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After Google was able to set new standards in some areas with Gemini 3 Pro, OpenAI is striking back with ChatGPT 5.2. In this article we clarify what the update can do and how it compares to version 5.1.
The release of ChatGPT 5.2 can be seen as a direct response to the Code Red declared at OpenAI a few days ago. The reason for the alarm among the AI pioneers around Sam Altman was the release of Gemini 3 Pro. As you can read in our large comparison, Google was not only able to make up ground with its latest model, but was even able to overtake OpenAI in many areas.
OpenAI strikes back with ChatGPT 5.2
It’s only been a month since ChatGPT 5.1 was released. The pressure behind the scenes at OpenAI seems to have been correspondingly great to improve as quickly as possible after the release of Gemini 3. Now ChatGPT 5.2 is here and the company wants to regain its former and undisputed leadership position. However, this is not easy given Google’s extensive ecosystem.
We therefore asked ourselves the questions: What can the new version of OpenAI AI do and how does it compare to the previous model? To find out, we tested the three new models “Instant”, “Thinking” and “Pro”. If you want to use this yourself, you have to get one of the paid subscriptions, because the upgrade is not yet available in the free version.
ChatGPT 5.2 and ChatGPT 5.1 in comparison
1. Complex problem solving
Complete problem solutions were at the top of OpenAI’s agenda. GPT 5.2 should no longer be just a chatbot that calculates probabilities, but a model that really thinks through tasks in all their facets. According to the developers, the new version reaches expert level in 44 professions. It will also set standards in the areas of software, science and mathematics.
In a direct comparison to version 5.1, it is noticeable that the new model takes a lot of time. In “Thinking” mode it takes quite a while before you get an answer. This might annoy impatient users at first, but the results justify the waiting time. While version 5.1 often hallucinated or remained superficial with complex logic puzzles or extensive analyses, 5.2 deals with corresponding prompts in a much more thoughtful way.
For a prompt with several documents, levels and tasks, 5.1 often delivers long texts that sound good, but offer little substance in terms of content and can be inconsistent, especially when it comes to numbers. GPT 5.2, on the other hand, structures the answers logically, weighs arguments against each other and appears much more like a real analyst in the argument than an interlocutor who wants to please us.
2. Coding and software development
Even before the update, ChatGPT was one of the first ports of call for programmers. Version 5.1 was good, but often produced code that required manual rework or stumbled with modern frameworks.
For GPT 5.2, OpenAI promises record results in various benchmarks. In addition, errors should be identified and eliminated more quickly. The model is also said to be more creative and precise when it comes to front-end software tasks and 3D elements.
3. Agent skills and tools
In our comparison with Gemini 3 Pro, ChatGPT fell the most in this area. A modern AI model must not only be able to text, but also act actively and complete tasks independently. According to OpenAI, such AI agents are now significantly more reliable with 5.2. You can easily use external tools without losing track of things.
If you confront ChatGPT 5.1 with a prompt that requires a whole series of actions, intermediate steps are often forgotten or mixed up. Accordingly, you have to present all your wishes individually to the old model in order to get a comprehensive solution.
ChatGPT 5.2 processes such instructions much more stubbornly and therefore more correctly. It coordinates various tasks without losing track. The attention span is noticeably higher. Although Google still has the better ecosystem for such tasks, OpenAI has made significant improvements when it comes to simply complying with specifications. You don’t have to check the AI as much to see whether it has actually done everything.
4. Hallucinations and research
One of the biggest problems with version 5.1 was hallucinations, especially with the extensive tasks mentioned. However, the developers of OpenAI promise a significant reduction in invented facts with the update – specifically by 38 percent.
Of course, to confirm such figures a more detailed study would be needed. But the first impression is that the AI has become more cautious. When summarizing long documents or analyzing complex reports, version 5.2 sticks more strictly to the source than its predecessor. In addition, the integration of web search feels more natural, even if it still can’t quite keep up with Google’s display visually.
Gemini often delivers visually appealing maps and graphics directly from the search for topics that are suitable. The answers from ChatGPT 5.2, on the other hand, are more text-heavy and sober. AI has become a very good assistant for research, saying less nonsense, but the results could be presented in an even more modern and lively way.
5. Visual understanding
GPT 5.2 does not come with a new image generator. This will be delivered together with a mode for adult content. Both updates are currently scheduled for January 2026. AI can still be used to create good images, but the company is not at the forefront of the industry in this area.
What has certainly been improved is the visual understanding of uploaded files. Screenshots we fed with complex content or elements that were difficult to recognize were precisely analyzed by the new version. This is extremely helpful, especially for everyday office life. 5.1, on the other hand, tends to ignore or even guess at elements that are difficult to understand.
Conclusion: ChatGPT 5.2 is a big step forward in specific areas
In its presentation of ChatGPT 5.2, OpenAI throws around a lot of numbers that are intended to illustrate the superiority of the new version. But average users shouldn’t expect too much, because the jump isn’t as big as it was recently with Gemini.
However, the target group is likely to be heavy users who need an AI that can be used to process a wide range of tasks precisely. If you are looking for a reliable partner for coding, complex analyzes and long texts, version 5.2 is one of the best tools on the market.
In summary, ChatGPT has grown up. The childhood illnesses, especially hallucinations and forgetfulness during long tasks, were successfully treated. Even the chatbot sounds more distant, more focused and less patronizing. Everything is designed to save companies and individuals time.
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The post ChatGPT 5.2: The new AI model from OpenAI in the test appeared first on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard or subscribe to our newsletter UPDATE.
As a Tech Industry expert, I am excited about the release of ChatGPT 5.2 from OpenAI. This new AI model represents the latest advancements in natural language processing and conversation generation, which can have a significant impact on various industries and applications.
One of the key features of ChatGPT 5.2 is its improved ability to understand context and generate more accurate and coherent responses in conversations. This can enhance user experience in chatbots, virtual assistants, customer service interactions, and other communication platforms.
Furthermore, the advancements in ChatGPT 5.2 could also lead to more personalized and engaging interactions with AI systems, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Businesses can leverage this technology to automate customer support, streamline communication processes, and enhance overall efficiency.
Overall, ChatGPT 5.2 represents a significant step forward in AI technology, and I look forward to seeing how it will be implemented and utilized in various industries in the coming years.
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