Hassan Khan
OpenAI has officially rolled out its newest multimodal model, GPT-5.1, and the tech world has been buzzing about what it might change. With claims of faster responses, improved tone, and more personalisation, many users expected a major jump in performance something that would clearly separate it from GPT-5.
But according to early testers, including reports from PCMag, GPT-5.1 feels more like a mild upgrade than a breakthrough. While the update does introduce some helpful refinements, most real-world users say the difference is noticeable only in certain situations, and not across the board.
Performance: Faster, But Not Dramatically So
OpenAI claimed that GPT-5.1 would deliver better speed and smoother interactions. However, initial comparisons show:
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Only 5–10% faster response time on average
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No significant improvement in handling long or complex queries
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Similar accuracy levels to GPT-5
For many users, these enhancements are welcome but they’re not game-changing.
Tone Improvements Are Real, But Inconsistent
One of the biggest talking points around GPT-5.1 is its updated conversational tone. Testers noticed that when discussing emotional or sensitive topics, the model comes across as slightly warmer and more empathetic.
For example:
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When asked about anxiety, GPT-5.1 gave a softer, more comforting tone compared to GPT-5.
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But in topics like gaming, tech reviews, or general productivity, the responses were almost identical between the two versions.
So while the tone shift exists, it’s not consistent enough to be called a major upgrade.
New Personality Presets: A Fresh Idea With Limited Depth
OpenAI has introduced new built-in personality styles:
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Friendly
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Efficient
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Candid
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Professional
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Quirky
These presets replace the older system and are meant to make interactions feel more “human.”
However, early reviews show that the difference between these personalities is very subtle, with some users reporting that the responses still feel somewhat similar regardless of the selected style.
In other words, the idea is strong but the execution still needs polishing.
Customisation Still Feels the Same
GPT-5.1 allows users to customise tone and style using system instructions, just like previous versions. But many early adopters noted that:
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There’s no major leap in creativity
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The model still sometimes defaults to a neutral or generic tone
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Conversation depth feels similar to GPT-5
This has led many testers to conclude that GPT-5.1 doesn’t deliver the “human-like leap” users were hoping for.
Expectations vs Reality
Given the excitement surrounding each new OpenAI release, many were expecting GPT-5.1 to feel noticeably different maybe even revolutionary. But early real-world tests show that instead of a dramatic transformation, this update offers:
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Slightly smoother conversations
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A bit more emotional nuance
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Faster responses in some cases
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Better safety controls behind the scenes
It’s a step forward, but not the kind of jump that reshapes the AI landscape.
Summary
GPT-5.1 is not a disappointment but it’s also not the breakthrough many hoped for. It’s essentially a polished version of GPT-5, with incremental improvements rather than bold innovations.
For people who use AI daily, these refinements will still be helpful. But for those expecting a major shift in intelligence, creativity, or realism, GPT-5.1 may feel underwhelming.
The real question now is whether OpenAI is preparing these small steps as groundwork for a much bigger leap in the next generation of models.
