Module 2 Lesson 5: Popular LLMs Overview
Choosing your model. Comparing the strengths and tradeoffs of GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and Llama.
Popular LLMs: The Competitive Landscape
There is no single "Best" AI. Different models are optimized for different tasks—some are fast and cheap, while others are slow, smart, and creative.
1. GPT-4o (OpenAI)
- Strengths: Best all-rounder. Great at logic, coding, and following complex instructions.
- Vibe: Very helpful, "Default" sounding assistant.
2. Claude 3.5 Sonnet (Anthropic)
- Strengths: High emotional intelligence (EQ) and very natural writing. Excellent at long-form document analysis.
- Vibe: More human, less "robotic" than GPT.
3. Gemini 1.5 Pro (Google)
- Strengths: massive Context Window (2 Million Tokens). It can analyze hours of video or thousands of PDF pages in one prompt.
- Vibe: Highly integrated with Google Docs and Workspace.
4. Llama 3 (Meta)
- Strengths: Open Source. You can download it and run it for free on your own computer without an internet connection.
- Vibe: The "Power to the people" model.
The Decision Matrix
| Model | Use Case | Core Strength |
|---|---|---|
| GPT-4o | General Assistant | Logic & Popularity |
| Claude | Creative Writing | Safety & Personality |
| Gemini | Research | Mass-scale Context |
| Llama | Privacy / Local AI | Independence |
💡 Guidance for Learners
For daily tasks, try the same prompt in two different models (e.g., GPT and Claude). You'll notice that while the "Fact" might be the same, the Tone and Logic vary significantly.
Summary
- OpenAI leads in general reasoning and adoption.
- Anthropic focuses on safety and human-like writing.
- Google dominates in context length (analyzing giant files).
- Meta provides the leading open-source alternatives.