OpenAI’s recent models, 03 and 04 Mini, showcase advanced reasoning capabilities, particularly in coding, math, and visual perception, with the ability to analyze and interpret images, marking a significant leap in AI technology. While some experts suggest these models may be approaching Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), concerns about their reliability and safety remain, indicating that they are not yet ready for critical decision-making tasks.
In the recent release of OpenAI’s models, 03 and 04 Mini, there has been significant discussion around their capabilities, with some experts suggesting they may be approaching Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Sam Altman and others have noted that 03 is a powerful reasoning model excelling in coding, math, science, and visual perception, setting new benchmarks in these areas. Meanwhile, 04 Mini is optimized for cost-efficient reasoning, achieving remarkable performance in math and coding tasks, particularly on the Amy math benchmark for 2024 and 2025.
One of the standout features of these models is the ability to “think with images,” allowing them to integrate visual data into their reasoning processes. This capability enables the models to analyze images in-depth, zooming in and extracting relevant information, which enhances their problem-solving abilities. Users can upload various types of images, and the models can interpret and reason about them, even if the images are of low quality or unclear. This advancement is seen as a game-changer, as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of visual information in conjunction with textual data.
The video highlights several examples demonstrating the models’ capabilities, such as solving complex problems from hand-drawn diagrams or interpreting schedules. The ability to manipulate images and reference external data while reasoning is a significant leap forward in AI technology. However, while the models show impressive performance, there are still limitations, particularly in their ability to accurately interpret certain visual tasks, indicating that they are not yet perfect.
The discussion around whether these models represent AGI is ongoing, with some experts expressing that 03 could outperform the average human on various intelligence assessments. However, the consensus is that while the models are incredibly advanced, they still lack the reliability needed for critical tasks, such as making decisions that could have severe consequences. The potential for these models to be considered AGI hinges on their ability to use tools effectively and maintain a low rate of hallucination in their outputs.
Finally, the video touches on the competitive landscape of AI models, noting that 03 and 04 Mini have outperformed other models, including Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro, in several benchmarks. Despite their high performance, there are concerns about safety and the models’ tendency to hallucinate more frequently as they become more capable. OpenAI has made updates to their safety protocols, but challenges remain in ensuring the reliability and ethical use of these advanced AI systems. Overall, the advancements in 03 and 04 Mini mark a significant step toward more sophisticated AI, with implications for various fields and applications.