OpenAI says GPT‑5.2 is its smartest, most capable model yet— able to reason across long documents, generate complex code, write like a pro and even analyze images. But I had to know, is it really that much better? As a long-time fan of ChatGPT-4o, I have been waiting on a model that is human enough to make me switch.
To find out, I gave GPT‑5.2 nine tough prompts designed to stress-test its top skills: long-context analysis, step-by-step reasoning, technical writing, cross-domain synthesis and more. I wanted to see if it could actually do the work that professionals, creators and power users care about.
Here’s what happened when I tested GPT‑5.2 across planning, coding, budgeting, image understanding and deep critical thinking.
1. Complex reasoning & planning
Prompt: Plan a 3-week trip to Japan for a family of 4 with kids. Include culture, nature, kid-friendly activities, accommodations, transportation and estimated costs.
GPT‑5.2 delivered an impressively detailed itinerary. It was complete with city-to-city rail pass suggestions, family-friendly ryokans, kid-approved museum stops, day trips and a clean cost breakdown in yen and dollars. It also noted local festivals during the trip dates and built buffer days for travel fatigue.
Having done similar prompts like this before, I could quickly see that this was a clear upgrade in real-world planning and contextual reasoning.
2. Long document analysis
Prompt: Analyze this white paper and identify the top 3 points and include strategies for next steps.
After feeding it a long white paper on the effects of insomnia on mental health, ChatGPT-5.2 correctly delivered three main points I asked while also including practical next steps based on the core message of the white paper. It even cited examples from specific pages. After that, it asked if I was interested in creating an executive summary or a consumer-friendly explainer. This type of prompt highlights the model's impressive memory span, nuanced risk detection and ability to synthesize information accurately.
3. Code generation & debugging
Prompt: Build a Python script to scrape weather data, store it in SQLite, and visualize temperature trends.
Okay, this one was wild. In under a minute, GPT‑5.2 produced working code. It handled API rate limiting, date formatting and error handling, and included instructions on setting up the environment. This was easily the most usable, production-ready code I've seen yet from an AI model (yes, even Claude).
4. Spreadsheet creation
Prompt: Create a personal budget spreadsheet template with savings tracking, formulas and monthly summaries.
Move over Gemini — GPT‑5.2 returned a full Google Sheets structure with labeled categories, nested formulas (like =SUMIFS and dynamic charts) and a monthly summary dashboard. In just seconds it even explained how to customize it by region and currency. This type of prompt is a huge time-saver and makes it possible for just about anyone to manage money manually.
5. Multi-step problem solving
Prompt: I have $50,000. Recommend a moderate-risk investment strategy with reasoning.
I've never had an extra $50K sitting around, but for anyone who does, GPT‑5.2 might be able to walk you through what to do with it. For the exercise, it walked me through current market trends (as of cutoff), outlined risk profiles and built a diversified portfolio including ETFs, bonds and fractional real estate — complete with allocation percentages and rationale.
It honestly felt like I was talking to a financial planner. While ChatGPT could never take the place of an actual human financial planner, it did create a step-by-step thinking for me.
6. Presentation building
Prompt: Design a 10-slide investor pitch deck for an AI food waste startup.
I'll be honest, I was skeptical of what ChatGPT could do with this prompt. I'm used to Gemini creating the best presentations and even Gamma has come through for me. But, to my surprise, GPT‑5.2 structured the deck perfectly: problem, solution, traction, market size, business model, competitive edge, financials, and ask. The only thing it didn't do was put the presentation together, which was disappointing. I would have to ask Gemini to do the final step. So, although the presentation copy was strong, it wasn't complete.
7. Image understanding
Prompt: Here’s a photo of my cluttered basement. Suggest an organization plan with storage, costs and steps.
After uploading the image, GPT‑5.2 correctly identified zones (stuffies, ride-on toys, sports equipment), recommended stackable storage shelves, hooks and clear bins, estimated costs using current Home Depot prices and gave me an estimate of what organization would cost. This model really offers a clear upgrade in visual reasoning for real-world application.
8. Technical writing
Prompt: Write API documentation for a new payment endpoint with examples in 3 languages.
With this tricky prompt, GPT‑5.2 produced clean, professional-grade docs — including authentication, request/response payloads, error handling, rate limits and syntax-correct code samples in Python, JS and Ruby. I am floored not only by the developer-quality writing and multi-language clarity, but also by how quickly the model was able to get it done.
9. Cross-domain synthesis
Prompt: Compare a tech CEO, a general and a coach. Extract leadership lessons for managing a remote dev team.
This is a real-life prompt that any business owner could use to help manage their team. GPT‑5.2 took three very different leadership models and distilled them into a practical, actionable framework for leading a remote dev team without micromanaging. This is where I feel this model shines because of its insight that offers practical takeaways.
Final thoughts
ChatGPT-5.2 is faster, smarter and far more human-aligned than I've ever seen in a model. It plans, reasons and explains like it truly understands. The long-context memory, structured thinking and professional tone mark a big leap from GPT‑4 and 5.1.
As in the case with the presentation prompt, it's still not perfect or capable of completing every task thrown at it, plus, you still need to verify financial or legal advice, and image understanding has limits. But GPT‑5.2 sets a new baseline for what AI can do in knowledge work, and it’s shockingly effective.
Have you tried it yet? Let me know your first impressions in the comments.
More from Tom's Guide
- The AI trick everyone overlooks — and it makes every prompt more powerful
- I tested ChatGPT-5.2 vs Gemini 3.0 with 7 real-world prompts — here's the winner
- The ‘no prompt’ rule makes ChatGPT give expert-level writing advice — here’s how it works
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