While subscribing to ChatGPT may seem unnecessary, the advancements in GPT-4o make it a worthwhile consideration. It’s time to rethink any doubts you might have.
9
Deep Research
ChatGPT has always been capable of conducting research, but its effectiveness has dramatically improved with GPT-4o. The Deep Research tool exemplifies this enhancement.
Although it’s possible to use the Deep Research function with the free version, you’ll find that the Plus version allows for more queries. By utilizing Deep Research, ChatGPT conducts extensive web searches, providing you with reading materials, statistics, and much more.
Since the process takes a few minutes to yield results, it’s wise to be patient. However, considering the thoroughness of the answers, this wait is often justified. As of May 2025, users receive 25 Deep Research requests each month.
8
Improved Reasoning
Reasoning was a challenge in earlier ChatGPT versions, but GPT-4o has made significant strides in this area. While it may not yet rival some advanced models, its responses are more comprehensive when you request deeper reasoning.
This feature can be beneficial in various scenarios, from research to goal setting. Asking for detailed reasoning can also help clarify your decision-making process.
Moreover, ChatGPT can reason with images you upload, adding another layer of interactivity.
7
Less Robotic Communication
While ChatGPT won’t replace human conversations, its responses feel much more natural. You’ll find yourself engaged in dialogue that resembles speaking with a person. The tool utilizes everyday language and can pose genuine questions.
With GPT-4o, ChatGPT is now more likely to provide straightforward answers instead of merely agreeing with you. While it does offer encouragement, the tool is becoming more adept at presenting rational arguments and can even challenge your views when necessary—just prompt it with requests like, “Be honest and don’t shy away from disagreement.”
6
Enhanced Image Generation
DALL-E served as an early AI image generator but faced several limitations, particularly in generating text. While still imperfect, GPT-4o shows substantial improvement in image creation, offering better responsiveness to prompts.
When complemented by ChatGPT’s editing capabilities, you gain a robust AI image generator, though tools like Adobe Firefly may still lead in some aspects.
One ongoing annoyance is that GPT-4o sometimes misses the mark on specific requests, regardless of how you rephrase them. Hopefully, this will improve over time.
5
Accelerated Processing
As a frequent user of ChatGPT, I’ve noticed notable enhancements in processing speeds. GPT-4o can deliver responses in less time, enabling smoother conversations.
Interactions flow more quickly, particularly when the software isn’t required to search the web or update memory. While there are still some slowdowns within lengthy conversations, the overall speed has improved significantly.
This means you can accomplish more in less time when using ChatGPT.
4
More Proactive Suggestions
In earlier iterations, ChatGPT tended to act merely as a reactive tool. You had to prompt it for suggestions, which limited its usefulness. With GPT-4o, the tool is far more proactive, offering suggestions without any further prompts from you.
ChatGPT is likely to propose creating spreadsheets, images, mind maps, and more, often suggesting ideas you might not think of initially or would take additional time to brainstorm.
In the Deep Research feature, ChatGPT frequently asks follow-up questions to capture all necessary details. If the volume of suggestions feels overwhelming, you can instruct GPT-4o to limit them—though the default setting fostering creativity is a plus.
3
Enhanced Memory Capacity
When working with ChatGPT, you might find yourself starting new conversations for various reasons, like organizing thoughts or hitting conversation limits.
Fortunately, the app won’t forget the information it has previously gathered. It can cross-reference and extract relevant data to enhance its responses. Even when certain memories are deleted, I’ve found that the tool still comprehends context without needing much clarification from me.
This improved memory function results in more insightful responses, making the monthly subscription to Plus well worth the investment.
2
Stronger Non-English Capabilities
While ChatGPT has excelled in English, its performance in other languages has varied. However, GPT-4o shows marked improvement in this area.
I occasionally use GPT-4o in Danish, and although it isn’t as effective as in English, it does a better job of helping me memorize and create desired responses.
The tool might still have room for improvement in image generation in other languages, but I anticipate progress as time goes on. Languages with unique characters may require more effort from the system to master.
1
Upgraded Voice Mode
Beyond text improvements, ChatGPT’s Voice Mode has evolved significantly since the early days of GPT-4o. Conversations are now much more fluid, and while it’s clear you’re still talking to a bot, it feels more human.
In April 2025, ChatGPT even introduced a new voice mode called “Monday Mode,” broadening its functionalities. You can utilize this tool for various applications—including interview preparation and casual conversations.
Since your interactions will be recorded for later reference, it’s worth trying out the Voice Mode.
The benefits of subscribing to ChatGPT Plus may not be immediately obvious, but the impressive enhancements in GPT-4o make it a powerful tool. While the free version is sufficient for casual chats, opting for Plus unlocks a world of possibilities.
