Table of contents
GPT-5 is here – and brings a new generation of AI features that go far beyond what GPT 4.5 or GPT 4.0 could offer. The question of which ChatGPT model to use no longer arises. The update not only provides more speed and precision, but also new options such as agent mode, the study and learning feature and the extended GPT-5 Thinking function. This allows complex tasks to be automated, in-depth analyses to be carried out and learning processes to be revolutionized – whether at school, university or at work. Anyone who knows the new tools and uses them correctly can make their work considerably more efficient, creative and strategic.
1. what can GPT 5 do? - Overview of all new main functions
Many people are currently asking themselves: “What’s really new in GPT-5 and what’s new in this update?” The answer: GPT-5 brings improvements in several key areas. At the same time, GPT-5 offers many new application possibilities which we will discuss in this article. But first to the improvements:
- Advanced multimodality: GPT-5 can seamlessly process and combine text, images, audio and video.
- Larger context window: More input at the same time, enabling long texts, complex codes or entire document collections.
- Higher speed with consistent precision: answers come faster, even for complex tasks.
- Better fact checking: Minimization of hallucinations through improved internal validation.
- Personalization functions: GPT-5 remembers preferences and can respond to your style.
💡Example: You can upload a 30-page PDF, an image as a diagram and an audio explanation – GPT-5 summarizes everything and creates a presentation from it.
2. GPT 5 vs. GPT 4o & GPT 4.5 - What are the differences?
Many users want to know: Is GPT 5 just an update or really a game changer? A look at the direct comparison:
Functions
Multimodalität
Context length
Speed
Fact check
New functions
GPT 4o
Yes (text, image, audio)
~128k Tokens
High
Basis
None
GPT 4.5
Yes (better audio flow)
~128k Tokens
Medium-high
Improved
Creative filter
GPT 5
Yes + video integration
up to 256k tokens
Very high
Greatly improved
Agent Mode, GPT 5 Thinking, Study & Learn
Practical example:
With GPT-5, a content marketer can create a complete 3-month content strategy including keyword research, text drafts, image ideas and social media posts in one workflow – without having to switch between tools.
3 GPT 5 Thinking - What does "Thinking longer" mean?
The “Think Longer” or Multi-Step Reasoning feature is one of the most exciting new features. Essentially, this means that GPT-5 performs more intermediate logical steps before providing an answer.
Advantages:
- Fewer errors with complex tasks
- More detailed and well-founded analyses
- Better traceability of the response
Examples of use:
- Scientific work: Checking literature sources, formulating hypotheses, structuring arguments
- Market analyses: Multi-step SWOT analyses with figures, trends and competitive comparison
- Programming: Don’t just correct code, explain why changes are necessary (learning effect!)
💡Prompt example:
“Use GPT-5 Thinking to create a competitive analysis in the field of sustainable fashion. Proceed in several steps, document your interim results and explain your conclusions”
4. ChatGPT agent mode - Automated workflows & more
Hardly known, but extremely powerful: the agent mode.
Here, GPT-5 can plan and implement tasks independently without you having to specify every step manually.
This is how it works:
- You define a goal (e.g.: “Create a market analysis for the German solar energy market”)
- GPT-5 itself determines which steps are necessary, executes them and gives you a result at the end
Praxis-Use-Cases:
- Automated searches – GPT-5 searches sources, compares data and summarizes it
- Multi-stage content production – from keyword research to the finished, formatted blog article
- Process automation – e.g. analyze raw data, create diagrams and export as PDF
Mini case study: An e-commerce team used the agent mode to analyze a new product category.
Result: 8 hours of manual research work were reduced to 30 minutes – including the finished presentation.
5. ChatGPT Studying and learning - More than just for pupils
Many people think that this function is only intended for schools – in fact, it is suitable for anyone who wants to build up or deepen their knowledge.
Target groups:
- Pupils & students (exam preparation, technical papers)
- Professionals (further training, certificate courses)
- Company (internal training, onboarding)
Practical examples:
- Language learning: role-playing in the target language
- Exam preparation: Interactive tests with feedback
- Summarize textbooks: Convert important points into flashcards
- In-house training: complex processes explained simply
💡Prompt example:
“In learning mode: Explain the difference between quantum entanglement and superposition to me as if I were 12 years old. Then create 5 exam questions about it.
6. practical tips for the use of GPT-5
Top 5 Prompt Ideen:
- “Create a 3-month content plan for a blog about sustainable nutrition. Use GPT-5 Thinking.”
- “In agent mode: Analyze the 5 largest competitors in the photovoltaics sector and create a SWOT analysis.”
- “In learning mode: Explain Scrum methodology to me in 3 levels of difficulty (beginner, advanced, expert).”
- “Create an interactive presentation from this PDF and this image.”
- “Summarize this podcast (audio upload) as a blog article.”
Tools & Integrations:
- Zapier/Make for process automation
- Notion & Obsidian for knowledge management
- Miro for visual collaboration
Data protection tip: Always anonymize sensitive data before uploading it.
Conclusion - Which ChatGPT model and for whom is GPT 5 particularly worthwhile?
GPT-5 is ideal for:
- Content creator & marketer – faster, high-quality production
- Company – process automation, training, analyses
- Education & research – in-depth analysis, learning methods, source work
Recommended action: Test GPT-5 specifically in a project – use Thinking, Agent Mode and Study & Learn. This will show you how big the efficiency gain really is in your everyday life.
Would you like your own GPT?
I create your own GPT that is completely tailored to your needs and your industry. We provide this GPT with a knowledge database that your GPT can work with. A perfect basis, whether this is for newsletters, social media, content, data analysis or something completely different. This increases productivity and accuracy enormously – your company, your language. And the great thing about it is that this GPT is yours alone.
Frequently asked questions about GPT 5 functions
Only limited – in the free version mostly with limitations, full access requires Plus / Pro.
Especially through thinking, agent mode, longer context windows and multimodality including video.
Automated, multi-stage workflows without manual control.
Currently not – an Internet connection is required.
As an interactive learning tool, combined with your own materials (texts, images, audio).
Last updated: August 11, 2025
“This article was completely revised after the release of GPT-5 – previous content on GPT-4o/4.5 is included in an updated form.”
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About the author:
My name is Isabel Unger, I am a freelance digital strategist with a clear focus: visibility for freelancers & small businesses. My heart beats for SEO, content, structure – and for explaining complex things in a way that makes them understandable and feasible.
On ixtreme.online I share my knowledge, my experience and a lot of plain language – without any technical gobbledygook.
