When people think of AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini, most imagine writing resumes, emails, or maybe getting homework help. But these tools are capable of much more — from planning meals to teaching complex topics, even helping brainstorm creative ideas.
Just a few weeks ago, I didn’t know how wide their range really was. To find out, I tested six everyday scenarios across three tools: ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini. The goal? See how they perform in real-life situations, not just in theory.
Why Three Tools?
Each AI assistant has a slightly different personality and strength:
- ChatGPT → Conversational, flexible, and great at follow-up questions.
- Perplexity → Research-focused, strongest at pulling in real-time information and citing sources.
- Gemini → Straightforward and practical, sometimes adding unique details like ingredient quantities or travel directions.
By running the same prompts across all three, I could see where each tool shines (and where it falls short).
The Demo Tests
Here are the six prompts I used — real-life examples that anyone could try:
- Meal Planning – “Give me a simple 3-day dinner plan for a busy family, under 30 minutes cooking, using chicken, pasta, and vegetables.”
- Day Trip in Tokyo – “Plan a one-day trip in Tokyo for first-time visitors who love food and shopping.”
- Study Buddy – “Explain quantum physics to me like I’m 12 years old, and then quiz me with 3 questions.”
- Fitness Plan – “Make a beginner workout plan, 3 days per week, with no gym equipment.”
- Creative Brainstorming – “Give me 5 funny Instagram post ideas about coffee for Monday mornings.”
- News Summary – “Summarize the news about AI in Japan this week in 3 bullet points I can read in 1 minute.”
Demo Results
Demo 1: Meal Planning
- ChatGPT → Balanced meal plan with recipe ideas, ingredients, and even offered to generate a shopping list.
- Perplexity → Shorter plan with links to recipes, useful for fact-checking and variety.
- Gemini → The only tool to provide ingredient quantities in the original response, which is especially practical for actual cooking.
Demo 2: Day Trip in Tokyo
- ChatGPT → Suggested a full itinerary with sightseeing, food stops, and time breakdown.
- Perplexity → Highlighted top attractions and linked to detailed guides.
- Gemini → Offered a clear itinerary with train line and station details — a unique touch that made it easier to imagine navigating Tokyo.
Demo 3: Study Buddy
- ChatGPT → Explained quantum physics in a simple, story-like way and provided a fun quiz afterward.
- Perplexity → Gave a more fact-based explanation, with sources linked for credibility.
- Gemini → Clear explanation and quiz, though less interactive than ChatGPT’s style.
Demo 4: Fitness Plan
- ChatGPT → Created three different workout routines for each day, offering variety.
- Perplexity → One simple plan repeated across three days.
- Gemini → Similar to Perplexity’s one-plan approach, but included “how-to” instructions for exercises, which the others didn’t in their initial response.
Demo 5: Creative Brainstorming
- ChatGPT → Delivered playful, witty ideas with lots of personality.
- Perplexity → Came up with straightforward suggestions that were easy to use right away.
- Gemini → Offered light, creative ideas in a simple format.
(Instead of judging “fun,” this shows how each tool’s creative style differs — from playful to practical.)
Demo 6: News Summary
- ChatGPT → Provided concise updates and — to my surprise — included citations for news articles. This is a new feature in ChatGPT 5, making it stronger for fact-checking.
- Perplexity → Excelled here, pulling in real-time data with direct sources.
- Gemini → Shared a brief summary, though with less source detail compared to Perplexity.
Key Takeaways
- Each AI Has a Strength
- ChatGPT → Best for conversational help and interactive learning.
- Perplexity → Best for real-time info and reliable citations.
- Gemini → Best for straightforward, practical details.
- Not Always Complete on the First Try
- Want train directions? You may need to ask ChatGPT again.
- Want source links? Perplexity usually has them, Gemini sometimes needs prompting.
- The key is knowing how to ask and when to follow up.
- The ChatGPT Surprise
- With ChatGPT 5, citations for news are now included — a big improvement in credibility.
Why This Matters
Just like the internet replaced endless library trips, AI tools are quickly becoming everyday assistants. They can be your meal planner, teacher, coach, researcher, and creative partner all in one.
If you’re new to AI, don’t think of it as “cheating.” Think of it as a super assistant — one that helps you save time, learn faster, and explore ideas you may not have thought of alone.
The real difference comes when you adapt and learn how to use these tools effectively. Those who don’t may find themselves left behind in both work and daily life.