Grok 4.6 vs Grok 4.5: is the higher number better?
Both are Grok, both made by xAI. You'd expect 4.6 to beat 4.5. We gave them exactly the same 8 everyday tasks, timed every answer and show you what each one wrote.
By chatmodel team Tested with Grok 4.6 and Grok 4.5 Updated
The short answer
For everyday use, pick Grok 4.5. It was very close: 5 of our 8 tests were ties, Grok 4.5 won 2 and Grok 4.6 won 1. But in chatmodel Grok 4.5 was also quicker (about 8 seconds against 11) and it can search the web and read photos and PDFs, which Grok 4.6 can't here.
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Grok 4.6: 1 win
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Grok 4.5: 2 wins
- 5 ties
Pick Grok 4.5 if…
- You want a clear answer about a letter or an email you're unsure about.
- You want to send a photo or a PDF, or ask about something recent.
Opens chatmodel with both ready: type a question and they answer next to each other. How it works
Grok 4.6 vs Grok 4.5 at a glance
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | xAI | xAI |
| Best at, in our test | Very short, to-the-point answers | Clearer next steps on letters and scams |
| Weakest at, in our test | Vague on what you actually owe, and thin on detail | Some answers run a little long |
| Rounds won (of 8) | 1 (+5 ties) | 2 (+5 ties) |
| Average answer length | About 153 words | About 219 words |
| Average time to answer | About 11 seconds | About 8 seconds |
| Understands photos | No | Yes |
| Reads PDFs and files | No | Yes |
| Searches the web in chatmodel | No | Yes |
| Knows about things up to | February 2026 | Not published |
| On chatmodel | Included in Pro | Included in Pro |
The 8 tests, with both real answers
Same words to both, one try each, nothing edited. Press “Ask it yourself” to run any test in chatmodel.
Test 1 · A condolence card
A condolence card: a tie
What we asked
Help me write a short condolence card for my neighbor, whose husband passed away last week. We weren't very close, but he always waved to me in the mornings. I want it to feel warm and sincere, not formal. Keep it under 70 words.
Dear [Neighbor],
I’m so sorry about your husband’s passing. I’ll miss those friendly morning waves—they always made my day a little brighter. Thinking of you with warmth.
[Your name]
Here’s a warm, sincere option you can use or tweak:
I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your husband well, but I always looked forward to his friendly wave each morning—it brightened my day. Thinking of you and sending gentle comfort as you navigate this.
With care,
[Your name]
(About 55 words)
A tie. Both used the morning wave and stayed under 70 words. Grok 4.6's card was very short, just 29 words. Grok 4.5's was fuller (“sending gentle comfort as you navigate this”), though a little less personal than it could be. Neither offered help.
Test 2 · Understanding a confusing letter
A confusing insurance letter: Grok 4.5 is clearer
What we asked
I got this letter from my health insurance and I don't understand it. Explain in plain words what it means and what I should do next. "Dear Member, We have reviewed the claim submitted by Riverside Imaging for services rendered on 08/14. The claim has been processed and the allowed amount of $412.00 has been applied to your annual deductible. Your remaining deductible for the plan year is $588.00. This is not a bill. You may receive a statement from your provider for the amount you owe. If you disagree with this decision, you have 180 days to file an appeal."
This is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer, not a bill. It tells you how they processed the claim from Riverside Imaging for services on August 14.
They allowed $412 of that claim and applied it toward your yearly deductible. You now have $588 left to meet your deductible for the rest of the plan year. Once you hit the full deductible, insurance typically starts covering a larger share of eligible costs.
You may later get a separate statement/bill from Riverside Imaging for the amount you owe them (often the allowed $412, or whatever their billed amount is after insurance adjustments). Pay the provider, not the insurance company.
What to do next:
- Keep this letter with your records.
- Watch for the provider’s bill and compare it to this EOB. If the numbers don’t match or you have questions, call the provider’s billing office and/or your insurer.
- If you disagree with how they processed the claim, you have 180 days from the date of this notice to file an appeal (the letter should include instructions or a number to call).
If anything still isn’t clear, contact the number on the letter or your insurance card with the claim details.
Plain-language explanation
Your insurance got a claim from Riverside Imaging for a service on August 14.
- They approved (allowed) $412 for that visit/service.
- That $412 was applied to your annual deductible (the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts sharing more costs).
- After this, you still have $588 left to meet on your deductible for the plan year.
- This letter is not a bill. Your insurer is just telling you how they handled the claim.
- The imaging provider may send you their own statement/bill for whatever you owe (often the allowed amount that went to your deductible, or any difference depending on your plan and whether they are in-network).
- If you think the decision is wrong, you have 180 days to file an appeal.
What you should do next
- Watch for a bill/statement from Riverside Imaging — that is the one you may need to pay (or set up a payment plan with them).
- Check your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) in your insurer’s member portal (or paper version) for full details: what was billed, what was allowed, any write-offs, and your share.
- Confirm network status and your plan details — make sure the provider was in-network and that the $412 makes sense under your benefits.
- Pay only what you actually owe once you get the provider’s statement; don’t pay from this letter alone.
- If something looks wrong (wrong date, service you didn’t get, amount seems off, etc.), contact your insurer’s member services and/or the provider’s billing office promptly. You can appeal within 180 days if needed.
- Track your deductible so you know when you’ll hit the $588 remaining and insurance starts paying a larger share.
This is routine claim processing language—nothing here says you are being denied care or that a huge unexpected balance is automatically due beyond the deductible application. If you share more details from the full letter/EOB (redact personal info), I can help clarify further.
Winner: Grok 4.5. Both said it is not a bill. But Grok 4.6 said you might owe “the allowed $412, or whatever their billed amount is”, which could lead you to pay more than you should. Grok 4.5 gave more next steps: check the provider was in your network, and ask for a payment plan if needed.
Test 3 · Spotting a scam
Spotting a scam: Grok 4.5 tells you where to report it
What we asked
Is this email a scam? What should I do? "USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. To avoid return to sender, please confirm your details and pay the $1.99 redelivery fee within 24 hours: usps-redelivery-help.com/track"
Yes, this is almost certainly a scam (phishing).
This matches a very common USPS-themed phishing campaign. Real USPS communications:
- Come from official domains (usps.com or similar, not usps-redelivery-help.com).
- Do not demand a tiny “redelivery fee” via an unsolicited email link with a 24-hour deadline.
- Use your actual tracking number and known package details if they contact you at all.
The goal is to get you to click the fake link, enter personal/payment details, or download malware.
What you should do:
- Do not click the link, enter any information, or pay anything.
- Delete the email (and any similar ones).
- If you were expecting a real package, go directly to the official USPS site (usps.com) or use the tracking number you already have from the sender—never a link in an unexpected email.
- Consider reporting it as phishing to USPS (via their official site) and/or your email provider.
- If you already clicked or entered details, monitor your accounts, change passwords, and watch for unauthorized charges.
Stay cautious with any unexpected “pay a small fee or your package is returned” messages.
Yes, this is a scam.
Why it's a scam
- Official USPS does not send unsolicited emails demanding a small “redelivery fee” via a random link.
- The link (
usps-redelivery-help.com) is not a legitimate USPS domain. Real USPS tracking/redelivery usesusps.com(or the official USPS Mobile app / your carrier’s site). - Pressure tactics (“within 24 hours,” “avoid return to sender,” tiny $1.99 fee) are classic phishing red flags.
- USPS will not ask you to “confirm your details” + pay a fee through an email link like this. Incomplete-address issues are normally handled differently (and not via a sketchy third-party site).
What you should do
- Do not click the link, do not enter any information, and do not pay anything.
- Delete the email (or mark it as phishing/spam in your email client).
- If you already clicked or submitted anything:
- Change any passwords you may have used.
- Monitor your accounts/credit for suspicious activity.
- Consider running a security scan on your device.
- To check a real package: go directly to https://www.usps.com (type it yourself), use the official tracking number from your shipper/receipt, or contact USPS through official channels only.
- You can report the phishing email to USPS (via their official site) and to your email provider / reportphishing@apwg.org if you want.
Bottom line: Ignore and delete it. It’s a common package-delivery phishing scam.
Winner: Grok 4.5. Both said clearly it's a scam and not to click. Grok 4.5 gave a real address to report it to, reportphishing@apwg.org, and told you to type usps.com yourself. Grok 4.6 only said to report it “via their official site”. Neither mentioned spam@uspis.gov, the Postal Inspection Service address.
Test 4 · A firm but polite complaint
A complaint to an airline: a tie
What we asked
Write a firm but polite email to an airline. My suitcase was lost on my flight five days ago, I filed a report at the airport (reference LX-48213), and nobody has contacted me since. I want an update and to know how to claim for the things I had to buy. Keep it short.
Subject: Follow-up on Lost Baggage – Reference LX-48213
Dear Customer Service Team,
I am writing regarding my suitcase, which was lost on my flight five days ago. I filed a report at the airport (reference LX-48213) but have received no update or contact since.
Please provide a status update on the search for my luggage. Additionally, kindly advise on the process to claim reimbursement for essential items I have had to purchase in the meantime.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Booking/Flight Details if known]
Subject: Urgent update required – Lost baggage ref. LX-48213
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing regarding my suitcase, which has been missing since my flight five days ago. I filed a Property Irregularity Report at the airport (reference LX-48213), but I have received no contact or update since then.
Please provide an immediate status update on the search for my bag. I also need clear instructions on how to submit a claim for the essential items I have had to purchase as a direct result of this loss.
I expect a prompt reply with the next steps and a timeline for resolution.
Thank you for your urgent attention.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Booking reference / Flight number / Date]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
A tie. Both wrote a short, firm and polite email with the reference number. Grok 4.5 also asked for a timeline for resolution; Grok 4.6's was the shortest, at 92 words.
Test 5 · Dinner from what's in the fridge
Dinner from what's in the fridge: a tie
What we asked
I have 4 chicken thighs, some potatoes, 3 carrots, half an onion and a lemon. Suggest one easy dinner for four that takes under 45 minutes, with short numbered steps.
One-pan lemon-roasted chicken thighs with potatoes & carrots (serves 4, ~40 min total).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut potatoes and carrots into 1-inch chunks; slice the half onion.
- Toss veggies with 2 Tbsp oil, salt, and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Season 4 chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and lemon zest; nestle them among the veggies and squeeze lemon juice over everything.
- Roast 30–35 min until chicken reaches 165°F internally and veggies are tender (flip chicken halfway if desired).
Lemon Chicken Thighs with Roasted Potatoes & Carrots
One-pan dinner for 4 (ready in ~40 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks, slice carrots into sticks, and roughly chop the half onion.
- Toss veggies on a sheet pan with oil, salt, pepper, and juice of half the lemon. Push to sides.
- Pat chicken thighs dry, season with salt/pepper, and place in the center. Squeeze remaining lemon over chicken and add lemon halves to the pan.
- Roast 30–35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and veggies are tender. Rest 5 minutes, then serve.
A tie. Almost the same recipe: lemon chicken with potatoes and carrots on one pan, in 4 short steps, with the safe temperature of 165°F. Grok 4.5 added a 5-minute rest before serving; Grok 4.6 added lemon zest.
Test 6 · Explaining money in plain words
Explaining money in plain words: a tie
What we asked
Explain the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA in plain words, like you'd explain it to a friend over coffee. Keep it under 150 words and add one simple example.
Hey, over coffee: Traditional IRA lets you deduct contributions now (lower taxes today), but you pay income tax on withdrawals in retirement. Roth IRA uses after-tax money (no deduction now), but qualified withdrawals—including growth—are tax-free later.
Example: Put in $6,000. Traditional: Tax break this year, but the $6k plus earnings get taxed when you take it out. Roth: Pay taxes upfront, then the $6k plus earnings come out tax-free if you follow the rules (age 59½, account open 5+ years). Pick based on whether you expect higher taxes now or later.
Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA (simple coffee chat version):
A traditional IRA gives you a tax break now: you contribute pre-tax money (or deduct it), so your taxable income drops today. It grows tax-deferred, but you pay regular income tax on withdrawals in retirement.
A Roth IRA flips it: you contribute after-tax money (no upfront deduction). It grows tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free.
One simple example:
You earn $60k and put $6,000 in.
- Traditional: Deduct the $6k now → save ~$1,200 in taxes today (at 20% bracket). Later, every withdrawal gets taxed.
- Roth: Pay the tax on that $6k now. In retirement, take it all out tax-free.
Pick traditional if you think your tax rate will be lower later; Roth if you expect it higher (or want tax-free flexibility). That’s the core difference!
A tie. Grok 4.6 was accurate and even mentioned the age 59½ rule, but read like a dense note rather than a chat over coffee. Grok 4.5 was friendlier and easier to follow, though its tax saving “at 20% bracket” is only a rough figure. Neither replaces a financial adviser.
Test 7 · A bedtime story for a grandchild
A bedtime story: Grok 4.6 keeps Leo in his own room
What we asked
Write a short bedtime story, about 200 words, for my 6-year-old grandson Leo, who loves dinosaurs and is a bit scared of the dark. Make it calm, with a gentle happy ending.
Leo and the Sleepy Dinosaurs
Little Leo loved dinosaurs more than anything. Every night he hugged his favorite toy T-Rex, Rexy, but when the lights went out the dark room felt too big and a little scary.
One quiet evening Rexy seemed to whisper, “Don’t worry, Leo. The dark is just like the cozy caves where dinosaurs rest after a long day of playing.”
Leo closed his eyes and imagined a gentle Diplodocus stretching its long neck toward the stars. The stars twinkled like tiny friendly lanterns. A sleepy Stegosaurus hummed a soft lullaby, its plates glowing like warm night-lights. Even a little Triceratops curled up nearby, snoring peacefully.
“See?” Rexy said. “Nighttime is when we dinosaurs dream of tomorrow’s adventures. The moon is like a big round egg watching over us all.”
The shadows weren’t monsters at all—they were just sleepy dinosaur shapes. Leo felt warm and safe. He hugged Rexy tighter and whispered, “Goodnight, dinosaurs.”
He drifted off dreaming of flying with kind Pterodactyls over a starry sky, knowing the dark was simply a soft blanket of peace.
Leo slept soundly, ready for another day of dinosaur fun.
Here is a calm, gentle bedtime story for Leo (about 200 words):
Once upon a time, in a quiet green valley, there lived a little dinosaur named Leo. Leo loved to stomp softly through the ferns and roar tiny happy roars. But when the sun went down and the sky turned deep blue, Leo sometimes felt a little nervous about the dark.
One evening, as the first stars twinkled, Leo’s mama dinosaur curled up beside him in their cozy nest of soft leaves. “The dark is just the world’s blanket,” she whispered. “It helps everyone rest.”
Suddenly, a friendly glow appeared—it was Luna, a gentle glowing dinosaur whose scales shone like tiny moonlight lanterns. “Come with me, Leo,” Luna said softly. Together they walked slowly under the big sky. Luna showed him how the fireflies danced like little stars on the ground, and how the moon painted silver paths on the grass. Even the tall trees hummed quiet lullabies in the breeze.
Leo realized the dark was full of soft, friendly things. His eyes grew heavy. Luna guided him back to his nest, where Mama waited. Leo snuggled close, feeling safe and warm. “The dark is kind,” he murmured, and drifted into happy dinosaur dreams, knowing morning light would always return.
Sweet dreams, Leo. The night is gentle, and you are loved.
Sleep tight!
Winner: Grok 4.6. Grok 4.6's Leo is a real boy in his dark room, hugging his toy T-Rex, Rexy, who says the dark is like the “cozy caves where dinosaurs rest”. Grok 4.5 turned Leo into a little dinosaur, which is sweet but a step away from his fear of his own dark room.
Test 8 · Planning a short trip
Planning a trip: a tie
What we asked
Plan a relaxed 3-day trip to Lisbon for my wife and me. We're in our sixties, we don't want long walks up steep hills, and we love food and views. Give a simple plan for each day with one or two tips.
Day 1: Belém (riverfront, history, and pastries)
Take a taxi or tram 15 from central Lisbon to Belém. Stroll the mostly flat riverside path to see the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery (exterior views are enough if you skip interiors). Have lunch or an early snack at Pastéis de Belém for the famous custard tarts, then enjoy MAAT museum’s rooftop or nearby river views of the 25 de Abril Bridge. Return by taxi in the late afternoon.
Tips: Go to Pastéis de Belém mid-morning to avoid the longest queues. Book a riverside table for sunset if you stay for dinner.
Day 2: Baixa, Chiado, and easy viewpoints
Start in the relatively flat Baixa district (Rossio Square area). Ride the Santa Justa Elevator for panoramic city views without climbing. Walk a short, level stretch to Time Out Market at Cais do Sodré for a relaxed lunch with many food stalls (seafood, petiscos, wine). In the afternoon take a taxi or short funicular ride to a viewpoint such as São Pedro de Alcântara for more vistas, then taxi back.
Tips: Use Uber/Bolt for any uphill bits—they’re inexpensive and plentiful. Time Out Market is casual and air-conditioned, ideal if you want variety without committing to one restaurant.
Day 3: Parque das Nações (modern, flat, and scenic)
Taxi to this eastern waterfront district, which is almost entirely level. Visit the Oceanarium if you like, ride the cable car for elevated river and Vasco da Gama Bridge views, then wander the promenade. Lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants with outdoor terraces overlooking the water.
Tips: The cable car and promenade give excellent views with almost no walking effort. This area is quieter and more spacious than the historic centre, so it’s a gentle last day.
Overall: Base yourselves in Baixa or along Avenida da Liberdade for flatter streets and easy taxi access. Lisbon’s hills are real, so treat taxis, trams, and elevators as your default transport. Comfortable shoes still help for short distances, and most places accept cards. Enjoy the food and the light—Lisbon delivers both generously.
Relaxed 3-Day Lisbon Plan (for a couple in their sixties who prefer easy terrain, great food & views)
Lisbon is hilly, so this keeps walking minimal and flat/gentle where possible. Rely on taxis/Uber, trams, and the occasional short funicular or elevator. Focus on riverside areas, viewpoints reachable by vehicle, and excellent meals with scenery.
Day 1: Baixa, Riverfront & Easy Introduction
- Morning/afternoon: Start in flat Baixa (downtown). Stroll the wide, level streets and Praça do Comércio by the river (great open views of the Tagus). Pop into a café for pastéis de nata and coffee.
- Late afternoon: Short taxi or tram ride to Time Out Market for a relaxed grazing dinner—lots of high-quality food stalls under one roof, casual seating, no hills.
- Evening: If energy allows, a gentle riverside walk or just sit with a glass of wine watching the water.
Tips:
- Use Uber/taxi between spots (inexpensive and easy). Avoid climbing to Castelo de São Jorge on foot.
- Book a river-view table if the market feels busy, or walk a few flat blocks to a nearby seafood spot.
Day 2: Belém for Food, Monuments & River Views (Mostly Flat)
- Morning: Taxi straight to Belém (flat riverside district). Visit the Jerónimos Monastery (impressive, mostly level entry) and walk the short, flat path to the Belém Tower for classic photo views.
- Lunch: Classic pastel de Belém + a proper meal at a nearby restaurant (many have outdoor or river-facing options). Try grilled fish or bifana.
- Afternoon: Stay in the area for the Discoveries Monument (easy access, panoramic river views) or simply relax at a café. Return by taxi.
- Evening: Dinner back in the city center or Alcântara—somewhere with views or excellent Portuguese wine and petiscos (small plates).
Tips:
- Everything in Belém core is flat and compact; skip any uphill side trips.
- Go early to Jerónimos to avoid lines; the bakery queue for pastéis moves quickly.
Day 3: Viewpoint Hopping by Transport + Farewell Feast
- Morning: Taxi or tram up to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or Portas do Sol (driver drops you right there)—enjoy sweeping city and river views without the climb. Short, level wandering at the top.
- Lunch: Eat nearby in Alfama or Graça at a restaurant with a terrace/view (many are accessible by drop-off). Focus on seafood rice or cod dishes.
- Afternoon: Descend by taxi to the flat LX Factory or riverside for easy browsing and coffee, or simply return to your hotel area to rest.
- Evening: Special farewell dinner—choose a restaurant with Tagus views (e.g., in Santos or via a short taxi to a rooftop with elevator access). Linger over wine and dessert.
Tips:
- Prioritize taxis/Uber for every viewpoint transfer; trams (like 28) can be crowded and bumpy—use only if stops are convenient.
- Confirm elevator access for any rooftop and reserve sunset tables ahead.
Overall practical notes: Stay in Baixa, Chiado (lower part), or Avenida da Liberdade for flat access and good taxi availability. Comfortable shoes still help for cobblestones. Spring/fall weather is ideal; summers are hot—pace with shade and drinks. This keeps daily walking light (mostly short flat strolls) while maximizing food and vistas. Enjoy the wine, the seafood, and the light over the river!
A tie. Both kept walking to a minimum with taxis to the viewpoints and a flat day in Belém. Grok 4.6's plan was shorter and ended with the cable car in Parque das Nações. Grok 4.5 said more about food, like petiscos (small plates) and seafood rice, but took longer to read.
Scorecard
| Test | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1. A condolence card | Tie |
| 2. Understanding a confusing letter | |
| 3. Spotting a scam | |
| 4. A firm but polite complaint | Tie |
| 5. Dinner from what's in the fridge | Tie |
| 6. Explaining money in plain words | Tie |
| 7. A bedtime story for a grandchild | |
| 8. Planning a short trip | Tie |
| Total | Grok 4.6 1 · Grok 4.5 2 · 5 ties |
What’s new in Grok 4.6
Grok 4.6 came out in August 2026, a month after Grok 4.5 (July 2026). In our everyday test the two were very close, and the differences you’d notice were these:
- Shorter answers. Grok 4.6 wrote about 155 words on average, Grok 4.5 about 220.
- A little slower. About 11 seconds per answer for Grok 4.6, about 8 for Grok 4.5.
- Fewer extras in chatmodel. Grok 4.5 can look at photos, read PDFs and search the web here. Grok 4.6 can’t.
So the newer one is not an upgrade for everyday tasks. It suits you if you like very brief answers.
What it costs, in plain words
xAI sells its own plans for Grok. In chatmodel, Grok 4.6 and Grok 4.5 are both included in one plan, Pro, together with ChatGPT’s GPT models, Claude, Gemini and many others. So the choice between them is about speed and style, not money. You can also start for free with Instant. See the current prices on the pricing page.
Can you trust what they say?
Both are good, and both can still make mistakes. In our test, neither gave the official US Postal Service address for reporting a scam, and Grok 4.6 was vague about how much you owe on a medical bill. Short answers can hide what they leave out.
A few simple habits help:
- Double-check anything you’ll act on: phone numbers, web addresses, dates and amounts.
- Health, money and legal questions: use the answer to understand your situation and prepare questions, then confirm with a doctor, adviser or the company itself.
- Don’t share what you wouldn’t share with a stranger: passwords, full card numbers or ID numbers.
How we tested
We wrote 8 everyday tasks, the kind of things people actually ask: a condolence card, an insurance letter, a scam email, a complaint, dinner, a money question, a bedtime story and a trip. We gave Grok 4.6 and Grok 4.5 exactly the same words in chatmodel, one try each, timed each answer and kept what came back without editing it. Then we compared the answers for accuracy, how well they followed the request and how useful they’d be to a real person.
One try each is a small test. The same model can answer a little differently each time, and the seconds depend on how busy the service is, so treat the winners and times as a guide, not a final score. You can run any of these tests yourself with one click.
What changed
- First test: Grok 4.6 and Grok 4.5, 8 everyday tasks, one try each.