Meta’s Llama 4 vs OpenAI’s ChatGPT: In what has quickly become one of the most competitive showdowns in the AI space, Meta has officially launched two new Llama 4 models—Llama 4 Maverick and Llama 4 Scout. These launches come just days after OpenAI supercharged ChatGPT with native image generation capabilities, sparking a viral wave of Studio Ghibli-style content online. As the two tech giants clash in this fast-moving AI arms race, one question takes center stage: Which chatbot is truly better—Meta’s new Llama models or OpenAI’s ChatGPT?
Let’s break it down across benchmarks, features, image generation, and pricing.
Benchmark Showdown: Llama Maverick vs GPT-4o
Meta claims its Llama 4 Maverick model outpaces OpenAI’s GPT-4o across multiple fronts—including coding, reasoning, multilingual tasks, long-context understanding, and image capabilities. Current standings on the LMarena leaderboard place Llama 4 Maverick just behind Gemini 2.5 Pro (Experimental), outperforming both GPT-4o and the GPT-4.5 Preview in aggregate benchmarks.
However, as with all AI benchmarks, results can fluctuate as models are updated and refined. While Meta suggests superior creative writing and image understanding capabilities, these claims remain largely theoretical unless tested over sustained use.
Image Generation: A Visual Battle
This is where things get interesting.
Meta’s Llama 4 models are natively multi-modal, meaning they can theoretically understand and respond to image inputs. However, for now, these features are limited to U.S. users and English language prompts, with no official timeline for a broader rollout.
On the other hand, ChatGPT’s native image generator has already impressed the global user base. It not only delivers photorealistic, emotionally nuanced images but also allows for user-uploaded image editing—a feature currently unmatched by Meta AI. From fantasy art to real-world objects, the range and quality from ChatGPT’s image model are setting a new standard.
Meta’s image results, in contrast, still feel underwhelming by comparison—especially when trying out real-time prompts through Messenger or Instagram.
Extra Features: Where ChatGPT Leads
Despite the leap Meta has made with Maverick, there are still gaps. Meta has not yet released a dedicated reasoning model, which could be a crucial disadvantage in tasks requiring complex analysis. OpenAI, in contrast, has already deployed GPT-4o with reasoning capabilities, and its “Deep Research” mode further enhances ChatGPT’s ability to simulate a research assistant by pulling web-based data in real-time.
Meanwhile, Meta’s upcoming Llama 4 Reasoning model is expected to be unveiled at the LlamaCon conference on April 29, possibly closing that gap.
And while Llama 4 Behemoth—Meta’s upcoming flagship model—is said to beat GPT-4.5, Claude Sonnet 3.7, and Gemini 2.0 Pro on STEM-heavy benchmarks like MATH-500 and GPQA Diamond, it hasn’t been publicly released yet.
Availability and Pricing: Meta Scores Big on Accessibility
When it comes to accessibility, Meta scores a major win. Llama 4 Maverick and Scout are already available across WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram with no usage restrictions, even for image generation—making them extremely easy to use for the average person.
ChatGPT, by contrast, still imposes limits on its free users. Image generation is currently capped at three images per day, and after a few premium-level messages, users are often switched to an older GPT model unless they’re on a paid plan. Moreover, users need to sign up on OpenAI’s website or app to get started.
A Close Race—But ChatGPT Still Holds the Edge
Meta has clearly stepped up its game. Llama 4 Maverick and Scout represent major upgrades and offer unmatched accessibility across social platforms. But when it comes to raw capabilities, especially in reasoning, image generation, and deep search, ChatGPT remains a step ahead—for now.
That said, all eyes are on LlamaCon 2025, where Meta is expected to unveil its most powerful model yet. If Llama 4 Behemoth delivers on its promises, it could shake up the leaderboard once again. For users, this competition is a win-win. With tech titans battling it out, AI tools are evolving faster than ever—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with every update.
