Claude Sonnet 4.5 vs GPT-5 Codex

Claude Sonnet 4.5 and GPT-5 Codex represent different approaches to AI assistance, each optimized for distinct use cases. Claude Sonnet 4.5 excels in general reasoning tasks, offering superior performance in complex analysis, creative writing, and nuanced conversation with a 200K token context window. Its safety-focused design makes it reliable for business applications requiring consistent, thoughtful responses. GPT-5 Codex, meanwhile, is specifically engineered for programming tasks, delivering exceptional code generation, debugging capabilities, and technical documentation. It supports over 100 programming languages with deep understanding of software development patterns. In terms of speed, Claude Sonnet 4.5 typically processes requests faster for general queries, while GPT-5 Codex may take longer but produces more accurate code solutions. Cost-wise, GPT-5 Codex offers competitive pricing for development workflows, though Claude Sonnet 4.5 provides better value for diverse business applications. Both models handle multimodal inputs effectively, but Claude Sonnet 4.5 shows stronger performance in image analysis and document processing. The choice between them largely depends on whether you prioritize general intelligence and reasoning (Claude) or specialized programming capabilities (GPT-5 Codex).