These AI models beat ChatGPT at research, coding and images

The generative AI world is changing fast and the variety of model names—GPT-5.2, Opus 4.5, Gemini 3—can be bewildering. Rather than memorise versions, it helps to match models to tasks. Different applications use different underlying models, much like vehicles use different engines.

For example, ChatGPT’s image generator produced a simple, clear diagram while Midjourney delivered an overbaked, concept-driven result that didn’t follow the prompt; Midjourney is strong for conceptual art but weak at diagrams. AI is sold as both APIs and chatbot applications, and a chatbot is essentially an app that calls a model for intelligence.

Many useful tools are free, but frequent users often opt into roughly $20/month plans. Software vendors are increasingly adding AI features and charging additional agent subscriptions, so even if you already pay for a model through a chatbot plan, the application may still levy its own fee.

gpt-5.2, opus 4.5, gemini 3, chatgpt, midjourney, image generator, apis, chatbot, diagrams, agent subscriptions