognises harmful content, bias and sensitive topics and responds with more appropriate guidance.
Evaluations
According to OpenAI, “GPT‑5 is much smarter across the board, as reflected by its performance on academic and human-evaluated benchmarks, particularly in math, coding, visual perception and health. It sets a new state of the art across math (94.6% on AIME 2025 without tools), real-world coding (74.9% on SWE-bench Verified, 88% on Aider Polyglot), and multimodal understanding (84.2% on MMMU).”
Conclusion
ChatGPT-5 brings improvements across comprehension, speed, knowledge, coding, safety and memory. These features combine to make it a more responsive, capable and reliable companion for a wide range of tasks. The new software delivers advantages that deepen engagement and boost productivity.
