---
title: "What Is The Difference Between ChatGPT And The AI Model Behind It? — Thoughtful Comics"
description: "The layers a product wraps around a model, and why the same model can feel so different."
source: "https://thoughtfulrobots.ai/thoughtful-comics/chatgpt-vs-the-model"
---

# What Is The Difference Between ChatGPT And The AI Model Behind It?

The layers a product wraps around a model, and why the same model can feel so different.

![A four-panel comic. Panel 1. The reader: “Is ChatGPT simply the AI model with a chat box?” The robot: “It is a product that combines one or more models with an interface and additional capabilities.” Panel 2. The reader: “What do those other layers change?” The robot: “They shape what the model can access, remember, search, create, and do.” Panel 3. The reader: “Could the same model behave differently in two applications?” The robot: “Yes. Different system prompts, context, tools, and guardrails can create very different experiences.” Panel 4. The reader: “I will ask which model and product features are active for my task.” The robot: “That will help you understand both capability and risk.” Glossary. AI product: An application that combines models with interfaces, instructions, tools, and controls. Interface: The part of a product through which a person interacts with the AI. System prompt: Higher-level instructions supplied by the application to guide model behaviour. Guardrail: A control that limits what an AI system can receive, generate, or do.](/images/comics/chatgpt-vs-the-model/strip.webp)

Click to enlarge ⤢

## The takeaways

- 01 An AI product is more than the model that generates its responses.

- 02 Product design can significantly change how the same model behaves.

- 03 Do not judge a model only by one product built around it.

- 04 Know the model, tools, access, and policies behind the product.

- Reader Is ChatGPT simply the AI model with a chat box? Robot It is a product that combines one or more models with an interface and additional capabilities. Takeaway: An AI product is more than the model that generates its responses.

- Reader What do those other layers change? Robot They shape what the model can access, remember, search, create, and do. Takeaway: Product design can significantly change how the same model behaves.

- Reader Could the same model behave differently in two applications? Robot Yes. Different system prompts, context, tools, and guardrails can create very different experiences. Takeaway: Do not judge a model only by one product built around it.

- Reader I will ask which model and product features are active for my task. Robot That will help you understand both capability and risk. Takeaway: Know the model, tools, access, and policies behind the product.