Can Elon Musk's Claim That Grok 4 Outperforms GPT-5 Be Verified?

Introduction

Elon Musk recently made headlines by asserting that Grok 4 Heavy outperforms GPT-5. This claim has set off discussions among AI enthusiasts, comparing benchmarks, technical features, and pricing models. Here we present a clear comparison of both models to help you understand the differences and make an informed decision.

Benchmark Performance and Comparisons

Elon Musk supports his claim with benchmark tests that assess reasoning and abstract problem-solving. The ARC-AGI tests show notable differences:

ARC-AGI Results

Benchmark	Grok 4	GPT-5
ARC-AGI-2	15.9-16% (nearly double)	9.9%
ARC-AGI-1	66.7%	65.7%

Grok 4 almost doubles GPT-5 on the most challenging reasoning tasks. In mathematics, Grok 4 Heavy scored a perfect 100% on AIME 2025, whereas GPT-5 achieved 94.6%, which still indicates high proficiency.

Technical Architecture and Specifications

Understanding the building blocks of these models is crucial. Below are key technical insights:

Grok 4 Highlights

Employs a multi-agent system where several agents collaborate on problem-solving
Uses approximately ten times more computational resources during testing
Key specifications include:
- Context window: 256K tokens (API), 130K+ tokens (in-app)
- Real-time integration with X for current information
- Native tool use and function calling

GPT-5 Features

Utilizes a unified smart router system that dynamically selects specialized models
Prioritizes efficient processing and high performance
Key features include:
- Context window: 400K tokens with 128K output limit
- Advanced multimodal support for text, images, and planned video content
- 45% fewer factual errors compared to previous versions
- Health-specialized optimization validated by physicians

Pricing and Accessibility for Creators

Cost is an important factor, especially for creators and developers. The pricing breakdown in Indian Rupees helps highlight the differences:

Grok 4 Pricing

Input: Rs.250 per 1M tokens
Output: Rs.1,250 per 1M tokens
Access: SuperGrok subscription at Rs.25,000/month

GPT-5 Pricing

Input: Rs.105 per 1M tokens
Output: Rs.835 per 1M tokens
Access: ChatGPT Plus at Rs.1,670/month

While GPT-5 offers a more affordable option with broader access, Grok 4 may be worth the premium for those needing its specialized capabilities.

Availability

Grok 4: Available only to premium subscribers with API access and integrated real-time data from X
GPT-5: Accessible to all users, with integration across the Microsoft ecosystem and wider platform support

Use-Cases for Content Creators

Both models offer distinct benefits for content creators:

Video Script Writing and Research

Grok 4 provides real-time data and social media insights, making it useful for trending topics and deep research
GPT-5 delivers higher accuracy on health and science content along with better multimodal analysis

Code Generation and Automation

Grok 4 excels in tasks that require enhanced reasoning for coding
GPT-5 offers robust debugging and refactoring, making it ideal for larger coding projects and integration with various platforms

Expert Opinions and Future Roadmap

Industry experts have noted that this competition is pushing both models to improve. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated, 'People have been trying for 50 years, and that's the fun of it! Each day you learn something new, and innovate, partner, and compete.'

Future Developments

Grok 5: Expected to launch before the end of 2025 with even more advanced features, including the invention of new technologies by 2026 and improved video generation.
OpenAI Plans: Three variants of GPT-5 are in the pipeline along with enhanced safety features and expanded multimodal support.

Choosing the Right Model for Your Needs

Choose Grok 4 if you need:

Cutting-edge reasoning for complex problem-solving
Real-time social media insights
Premium performance with multi-agent collaboration

Choose GPT-5 if you prioritize:

Cost-effective access and reliable performance
Broad ecosystem integration
Enhanced accuracy in health and science content
Versatile multimodal capabilities

The Verdict

The competition between Grok 4 and GPT-5 is not just about raw performance but also how each model fits different user requirements. Grok 4 shows strong benchmark results and specialized features, while GPT-5 stands out for its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Your choice will depend on your priorities, whether that is advanced problem-solving or broader integration and affordability.