Written by Mohit Singhania | Updated: July 10, 2025 | TechMasala.in
Grok 4 is Elon Musk’s boldest AI move yet, and it’s here to challenge ChatGPT’s dominance. Built to be funnier, freer, and sharper with memes, Grok 4 wants to be the assistant that actually understands you. But ChatGPT-4 is no pushover. It’s already powering apps, businesses, and entire workflows across the world.
So if you’re choosing between Grok 4 and ChatGPT-4 in 2025, the question is simple: which one helps you work, think, and create better?
What Makes Grok 4 and ChatGPT-4 So Different This Year
ChatGPT-4, officially called GPT-4-turbo, has been the gold standard for AI tools since 2023. It’s fast, stable, and built into everything from mobile apps to APIs. Whether you’re writing documents, coding, or answering customer queries, it works reliably in the background.
Grok 4 is the newest brain from Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI. It launched on July 9, 2025, and unlike other models, it is built to challenge not just OpenAI but the entire idea of filtered AI. Grok 4 has launched with sharper logic, stronger coding skills, and a personality that understands memes and sarcasm. It runs directly inside X, formerly Twitter, and comes bundled with the Premium+ plan.
Musk even skipped version 3.5 and jumped straight to Grok 4. That’s how confident he is about this upgrade.
How Smart Are These AIs Really? Let’s Talk Code, Logic, and Brains
Grok 4 has rolled out major upgrades under the hood, especially in logic and coding. xAI has also introduced a special variant called Grok 4 Code, tailored for developers. It can write entire functions, debug complex logic, and complete code with sharper context than earlier versions like Grok 2.
But when it comes to overall intelligence, ChatGPT-4 still feels a step ahead. It supports web browsing, remembers your past conversations, and lets you upload files or run advanced prompts without breaking a sweat. It’s not just smart. It’s dependable.
Grok may have the edge in personality and attitude, but for serious research, deep writing, or structured projects, GPT-4-turbo is still the more consistent performer.
Which One Handles Images, Voice, and Files Like a Pro?
Right now, ChatGPT-4 takes the lead when it comes to multimodal abilities. It can read images, speak and listen on mobile, upload and understand files like PDFs or spreadsheets, and even run code directly. You can drop a chart, a photo, or a long document—and it handles it smoothly.
Grok 4, on the other hand, is still text-only for now. xAI has confirmed plans to introduce image and possibly video support soon, but these features are missing at launch. So if you’re hoping to upload screenshots, get visual analysis, or interact through voice, Grok isn’t quite ready.
If your workflow depends on visuals or complex file input, ChatGPT is still the clear choice.
Meme Smarts and Desi Banter: Who Gets You Better?
This is where Grok 4 is trying to set itself apart. Elon Musk claims it understands internet culture, sarcasm, and memes better than any mainstream AI. Early access users have already noted that Grok replies with more personality and humor, especially when the topic is spicy or offbeat.
ChatGPT-4 plays it safe. It might decline a joke, avoid controversial takes, or give you a filtered answer. That’s great for school essays or workplace emails, but it can feel robotic when you’re just trying to be funny or real.
If you’re a content creator or someone who thrives on raw, unfiltered conversations, Grok 4 might feel more like a friend than a tool. But if you need professionalism and accuracy, ChatGPT still gets the job done better.
Censorship vs Control: How Much Do These AIs Really Filter?
Grok 4’s unfiltered approach is part of its identity—and part of the controversy. The previous version, Grok 3, drew backlash for generating hateful and antisemitic responses, including praise for Hitler. xAI says it’s tightening moderation with Grok 4, but it’s clear the platform is still pushing for less censorship and more “freedom of thought.”
That freedom comes with risk.
ChatGPT-4, by contrast, is heavily moderated. It avoids political extremes, controversial jokes, or anything that might come across as harmful. While that makes it safer for students, professionals, and enterprise teams, it can also feel restrictive when you want honesty or edge.
If you value raw freedom, Grok 4 leans into it. If you want trust, safety, and wide adoption, ChatGPT holds the line.
Daily Grind Test: Which AI Actually Gets Stuff Done?
If you’re working on presentations, writing reports, or building something inside a real workflow, ChatGPT-4 still feels like the better all-rounder. It can handle documents, translate tricky emails, build structured plans, and even run full conversations with memory. And it does this without you needing to switch tools or platforms.
Grok 4 is faster with jokes, snappier with replies, and way more fun if you live online and love a little chaos. It feels like chatting with a smart friend who doesn’t hold back. But when it comes to long tasks, multiple inputs, or tool integrations, it doesn’t offer the same depth yet.
For casual users and coders who live on X, Grok is fresh and bold. For those managing work, study, and real productivity, ChatGPT still wins.
What Do These AIs Cost, and What Do You Really Get?
Feature | Grok 4 | ChatGPT-4 (GPT-4 Turbo) |
---|---|---|
Where You Use It | Inside X (Twitter), via @xAI | Web, mobile apps, desktop, API |
Free Version | Not available | GPT-3.5 is free for everyone |
Paid Plan | X Premium+ (₹999/month in India) | ChatGPT Plus (₹1,999/month in India) |
Multimodal Tools | Coming soon (not at launch) | Fully available: images, files, voice, code |
Code Assistance | Grok 4 Code (new dev-focused version) | Built-in Codex support, integrated workflows |
API Access | Not open yet | Yes, through OpenAI’s developer platform |
Custom Tools | Not available yet | Yes, create GPTs with GPT Builder |
Grok 4 is cheaper to access if you’re already using X Premium+, but you’re locked into a single platform. It’s still early days for third-party access or any kind of external integration. ChatGPT-4 costs more, but it gives you more flexibility, more tools, and more ways to use it across platforms.
If you want variety and deep tools, ChatGPT is the better deal. If you’re already in the Musk ecosystem and want a taste of something different, Grok 4 is worth exploring.
Final Thoughts: Which AI Fits Your Mindset in 2025?
Grok 4 is the bold newcomer that doesn’t care about rules. It talks back, understands memes, and breaks away from the polished, professional tone most AI tools are stuck in. For creators, online debaters, or anyone tired of “safe” AI, it’s a refreshing change.
But ChatGPT-4 is still the AI most people rely on to get real work done. It handles documents, files, visuals, and tasks with the stability you need when deadlines are tight and stakes are high. It’s not just smart. It’s trained to be useful.
So here’s the choice: if you want fire and personality, Grok 4 will entertain and surprise you. If you want clarity and control, ChatGPT-4 is still the one to trust.