I stopped using ChatGPT for everything: These AI models beat it at research, coding, and more

The AI Model Maze: Which One Wins for Images, Code, Research, and More?

The generative AI landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and keeping up with the flood of new models can feel like chasing a runaway train. For most users, the real question isn’t which model has the fanciest name—it’s which one actually gets the job done for your specific task. After months of hands-on testing, here’s what I’ve learned about matching the right AI model to the right job, with real-world examples and a few surprising twists.

Images: ChatGPT vs. Midjourney vs. Google Nano Banana Pro

When it comes to generating images, not all models are created equal. I tested the same prompt across three leading image generators:

• ChatGPT’s image generator produced a clean, straightforward diagram that closely followed the prompt.
• Midjourney went overboard with elaborate, artistic interpretations—great for conceptual visuals but terrible for technical diagrams.
• Google’s Nano Banana Pro landed somewhere in between, offering a usable but less polished result.

Takeaway: For diagrams and technical visuals, stick with ChatGPT. For creative, stylized imagery, Midjourney is your go-to.

Coding: GPT-5.2 for Chatbots, Codex for Agentic Coding

AI coding is a two-part game: quick fixes and deep agentic work.

• ChatGPT Plus (GPT-5.2) excels at answering coding questions, debugging, and explaining code snippets. It’s reliable and fast for everyday tasks.
• OpenAI Codex (GPT-5.2-Codex) and Claude Code (Opus 4.5) shine in agentic coding—where the AI reads your entire codebase and performs multi-step tasks like building entire apps or plugins.

Real-world example: I used Codex to build four WordPress plugins in four days and Claude Code to create a complex iPhone app in just two weeks. Both cost about $300 total for the month—a bargain compared to hiring a developer.

Takeaway: Use ChatGPT for quick fixes, but invest in agentic tools like Codex or Claude Code for larger projects.

Research: Deep Research vs. NotebookLM

For deep dives into complex documents, two tools stand out:

• ChatGPT Pro’s Deep Research (GPT-5.1 Thinking) can analyze thousands of lines of code or dense research papers, producing briefing documents or summaries. It’s powerful but pricey at $200/month.
• Google NotebookLM (based on Gemini 3) creates audio explainers from source material—perfect for getting quick insights from long reports or technical papers.

Takeaway: Use Deep Research for exhaustive analysis, but NotebookLM for quick, digestible summaries.

Notion Databases: AI-Powered Organization

Notion’s AI features (powered by Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini) are great for:

• Searching and summarizing large libraries of drafts or notes.
• Converting lists into categorized databases—handy for organizing research or project data.

Takeaway: Notion AI is a productivity booster, especially for managing large volumes of information.

Speech Recognition: Local AI with Paraspeech

For privacy-conscious users, Paraspeech offers a one-time purchase model that runs Nvidia Parakeet’s speech recognition locally on your machine. No cloud, no subscriptions, just accurate dictation.

Takeaway: If you value privacy and hate subscriptions, Paraspeech is worth a look.

General Use: ChatGPT Plus Still Reigns

For everyday tasks—data analysis, SEO keyword research, brainstorming—ChatGPT Plus (GPT-5.2) remains my go-to. It’s versatile, reliable, and worth the $20/month.

Honorable mention: Google’s new Gemini 3 is promising, but it’s too early to dethrone ChatGPT.

Tools I Don’t Use (Yet)

• Perplexity: Great for search, but the email login is a dealbreaker.
• Copilot: Too Microsoft-centric for my workflow.
• Grok: Inconsistent results, better options available.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right AI model isn’t about chasing the latest version—it’s about matching the tool to the task. Whether you’re generating images, coding, researching, or organizing, there’s an AI model that fits. And with the rapid pace of innovation, the best choice today might be obsolete tomorrow. Stay curious, keep testing, and don’t be afraid to switch tools as the landscape evolves.

Tags: AI models, ChatGPT, Midjourney, Claude, Codex, NotebookLM, Gemini, coding, research, productivity, speech recognition, AI tools, generative AI, tech news

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