OpenAI’s o3-mini model now powers Perplexity Reasoning, replacing o1

· 1 min read
Perplexity

Perplexity AI has integrated the recently released OpenAI o3-mini model into its platform, replacing the previously available o1 model. This update aligns with OpenAI's launch of the o3-mini model on January 31, 2025, which is designed for advanced reasoning tasks such as coding, mathematics, and scientific problem-solving.

The o3-mini model introduces several improvements over its predecessor, o1-mini, including faster response times (24% improvement), reduced errors (39% fewer major errors), and cost efficiency (63% cheaper than o1-mini). It also supports features like reasoning effort control, structured outputs using JSON Schema, and enhanced safety mechanisms through deliberative alignment. These updates make it particularly suitable for both casual and professional use cases. However, in Perplexity's implementation, some users have noted that the o3-mini's performance can vary depending on the complexity of tasks and the specific version utilized (low or medium effort levels).

Perplexity AI's decision to adopt o3-mini reflects its commitment to integrating advanced reasoning capabilities into its search and answer engine. This move follows Perplexity's broader strategy of enhancing its platform with features like real-time data integration and multimodal interactions. While the inclusion of o3-mini aims to provide users with a more robust reasoning tool, some feedback suggests that the model may underperform compared to previous versions like o1 in certain scenarios, particularly with challenging prompts.