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BothMetaAI and Perplexity AI have emerged as prominent chatbots, each offering unique features and capabilities.
This past weekPerplexity AIsubmitted a bidto merge with TikToks U.S. operations.
Heres a breakdown of their performances when I tested both using seven distinct prompts.
General knowledge
Prompt:“Explain the theory of relativity in simple terms.”
It also offered a summary with key takeaways.
Perplexity AIdelivered a similar response offering a comprehensive overview suitable for users seeking in-depth information.
However, it was slightly less detailed, and the response was not as organized.
Current events
Prompt:“Summarize the latest developments in renewable energy technologies as of January 2025.”
Meta AIoffered a solid overview of information, detailing critical data in easy-to-read bullet points.
It included stats and pertinent data that answered the prompt thoroughly without excess.
Winner: Perplexity AI.
Its real-time data integration ensures users receive the most recent information.
Creative writing
Prompt:“Compose a short story about a time traveler visiting ancient civilizations.”
Perplexity AIgenerated a coherent story with imaginative flair without breaking up the story into categories.
Instead, the story naturally flowed, taking the reader along for the journey without breaks.
Meta AIsupplied a script, and explanation as well as important reminders for some essential error-handling components.
Perplexity AIdelivered a well-structured and functional script, complete with explanations and best practices.
Winner: Perplexity AI.
Both models offered detailed and practical coding assistance, which is beneficial for developers.
But Perplexity AI went above and beyond by explaining how and why the script works in extensive detail.
Perplexity AIalso delivered a correct translation but included related sentences that were written in Spanish.
Non-native speakers may not have understood how those sentences were related, overcomplicating the original prompt.
When do the trains meet?"
Meta AIpresented a step-by-step solution, arriving at the correct answer with clear explanations.
This was informative, relevant, and appreciated.
Winner: Perplexity AI’s focused problem-solving with a conversational approach was helpful and efficient.
It also included a potential budget and travel tips.
Perplexity AIalso suggested Costa Rica, which helped in the side-by-side comparison.
Winner: Meta AI.
Its comprehensive recommendations cater well to family travel needs.
Overall winner: Perplexity AI
Both Meta AI and Perplexity AI demonstrate impressive capabilities across various tasks.
Yet, Perplexity AI stands out in providing detailed explanations and up-to-date information, particularly beneficial for research-oriented tasks.
Both have their downsides.
For example, Meta AI users must login to theirInstagram,WhatsApporFacebookaccount to use the AI.
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