GPT-5 vs Claude Sonnet 4.5

GPT-5 and Claude Sonnet 4.5 represent the latest generation of frontier AI models, each with distinct strengths. GPT-5 demonstrates superior performance on mathematical reasoning and complex problem-solving tasks, with benchmark scores consistently 15-20% higher than its predecessor. Its response latency averages 800ms for standard queries, making it notably faster than Claude Sonnet 4.5's 1.2-second average. Both models support extensive context windows - GPT-5 handles up to 128k tokens while Claude Sonnet 4.5 processes 200k tokens, giving Claude an edge for document analysis. Cost-wise, Claude Sonnet 4.5 is more economical at $3 per million input tokens versus GPT-5's $5 per million tokens. Claude Sonnet 4.5 excels in safety and alignment, with significantly lower rates of harmful outputs and better adherence to ethical guidelines. It also shows superior performance in creative writing and nuanced conversation. GPT-5 shines in technical domains, offering better code generation, scientific reasoning, and mathematical problem-solving. Both models support multimodal inputs including text, images, and documents, though GPT-5 processes images slightly faster. For developers choosing between them, consider GPT-5 for technical applications requiring speed and precision, while Claude Sonnet 4.5 suits content creation and applications where safety is paramount.