Jin Daily AI Trivia: Does the AI Tool Matter When You’re Using the Same Model?

Jin Daily AI Trivia: Does the AI Tool Matter When You’re Using the Same Model?

Yesterday, Nathan Onn shared how he feels ChatGPT with GPT-5-thinking works better compared to Perplexity using the same GPT-5-thinking model. Interesting, right? Both are powered by the same model, but the experience is quite different because tool use/workflow. (FYI: Perplexity Pro users can choose from multiple models — I usually switch between Gemini and GPT-5 myself.)

Here’s my quick 5 sen take:

ChatGPT

• Faster search (Free plan: ~16 seconds).
• Built-in web search works really well, especially for the latest news and social updates.
• More lifestyle-oriented, will suggest things like crafting a holiday greeting for friends.

Perplexity

• Slower search (Pro plan: ~20 seconds).
• GPT-5-thinking doesn’t feel fully integrated yet — inline citations are missing compared to other models like Sonar/Gemini.
• More academic/research-focused, presenting facts in a structured format.
• Social media search is optional toggle, so you won’t always get the freshest updates.

Bonus: Google AI Mode (Gemini Pro plan) -Super fast (just ~2 seconds).

• Uses fewer sources (around 7), with no social or news sites quoted.
• Not a thinking model, but quick and good enough for quick research.
• And best of all: FREE with no limits (unlike Perplexity Pro or ChatGPT’s free plan limitations).

So… does the tool matter even if the model is the same? I’d say yes — the wrapper, speed, and extra features really shape the experience.

💡 What do you think?

Hope you learned something new today. See ya!