Airtel customers now have access to a host of new capabilities courtesy of Perplexity Pro
Perplexity Pro, a cutting-edge AI search engine, is now available to Airtel users in India for free, thanks to a strategic partnership. This AI tool, which utilizes advanced AI models such as GPT-4.1 and Claude 4.0 Sonnet, offers a viable alternative to advanced Language Models like ChatGPT for users focused on real-time, fact-based search and research tasks.
One of Perplexity Pro's key strengths is its ability to deliver precise, source-cited answers by accessing live web information. This makes it especially suitable for research-intensive work and reliable information retrieval. However, there are important distinctions between Perplexity Pro and ChatGPT that affect their suitability depending on user needs.
| Aspect | Perplexity Pro | ChatGPT | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Primary Strength | Real-time, factual, source-cited search and research assistant | Conversational AI excelling in natural language, creative writing, coding, and general-purpose chat | | Data Source | Real-time web access with continuous updates | Static pre-trained data, limited real-time web access (e.g., via Bing integration for certain plans) | | Answer Style | Structured answers with clear citations and follow-up suggestions | Fluid, creative, conversational responses without consistent source citations | | Use Cases | Research, academic/business analysis, news, market insights, government and enterprise use | Content creation, programming support, brainstorming, chat-based assistance, business automation | | Pricing and Availability | Free subscription for Airtel users for one year; otherwise paid (around ₹17,000/year or $20/month) | Free basic tier; Plus at $20/month; Pro at $200/month |
Airtel’s free offer provides access to Perplexity Pro’s advanced features for millions of users, expanding availability drastically and offering a cost-effective way to use an AI search engine that combines advanced LLMs with real-time web search.
If your primary requirement is accurate, current information with transparent citations, Perplexity Pro is an excellent, cost-free alternative through Airtel’s partnership. If you need more conversational, creative, or coding-related tasks, ChatGPT remains superior due to its natural language capabilities and broader application support. The two platforms are complementary rather than directly interchangeable, each optimized for distinct user goals.
Perplexity Pro offers a host of additional features, including a Deep Research Mode that conducts automated multi-source research and generates comprehensive reports. It also provides exclusive access to the Pro Discord community for networking with other subscribers, $5 monthly API credits for custom integrations and workflow automation, and premium AI models like GPT-4.1, Claude 4.0 Sonnet, and DALL-E 3 for creating custom visuals within the platform.
However, it's important to note that Perplexity Pro sometimes struggles with creating infographics, and high traffic might lead to latency in model responses. Furthermore, it's ill-advised to share sensitive data with the chatbots, regardless of their capabilities.
In summary, Perplexity Pro is a practical, viable AI search option compared to advanced LLMs like ChatGPT, especially for users who prioritize real-time, research-focused AI assistance and benefit from Airtel’s free subscription offer.
Data visualization is a feature offered within Perplexity Pro, providing users with the ability to create custom visuals using premium AI models such as DALL-E 3. This technology-driven aspect of the platform adds a new dimension to the utility of Perplexity Pro, making it more versatile for a broader range of users.
Moreover, in the realm of finance, Perplexity Pro's Deep Research Mode can generate comprehensive reports from multi-source research, offering valuable market insights and making it a potential tool for financial analysts who prioritize real-time data and automated analysis.
