OpenAI’s ChatGPT regularly launches new features and models. With Sora 2 taking over the internet and now the new in-chat apps appearing, the popular chatbot is getting noticed more than ever.
Yet Anthropic’s Claude 4.5 is quietly outthinking ChatGPT in ways that might surprise you. In nine tests spanning reasoning, coding, creativity and emotional intelligence, Claude didn’t just hold its own — it often outperformed ChatGPT 5 at the very tasks OpenAI’s model is known for. In fact, Claude 4.5 came out on top in most of the challenges, proving it’s a model to be reckoned with.
Although Claude didn't win all of them, the results revelead something special about the way the AI model "thinks." While ChatGPT 5 remains the flashier multitasker, Claude 4.5 often feels more human, explaining itself clearly, writing with depth and responding with genuine empathy.
Here’s what sets Claude 4.5 apart.
1. Claude 4.5 explains its reasoning instead of just giving answers
While both chatbots show their "thinking," Claude 4.5 doesn’t rush to the solution. Although the chatbot frequently responses faster than other chatbots, it lays out every step like a teacher walking you through the process. In other words, Claude shows its work.
From logic puzzles and math word problems, it gives the user an extended though process showing how wrong options were eliminated or patterns it recognized.
That extra transparency builds trust and makes Claude easier to learn from. ChatGPT 5’s answers, though accurate, do not always tell the full story, especially when compared to Claude’s mini-lessons.
2. Claude 4.5 writes with depth and emotional intelligence
When tasked with emotional or personal writing, such as comforting someone facing a layoff, Claude 4.5 leads with empathy before diving into solutions.
This is what makes the bot feel more human-like in many ways. It acknowledges the user’s stress before offering advice, blending compassion with actionable next steps. ChatGPT handled the same prompt logically but with less warmth and immediately sought to solve the problem — something someone who just lost their job might not be ready to do yet.
In storytelling prompts, Claude’s detail work stood out too. It added sensory imagery, tension and pacing that made its scenes feel alive and less like a script generator. Claude 4.5 proved to be the better writing partner.
3. Claude 4.5 adapts tone with uncanny precision
Claude 4.5 has a unique ability to nail a variety of genres. When asked to rewrite the same story in drastically different styles — from horror to romantic comedy — Claude 4.5 crushed the challenge with ease. It adjusted pacing, dialogue and atmosphere like a professional writer.
ChatGPT handles tone switches well, too, but Claude’s versions more often felt extra cinematic. It felt as if the chatbot understood why a genre feels the way it does.
4. Claude 4.5 is a better collaborator than you expect
Claude 4.5 follows directions but also asks questions. When given an unclear or contradictory prompt, it often pauses to clarify what the user really wants. That subtle feedback loop makes it feel less like a chatbot and more like a helpful partner.
I've also found that the interface of Claude 4.5 is often better for collaborating. The way it pulls out the answer into a separate section helps to keep things organized, especially when another prompt might be needed.
In long-form writing or brainstorming sessions, this becomes invaluable.
The bottom line
Because Claude just doesn't get the hype that surrounds ChatGPT, I have always said that Claude is quietly crushing it. Yet, it has something arguably more important: subtle intelligence. It reasons out loud, writes with emotional range and communicates like it actually gets you. ChatGPT has been trying to get that trifecta right for years.
Have you tried Claude 4.5? Let me know in the comments what you think.
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