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Model Guide

One of our core-values is to build a tool which is model-agnostic. This means we do not want to restrict users to models from just one provider, but rather allow them to choose which model from which provider to use. Each model has different strengths and we encourage you to test the different models to find the best models for your specific need.

Selecting a Model

  • Whenever you start a new chat, you can select which model to use from the model selector in the chat input bar
  • You can switch models mid-conversation. For example, start with a fast model for brainstorming, then switch to a more powerful one for the final output
  • Set your personal default model in account settings

Auto mode

Auto is ajan's intelligent model routing option. Instead of choosing a model for every conversation, Auto analyzes your first message to understand the request and estimate its complexity, and then selects a suitable model for that conversation.

Auto is designed for everyday work: quick questions, drafting, summarizing, rewriting, and analysis. By handling the model choice automatically, it helps teams work faster and avoid spending usage on powerful models for tasks that do not need them. For tasks that require maximum reasoning depth or quality, you can still switch to a specific model at any point.

Understanding Model Naming Conventions

AI providers follow consistent naming patterns that help you quickly identify a model's capabilities. Understanding these patterns lets you choose the right model without memorizing specific versions.

Version Numbers = Capability Level

Higher version numbers generally indicate newer, more capable models. When a provider releases a new generation, they increment the major version number.

PatternWhat it means
GPT-5 vs GPT-4GPT-5 is the newer generation
Claude 4 vs Claude 3Claude 4 is the newer generation
Gemini 2.5 vs Gemini 2.0Gemini 2.5 is newer within the same generation

Size Indicators = Speed vs Intelligence Trade-off

Providers offer multiple sizes within each model family. Models without size indicators are the most intelligent but may be slower. Models with size indicators trade some capability for speed and cost efficiency.

IndicatorIntelligenceSpeedBest for
No indicator (e.g., "GPT-5", "Claude Sonnet")HighestModerateComplex tasks, important outputs
mini / nanoMedium-HighFastEveryday tasks, quick iterations
flash / fastMediumVery FastReal-time applications, high volume
haiku (Anthropic)GoodVery FastSimple tasks, cost-sensitive use cases

Thinking

Reasoning or Thinking capabilities are available through a toggle directly in the model selector. When enabled, the model reasons through problems step-by-step before responding, producing more accurate results on complex tasks, at the cost of a longer response time.

Thinking is well-suited for:

  • Complex multi-step problems
  • Mathematical and scientific analysis
  • Logical deduction and planning
  • Code architecture decisions

Provider Tiers

Each provider organizes their models into tiers:

TierExamplesUse Case
FlagshipGPT-5, GPT-5.xMost capable, best for complex tasks
Reasoningo-series (o3, o4)Deep analytical tasks
Efficientmini, nano variantsFast, cost-effective
TierExamplesUse Case
OpusClaude OpusMost intelligent, complex reasoning
SonnetClaude SonnetBalanced intelligence and speed
HaikuClaude HaikuFast, efficient for simpler tasks
TierExamplesUse Case
ProGemini ProMost capable, complex tasks
FlashGemini FlashFast, real-time applications
ProviderFlagshipNotes
MistralMistral LargeStrong multilingual, coding
MetaLLaMAOpen-source, efficient
DeepSeekDeepSeek R1Strong reasoning, coding

Choosing the Right Model

By Task Type

TaskRecommended Model TypeWhy
Quick questions, brainstormingFast/mini variantsSpeed matters, good enough quality
Writing emails, documentsStandard flagshipGood balance of quality and speed
Complex analysis, researchFlagship with Thinking enabledNeed highest accuracy
Coding and debuggingAnthropic SonnetStrong at structured tasks
Creative writingAnthropic modelsKnown for natural, authentic tone
Long documentsGoogle GeminiExcellent long-context handling
Math and scienceAny model with Thinking enabledStep-by-step problem solving

Quick Decision Guide

text
Not sure where to start?
└─ Use Auto β†’ ajan picks the right model for you

Know what you need?
β”œβ”€ Simple, quick task β†’ Use a fast/mini/flash model
└─ Complex task
    β”œβ”€ Deep reasoning required β†’ Use a flagship model with Thinking enabled
    └─ Otherwise β†’ Use the standard flagship model

Our Recommendations

Choose Auto mode

Not sure which model to pick? Select Auto from the model selector. ajan analyzes your message and routes it to the right model. Fast and efficient for everyday tasks, and more capable when the request demands it.

For Everyday Tasks

Use the current flagship model from OpenAI or Anthropic. These provide the best balance of capability and speed for general use. Look for models without size indicators (no "mini", "fast", etc.).

For Coding and Writing

Anthropic's Sonnet models are consistently praised for natural-sounding text and strong coding capabilities. They have an authentic tone that works well for professional communication.

For Complex Reasoning

Enable Thinking on a flagship model when you need maximum accuracy on analytical tasks. This takes longer but significantly reduces errors on complex problems.

For Speed-Sensitive Tasks

Flash, mini, or nano variants deliver good results much faster. Perfect for real-time applications, iterating on ideas, or processing high volumes.

Image Generation Models

Image models also follow naming patterns:

ProviderModelsStrengths
Black Forest LabsFlux seriesState-of-the-art quality, fast generation
GoogleImagen seriesDiverse art styles, photo realism
OpenAIDALL-E, GPT ImageText-to-image, integrated with chat

Staying Current

AI models evolve rapidly. To stay current:

  1. Check the model selector - ajan always shows the latest available models
  2. Look for version numbers - Higher numbers = newer capabilities
  3. Try new models - When a new version appears, test it on your typical tasks
  4. Read release notes - Providers announce major improvements with new releases

FAQ

Use stronger models for complex reasoning, long context, coding, analysis, or tasks where quality matters more than speed or cost. Use smaller or faster models for routine writing, summarization, and simpler tasks.

Models come from different providers and deployments. They can differ in context size, output length, supported modalities, speed, availability, cost, and regional deployment. These differences can affect the same prompt's result.

ajan aims to offer new models as soon as they are released by the provider. However, new models may require regional deployment, safety review, pricing setup, and product integration before they appear. Availability can therefore differ from a provider's public launch date.