I put ChatGPT vs Grok to the test with 7 prompts — here’s the winner

1. Image Generation

First, I’m going to ask each of Grok and ChatGPT to create an image of a home office setup, but I’ve added specific elements within the prompt it has to include. The closer it gets to the requested elements and positioning, the better it performs.

The prompt: “Create an image of a minimalist home office setup with these specific elements: A 34-inch ultrawide monitor mounted on a white wall, an ergonomic chair in sage green, a light oak standing desk, three hanging potted plants (must be monstera, pothos, and snake plant), and a MacBook Pro in space grey. The room should have large windows letting in natural light from the left side, with sheer white curtains. Include a grey Persian cat sleeping on a round cushion under the desk.”

2. Image Analysis

I found an amazing image from the Apollo 15 mission on the NASA website and have given that, along with the below prompt, to both models to test how they handle AI vision.

The winner will have the most detail, describe the equipment without assumption and accurately recognize scale and perspective. Bonus points for getting the correct Apollo mission number.

Prompt: “Study this photograph carefully. Describe what you can see in detail, paying particular attention to the equipment, environment, and human elements. What can you deduce about the purpose of this setup and the conditions in which this photograph was taken?”

3. Coding Challenge

ChatGPT is well-established as a good coding model, Grok still has to prove itself. Here I’m looking for a useful Pomodoro app. This is a simple productivity timer and my main judgment will be based on interface design, use of libraries and comments.

Prompt: “Create a Python Pomodoro timer with a GUI that includes: a 25-minute work timer, 5-minute break timer, clean modern interface with start/pause/reset buttons, circular visual countdown, and system notifications. Use only standard Python libraries. The code must run without modifications.”

4. Creative Writing

Being able to write creatively is an essential skill for a chatbot. After all, how else will all those high school students get an A? Here, we’re looking for character development, dialogue writing, structure and for specific elements outlined in the prompt. It also has to be under 500 words.

Prompt: “Write a heartwarming story about two people who meet while waiting in line for a new product launch. The story must include: specific details about the product they’re waiting for, at least three interactions between them before the store opens, a surprising connection they discover, and a flash-forward to one year later. Keep it under 500 words.”

While both stories are well-crafted, I found that ChatGPT’s version better balances all the required elements outlined in the prompt. It does this while creating a more emotionally resonant narrative with stronger character development and more natural dialogue. You can read both stories in full in a Google Doc.

5. Problem Solving

For this next challenge, I’m testing Grok and ChatGPT on logical thinking skills, technical knowledge and the ability to explain complex issues simply. The winner will have a structured response, and clear explanations, while including a consideration of user expertise levels

Prompt: “A family’s smart home system is malfunctioning during an important dinner party. The lights keep changing colors, the thermostat is fluctuating, and the smart speakers are playing random music. Create a systematic troubleshooting guide that identifies potential causes and solutions, considering both technical and non-technical users.”

While both guides (available in a Google Doc) are helpful, I found that Grok’s approach is more concise, focused, and user-friendly. This is especially the case for non-technical users who need quick and easy solutions in a stressful situation.

6. Planning

Using artificial intelligence to plan a large project has become more viable in recent months thanks to growing context windows form chatbots. This is the amount of information it can hold within a single instance. It also helps to have live web search capabilities. For this test, I’m looking to get it to plan a Tokyo trip and include specific details.

Prompt: “Plan a 3-day Tokyo trip focused on technology attractions. Include: specific districts to visit (Akihabara is mandatory), two recommended hotels with prices in different budgets, transportation between locations, meal recommendations including at least one robot restaurant, and timing for each activity. Total budget must be included in USD and Yen.”

Grok’s itinerary is more focused, realistic, and detailed, with a comprehensive budget breakdown and specific recommendations. I also found it aligned better with the prompt as it focuses on technology attractions. Full analysis in a Google Doc.

7. Education

Finally, education. AI is a great tool for explaining complex ideas in a simple way. Sometimes this is a very complex topic such as quantum computing, other times it can be something simpler but tailored for a specific audience. In this case its clouds and 10-year-olds.

I’m looking more at how well it explains cloud formation in an age appropriate way than the actual explanation, although if it gets this wrong then it fails.

Prompt: “Explain how clouds form and why it rains, in a way that would keep a curious 10-year-old engaged. Include at least two simple experiments they could try at home to demonstrate the concepts.”

Grok’s explanation makes for more engaging storytelling and better experiments. Its response likely works better to capture a child’s imagination. You can see both in a Google Doc.