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How to Use ChatGPT o1
ChatGPT o1 isn’t just another AI update, it’s the equivalent of having that suspiciously competent colleague who actually solves problems instead of creating new ones.
Built for the messy stuff, it methodically breaks down complex challenges into manageable pieces, whether you’re knee-deep in research, wrestling with code, or trying to make sense of technical documentation that looks like it was written after a heavy night at the pub.
But here’s what happened in May 2025: while o1 attention is dying off Anthropic released Claude 4 Opus and Claude 4 Sonnet.
The difference is brutal. O1 thinks through problems step by step, which is useful. But Claude 4 actually builds complete software projects, writes production-ready code for hours without supervision, and remembers every technical decision you’ve made across months of development.
For non-technical founders, this matters because Claude 4 Opus vs Sonnet gives you two clear paths: Opus for complex, high-value projects where you need the world’s best coding model, or Sonnet for customer support agents, content production at scale, and high-volume tasks that need to run fast and cheap.
Companies like Rakuten are already running Claude 4 autonomously for seven-hour coding sessions. Meanwhile, o1 is still thinking through the first problem.
Back to what sets o1 apart is its ability to handle the kind of multi-layered problems that make other AI models throw in the towel. Think of it as the difference between having a junior developer and a seasoned architect on your team
It breaks down big problems into smaller, manageable steps. This model is perfect for research, technical problem-solving, or when you’re tackling intricate projects like coding or detailed analysis.
ChatGPT o1: Has been designed specifically for handling multi-layered, complex tasks, ChatGPT o1 shines in scenarios where deeper reasoning and problem-solving are required.
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ChatGPT o1 goes beyond surface-level responses and provides context-specific insights.
ChatGPT 4: While GPT-4 is incredibly versatile and handles a wide range of tasks with depth, it leans more toward general problem-solving. It’s a great all-rounder, meaning it can handle anything from simple queries to moderately complex tasks.
However, for extremely complex workflows that require multi-step reasoning, ChatGPT o1 pulls ahead with its domain-specific abilities.
Bottom Line: If your tasks involve technical depth or project-based challenges, ChatGPT o1 is your go-to. For broader, everyday uses, ChatGPT 4 is a strong all-rounder.
Speed: Fast and Fluid, But Which Is Faster?
- ChatGPT o1: Speed varies depending on the version you use—o1-mini or o1-preview. The o1-mini version is quicker, designed for short, simple tasks like summarising text or answering quick questions.
The o1-preview, on the other hand, takes more time due to its focus on complex tasks, making sure that each response is accurate and detailed. If you’re looking for instant, snappy answers, o1-mini is fast but less detailed. - ChatGPT 4: GPT-4 is known for its quick responses across a wide range of queries. For general conversational use or handling lightweight tasks, GPT-4 is fast and efficient.
However, for more in-depth tasks like those tackled by ChatGPT o1, GPT-4 can sometimes produce less refined results, as it’s not specifically tuned for those more layered, project-based tasks.
Bottom Line: For speed in simple tasks, GPT-4 generally offers faster responses across the board. However, ChatGPT o1 balances speed and detail for more challenging, deeper work.
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Usability: Which One’s Easier to Work With?
- ChatGPT o1: Usability is where ChatGPT o1 really starts to shine, especially if you’re working on domain-specific tasks. The o1-preview version is designed for deeper thinking and project management, making it an ideal fit for users who need an AI to handle multiple moving parts at once.
Its multi-threading capabilities allow it to manage several tasks or questions at the same time without getting confused.
On the other hand, o1-mini is streamlined for easier, everyday usability. It’s perfect for those who want quick answers without diving into complexities. The ease of switching between o1-mini and o1-preview also gives users flexibility depending on their task load. - ChatGPT 4: GPT-4 has a broader usability appeal. It’s great for casual users and professionals alike who need a tool that can handle a wide variety of tasks, from writing to problem-solving.
Because it’s a general-purpose model, you don’t need to think about which version to use—it’s a plug-and-play solution for most daily needs. However, it lacks the fine-tuned control that o1 offers for tackling highly specific, layered tasks.
Bottom Line: For versatility, GPT-4 wins with its simplicity and broad use cases. However, for complex project management or multi-tasking, ChatGPT o1 offers more specific tools for deep, layered tasks.
How to Access ChatGPT o1
Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus
The first step to unlocking the power of ChatGPT o1 is signing up for a ChatGPT Plus subscription. At $20 a month, it’s a small investment for the level of support you’ll get.
Open ChatGPT and Select o1
Once you’re in, simply open up ChatGPT and choose the o1 model from the dropdown menu. You’ll have access to two versions: o1-preview (for big, complex tasks) and o1-mini (for quick, easy queries). Whether you’re breaking down a research topic or just need a fast answer, ChatGPT o1 has you covered.
Start Asking Questions
The magic begins when you start feeding it questions. The more specific you are, the better the response. Want to plan a new marketing campaign? Need help writing a technical report? Just ask, and ChatGPT o1 will do the heavy lifting.
What’s the Difference Between o1-preview and o1-mini?
So, which version should you use? Here’s the lowdown:
- o1-preview: This is the heavyweight. When you’re dealing with multi-layered projects—think long-term research, coding challenges, or in-depth analysis—this model steps up. It’s built to handle complexity, giving you detailed answers and a clear path forward.
- o1-mini: Quick tasks need quick responses, and that’s where o1-mini shines. It’s light, fast, and perfect for short, simple queries. Need help drafting a short email, doing a quick fact-check, or getting a brief summary? This model does the job in seconds.
No matter which version you use, ChatGPT o1 adapts to your needs. It’s designed to think ahead, offering solutions that fit your situation.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of ChatGPT o1
If you’re ready to take your workflow to the next level, here’s how you can make ChatGPT o1 work even harder for you.
1. Be Specific with Your Prompts
The more detailed your questions, the better the response. Instead of asking, “What’s the best marketing strategy?”, try something like, “What’s the best marketing strategy for a small retail business in 2024?”. The more context you give, the sharper the answers.
2. Experiment with Both Models
Both o1-preview and o1-mini offer unique benefits. Try using both models depending on the size and complexity of your task. If you’re working on a bigger project, use o1-preview for deeper analysis. For smaller, quicker tasks, o1-mini will get you what you need in no time.
3. Review and Refine
After you receive an answer, feel free to ask follow-up questions. ChatGPT o1 improves the more you interact with it. Don’t be afraid to dig deeper or ask for clarifications—it’s designed to adapt and respond better as you go.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Use?
- ChatGPT o1 is your go-to if you need a tool that can break down complex challenges, help with multi-threaded tasks, or assist with detailed project management.
It’s great for users who require more targeted, context-specific solutions. If you’re tackling research projects, technical problems, or business planning, ChatGPT o1 offers the deeper problem-solving abilities you’ll need. - ChatGPT 4, on the other hand, is the Swiss Army knife of AI models. It’s versatile, fast, and handles most everyday tasks with ease. If you’re looking for a model to handle general conversational tasks, creative writing, or basic problem-solving, GPT-4 is perfect.
Bottom Line:
Remember that one colleague who actually read the documentation before breaking the codebase? ChatGPT o1 is a bit like that. It handles the messy bits of work—the tangled research, the technical puzzles that make your brain hurt, and those projects everyone else mysteriously becomes busy for. No fuss, no nonsense, just surprisingly competent help when things get properly complicated. If you’re just writing emails or basic queries, stick with GPT-4. But when you’re knee-deep in technical quicksand and need something that actually understands the difference between ‘working’ and ‘working properly’, o1 is your new best friend. Think of GPT-4 as your chatty colleague, and o1 as the quiet one who actually knows what they’re doing
Resources:
Introducing ChatGTP o1
Using OpenAI o1 models and GPT-4o models on ChatGPT
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FAQ’s
What is GPT o1?
GPT o1 is like having an expert on speed dial. It’s designed to help with those tasks that need a bit more brainpower—like research, technical projects, or problem-solving. Instead of giving surface-level answers, GPT o1 dives deeper and helps you break down big challenges into smaller, easier steps. It’s perfect when you need a hand tackling something complex and want a solution that’s more than just a quick fix. Whether you’re working on a detailed analysis or cracking a tough project, GPT o1 gets it done.
How do I use GPT o1?
Using GPT o1 is simple. First, sign up for ChatGPT Plus, which is the only way to access the o1 models. Once you’ve subscribed, just open ChatGPT, pick the GPT o1 model from the dropdown, and start asking away. The o1-preview model is your go-to for handling more complex, multi-step tasks, while the o1-mini version is quicker, ideal for more straightforward queries. Whether you’re planning a big project, writing code, or simply need detailed help on a tricky subject, GPT o1 is there to give you smarter answers without the headache.
Is ChatGPT o1 free?
Unfortunately, ChatGPT o1 isn’t available for free at the moment. If you want access to the o1 models, you’ll need to sign up for ChatGPT Plus, which costs £20 per month. It’s a small investment for what you get—a tool that can tackle complex challenges and help with detailed work like research, coding, or planning. Free-tier users won’t be able to use GPT o1, but the Plus subscription opens up both the o1-preview and o1-mini models, giving you the flexibility to handle everything from quick queries to more in-depth tasks.
What’s the difference between ChatGPT o1 and GPT-4o?
While GPT-4o is brilliant for everyday tasks—like answering questions or writing quick summaries—GPT o1 takes it up a notch. If you’re dealing with something more complex, like a multi-step project or in-depth analysis, GPT o1 is the tool you want. It doesn’t just answer your questions; it helps you think through problems, offering more detailed, thoughtful responses. GPT-4o is a generalist, good for everything, but when the stakes are high and you need a solution with depth, GPT o1 is the specialist you’ll want to call on.
What’s the pricing for OpenAI o1?
To access OpenAI’s GPT o1, you’ll need to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, which is priced at £20 per month. This gives you access to both the o1-preview model, designed for more complex, in-depth tasks, and the o1-mini model for quicker, lighter queries. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for more than just basic answers and want AI that can really dig into the details of your project. The pricing includes access to both models, allowing you to switch between them based on what you need, whether it’s a fast response or a more thorough solution.
Is there a free version of OpenAI o1?
As of now, GPT o1 isn’t available for free. The free version of ChatGPT doesn’t include access to the o1 models—you’ll need a ChatGPT Plus subscription to unlock that feature. While free users can still use GPT-4o, the more advanced o1 models are only available to paid subscribers. But for £20 a month, you get access to both the o1-preview and o1-mini models, which opens up a whole new level of AI support. For users handling more complex or high-stakes tasks, this subscription is definitely worth considering.
