GPT-3 vs. GPT-4: A Comprehensive Overview

comparing GPT-3 and GPT-4
Image: Locusive

GPT-3 (Generative Pretrained Transformer 3) and GPT-4 are both large language models developed by OpenAI. These models are trained using vast amounts of data and are designed to generate human-like text. However, GPT-4 represents a significant upgrade over GPT-3 in several ways.

Model Size175 billion parametersUnknown, but larger than GPT-3
Training DataData up until 2020Data up until 2021 (or later)
Multimodal CapabilityText onlyText and image inputs (multimodal)
PerformanceStrong language generationImproved coherence and reasoning
Context Length4096 tokensUp to 32,768 tokens (for some versions)
Programming AbilitiesBasic code generationBetter coding and reasoning skills
Understanding NuanceGood at general conversationsBetter at complex instructions, subtlety, and nuance
ApplicationsChatbots, text generation, summarizationEnhanced AI for research, detailed reasoning, and problem-solving

Key Features of GPT-3

  1. Massive Scale: GPT-3 was the first large-scale language model with 175 billion parameters. It can perform tasks like translation, summarization, and creative writing, showing proficiency across multiple domains.
  2. General-Purpose Model: GPT-3 works for a wide range of applications like generating text, answering questions, and basic reasoning tasks.
  3. Limited Context Understanding: GPT-3 struggles with tasks that require long-term context understanding, subtle reasoning, or following complex instructions.

Key Features of GPT-4

  1. Larger Model: Though the exact parameter count is not public, GPT-4 is significantly larger than GPT-3, allowing it to handle more complex tasks with improved efficiency.
  2. Multimodal Abilities: Unlike GPT-3, GPT-4 can process not only text but also images, making it more versatile.
  3. Improved Reasoning: GPT-4 excels in complex reasoning tasks, nuanced language understanding, and can follow multi-step instructions better than GPT-3.
  4. Extended Context Window: GPT-4 can handle much longer input sequences (up to 32,768 tokens), making it ideal for processing large documents or long conversations.

Comparison of Capabilities

TaskGPT-3GPT-4
CreativityStrong, but sometimes repetitiveMore refined and creative outputs
CodingGenerates basic code with errorsGenerates more accurate, functional code
Complex ReasoningStruggles with multi-step problemsBetter at solving multi-step problems
Factual KnowledgeMay provide outdated informationUpdated knowledge base and reasoning

Conclusion

GPT-4 enhances the capabilities of GPT-3, with more advanced reasoning, better handling of long conversations, and multimodal abilities. Its wider applications and nuanced understanding make it ideal for research, technical writing, and interactive AI applications.