The Most Advanced AI Models You Need to Know
Photo by Andy Kelly on Unsplash
AI is trending, and the world is moving along with it. Staying informed about the latest AI models is more important than ever. Every few months, major players like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic drop new models that promise to be smarter, faster, and more intuitive.
But if you’re not plugged into every AI news feed, it’s easy to miss out on what really matters. So, let’s break it down. Here are the main AI models released in 2025 what they do, what makes them special, and most importantly, how you can actually use them in real life.
1. Cohere’s Aya Vision
Best for: Image captioning and multilingual AI
Ever wanted an AI that can describe what’s in a photo, answer questions about an image, and do it in multiple languages? That’s what Cohere’s Aya Vision is built for. Unlike some models that stumble outside of English, Aya Vision shines in diverse languages, making it a fantastic tool for international users. How to use it: It’s free on WhatsApp, meaning you can start testing it right now. Just send it an image and see how it interprets the details.
2. OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 “Orion”
Best for: General AI tasks, emotional intelligence, and world knowledge
This is OpenAI’s latest powerhouse. Orion is marketed as the largest and most emotionally intelligent AI to date. But here’s the catch — it’s only available through OpenAI’s pricey $200-per-month plan. While it’s a beast in reasoning and general knowledge, some experts argue it doesn’t outperform the latest niche models in specialized tasks. How to use it: If you’re a serious AI user, the investment might be worth it. If not, there are cheaper alternatives.
3. Claude Sonnet 3.7
Best for: Hybrid reasoning: quick answers + deep thinking Anthropic’s latest model blends speed and depth. Need a quick response? It fires back in seconds. Want a well-thought-out, researched answer? It can take more time to process and give a thorough response. The cool part? You control how long it thinks before responding. How to use it: It’s available on Claude’s free and Pro ($20/month) plans. If you’re into AI that adjusts to your workflow, this one’s worth a shot.
4. xAI’s Grok 3
Best for: Math, science, and coding Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, claims Grok 3 outperforms competitors in technical fields. If you’re into STEM; whether you’re coding an app or crunching physics equations. Grok might be your go-to model. How to use it: It requires an X Premium subscription ($50/month). Pricey? Yes. But for hardcore STEM users, it could be a game-changer.
5. OpenAI o3-mini
Best for: Affordable AI for STEM tasks
If GPT-4.5 Orion is too expensive, OpenAI’s o3-mini might be the budget-friendly alternative you need. It’s optimized for coding, math, and science, making it ideal for students, developers, and researchers who don’t need the full power of Orion. How to use it: It’s free for light users, but heavy users need a subscription.
6. OpenAI Deep Research
Best for: In-depth research with citation Tired of AI-generated content that lacks credible sources? OpenAI’s Deep Research aims to change that by providing detailed research with citations. Whether you’re writing an academic paper or just want reliable info, this model is designed to dig deeper. How to use it: Requires a $200-per-month subscription, so it’s targeted more at professionals and businesses.
7. Mistral Le Chat
Best for: Fastest AI chatbot responses
Need an AI that won’t keep you waiting? Mistral claims Le Chat is the fastest chatbot on the market. It also offers a paid version with up-to-date journalism from AFP, making it a handy tool for those who need real-time news insights. How to use it: Download the app and test it out for free. If you need premium news access, there’s a paid option.
8. OpenAI Operator
Best for: AI-powered personal assistance
Think of the Operator as an AI intern that can handle tasks on its own — ordering groceries, scheduling meetings, and more. But AI agents are still in their early days, and some users have reported Operators making questionable decisions (like paying $31 for a dozen eggs). How to use it: It’s part of OpenAI’s $200-per-month Pro plan. If you love cutting-edge AI, it’s worth testing; but don’t trust it with your credit card just yet.
9. Google Gemini 2.0 Pro Experimental
Best for: Long-context understanding and massive text processing
Google’s Gemini 2.0 Pro boasts an insane 2-million-token context window. Translation? It can analyze huge amounts of text at once, making it perfect for professionals dealing with large documents or datasets. How to use it: Requires a Google One AI Premium subscription ($19.99/month). If you work with big documents, this could be a lifesaver.
So Which AI Model Should You Use?
The best AI model depends on what you need:
- If you want a fast and free chatbot, try Mistral Le Chat or Claude Sonnet 3.7.
- For serious AI research, OpenAI Deep Research is the go-to (if you can afford it).
- Need AI for coding and STEM? Grok 3 or o3-mini could be your best bet.
- If you want an AI assistant that automates tasks, OpenAI Operator might be worth a test (but watch your wallet!).
AI is evolving fast, and these models will soon be replaced with even better ones. But for now, these are the most powerful AI tools available. So, pick the one that fits your needs and start experimenting!
Read the full article here: https://medium.com/@MsquareAutomation/the-most-advanced-ai-models-you-need-to-know-6d310384d556