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Not All ChatGPT Models Are Equal, Here’s How to Choose the Right One
Using ChatGPT daily? Great. But using the wrong model can waste your time—or limit your results. Here’s how to pick the right one for the job. And check our brand new newsletter for our Dutch Readers, are you from The Netherlands or Belgium, scroll down now.
Corné van Willigen
June 01, 2025
Emercify
🧠 ChatGPT Has a Model Selector—Most People Ignore It (Here’s Why You Shouldn’t)
Most people think ChatGPT is one tool.
You open it. You type something. You get magic.
But here’s what most people don’t realize:
There are different brains behind the interface and choosing the right one can make all the difference in how fast you work, how smart the answers are, and how well your AI assistant actually performs.
And yes, there’s a model selector.
But if you’re like most people, you’ve never touched it.
Today’s newsletter is all about why knowing which ChatGPT model you’re using matters, and how to choose the right one for your business tasks, content, and automation workflows.
Table of Contents
💡 Aha Moment #1: GPT-4 and GPT-4o Aren’t the Same—One’s Much Faster
If you’re on ChatGPT Plus, you’ve probably seen "GPT-4" at the top of your screen. But here's the catch:
OpenAI recently launched GPT-4o a faster, cheaper, and more capable version of GPT-4 that supports text, image, voice, and live interactions.
- GPT-4o is what you're using by default now when you select GPT-4 in the model picker
- It's faster than GPT-4 turbo, especially on mobile and real-time inputs
- It can see images, understand files, interpret charts, and even talk back in real time (if voice is enabled)
Translation for business users:
If you're still wondering why your assistant feels sluggish, it's likely you’re stuck on an older model.
Switch to GPT-4 (o) and experience the speed boost, especially for tasks like content outlines, summaries, document uploads, and real-time help.
Use the Right Tool (Model) for the Right Job!
💬 Aha Moment #2:GPT-3.5 Is Free, But That Doesn't Mean It's the Right Choice
Yes, GPT-3.5 is free.
And yes, it can do a lot of things like write emails, summarize, or help brainstorm.
But here’s what you’re missing if you only use 3.5:
No image understanding
No file upload support
Less memory (no long context handling)
Slower performance with logic-heavy prompts or automations
No access to custom GPTs or plugins
If you’re running a business or using ChatGPT to replace manual labor, you need to be on GPT-4 (Plus) to get full power especially when combining with tools like Zapier, Airtable, or Notion.
🔁 Aha Moment #3: You Can (and Should) Use the Right Model for the Right Task
Here’s a simple framework we use at Emercify:
Task Type | Best Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
Quick copy, social posts, summaries | GPT-3.5 | Fast, free, good enough for light tasks |
Strategic thinking, content planning, decision support | GPT-4o | Smarter answers, better context |
File reading (PDFs, slides, spreadsheets) | GPT-4o | You can drag and drop files |
Visual understanding (charts, screenshots, UI mockups) | GPT-4o | It can "see" what you're showing |
AI agent builds, plugin use, or custom GPTs | GPT-4o (Plus) | Required for advanced features |
You don’t need to overthink it. Just match the model to the outcome you want!
And if you ever feel like “ChatGPT isn’t getting it today”…
check the model you’re on. You might just be talking to the wrong brain.
🚀 What This Means for Your Business
If you’re building daily workflows around AI—content, email follow-ups, client work, automation—you need to start being intentional about which model you're using.
In 2025, AI isn’t just about asking better prompts, it’s about choosing the right engine.
Using GPT-3.5 for heavy research or logic-based tasks is like trying to edit video on a calculator.
Make sure your team, VAs, and assistants know:
What model they’re using
What it’s capable of
And when it’s time to upgrade
🇳🇱 New: PromptKlaar, Our Dutch AI Newsletter!
After two years of brainstorming and planning, we've finally launched PromptKlaar, our dedicated newsletter fully in Dutch, focusing on AI and automation insights tailored specifically for Dutch-speaking entrepreneurs and professionals.
If you're looking for actionable tips, sharp analyses, and real-world AI use-cases—entirely in Dutch, PromptKlaar has you covered.
Subscribe now, and you'll receive our very first edition in your inbox this Tuesday!
|
Note: PromptKlaar is 100% in Dutch, complementing our global Emercify newsletter.
Implications for Your Business
Choosing the wrong model could mean:
🚫 Slower results
🚫 Lower quality output
🚫 Wasted time redoing what AI got wrong
Meanwhile, choosing the right model means:
✅ Faster turnaround
✅ Better logic and strategy support
✅ AI that feels more like a real assistant and less like a toy
It’s not about using AI.
It’s about using it correctly—with the right tools and right setup.
Key Takeaway:
Your results with AI aren’t just about what you say—it’s about who you say it to.
Use GPT-3.5 for simple, fast tasks.
Use GPT-4o when it matters.
Know the difference.
And if you’re using ChatGPT daily in your business—get familiar with the model selector.
It’s a small button with a big impact.
The Bottom Line
If you're using ChatGPT daily, but not choosing the right model, you’re not getting the full value from AI.
GPT-3.5 is fine for light tasks, but for anything strategic, creative, or complex, GPT-4o is the real assistant. It’s faster, smarter, and designed to handle real work like reading files, interpreting visuals, and supporting deeper automation.
The right model saves you time, improves output, and makes AI feel like a true part of your team.
So before your next prompt, take two seconds to check who you're talking to.
Because in 2025, it’s not just about using AI, it’s about using it well.
Corné & The Emercify Team
P.S. Did you miss the last email? Check it out here.
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🇳🇱 For our Dutch Readers:
Word lid van PromptKlaar, Ontvang elke week slimme tools, werkende prompts & automatiseringstips. Ga naar https://promptklaar.nl/