GPT-5 Now Smarter Than Google? What Sam Altman’s Latest Hint Really Means

A Surprising Shift from Sam Altman

Just today, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he doesn’t remember the last time he used Google Search. That’s a bold statement—especially when Google has been the reigning ruler of the internet for decades.

He described GPT-5 as a giant leap toward true artificial general intelligence, even more powerful than GPT-4. That’s raw, unfiltered change.

Could one AI model truly take over the tasks we’ve all relied on Google for? Let’s unpack what’s going on—and what it means for how we find and use information.

Why This Matters Right Now

Two developments stand out from the news today:

1. Sam Altman’s shift away from Google search. He claims GPT-5 now handles everything he needs.
2. GPT-5’s “Deep Research” feature. This tool can autonomously scour the web, carefully reason through sources, and assemble long, organized reports—all in minutes.

These aren’t small moves. Together, they suggest a new way of researching. Fast, human-like, and focused.

What Makes GPT-5 Different from Google Search

Let’s break down why GPT-5 isn’t just another search engine.

Smarter Answers, Not Just Links

1. Google gives you links, snippets, and previews. You must click and dig to understand.
2. GPT-5 crafts direct answers—clear, detailed, and conversational.

Deep Research, Done for You

1. GPT-5’s Deep Research tool can go through websites, analyze PDFs, and gather evidence into one coherent report. This can take just a few minutes.
2. It feels closer to having an expert helper, rather than surfing the web yourself.

Personalized Conversation

1. Ask follow-up questions. Clarify part of the answer. Explore variations.
2. GPT-5 listens and adjusts—in real time.

Smarter, But Not Perfect

1. GPT-5 is fast and intelligent—but it can still make mistakes or hallucinate details.
2. Always smart to double-check with reliable sources after receiving an AI-generated answer.

Google Still Lives That Moment

There are still times when Google is the go-to:

1. Real-time updates: For scores, stock prices, or news, Google is instant.
2. Local details: Store hours, directions, or restaurant reviews—Google’s depth still wins here.
3. Verified sources: When accuracy matters – official pages, medical or legal sites — Google gives you direct access.

In those moments, Google still leads. But GPT-5 is changing where the line gets drawn.

A New Way to Research

Here’s how you might mix them going forward:

1. Start with GPT-5 for a fast, clear explanation.
2. Consult Google to verify or find direct source links.
3. Go back to GPT-5 to help translate or simplify the official info.

It’s like asking your smart friend first, then checking their answer with a textbook.

Real-World Power: Research Benchmarks Report

A new evaluation benchmark called BrowseComp-Plus tested GPT-5’s deep research against other systems. It measured accuracy by checking how well each model matched curated sources.

1. GPT-5 scored around 56% accuracy.
2. Combined with another tool, it jumped to 70%, all while making fewer web calls.

That shows GPT-5 isn't just talk—it can hunt down facts with real skill.

GPT-5 Today, Google Tomorrow?

GPT-5 isn’t doing everything yet—but it’s reshaping how we start our searches. Instead of typing “What’s the capital of Japan?” and opening web links, you might just ask GPT-5 and get “Tokyo, with context…” in one line.

When Sam Altman says he doesn’t remember using Google, he’s pointing to a shift in behavior. Early adopters might favor GPT-5 for explanations—and turn to Google when context or real-time data is needed.

Final Thoughts: A Smarter Partnership

The future isn’t Google vs. GPT-5. It’s Google + GPT-5. Use one for speed and live data, the other for understanding and clarity.

So next time you search—ask smart. Choose the AI that best fits what you need at that moment.