AI ToolsSber has unveiled a major GigaChat update with improved Russian language understanding and new features.
Sber has rolled out the biggest GigaChat update since launch. In short — the model has reached GPT-4 level for Russian-language tasks. For the Russian market, this is a landmark event: for the first time, a domestic AI assistant can compete on equal footing with Western counterparts in its niche.
The core model was reworked. Quality of Russian-language responses — text analysis, summarization, content generation — has noticeably improved. We ran a dozen tests comparing it with ChatGPT: on Russian tasks, GigaChat holds its own confidently, and in understanding Russian realities — legal terminology, bureaucratic language, cultural context — it's clearly stronger.
Image generation through the updated Kandinsky 4.0 was a pleasant surprise. The model understands Russian prompts without needing translation to English. Quality has improved noticeably, though it's still behind Midjourney.
Document handling appeared: upload a PDF, spreadsheet, or presentation and ask questions about the content. For office tasks — incredibly useful.
Voice mode for real-time AI conversations, multiple voice models, a business API with flexible pricing, and plugins with external service connections.
In our tests, the updated GigaChat is indeed at GPT-4 level for Russian tasks. But not GPT-5. In programming and English tasks, the model falls behind — which is expected given the development focus.
As Sber stated, "We're building a model for the Russian market, not trying to catch up with OpenAI on all fronts." A pragmatic position. It's better to be first in your niche than forever second everywhere.
Here's what makes GigaChat unique: it works fully within Russia. No VPN needed. Payment with Russian cards. Data is processed on servers in Russia — meaning it complies with Federal Law 152 on personal data.
For businesses, this isn't just convenience — it's a requirement. Many companies physically cannot use ChatGPT or Claude due to regulatory restrictions. GigaChat fills this need.
Free plan — 50 messages per day. Enough to see if the tool works for you.
GigaChat Max costs 590 rubles per month. For comparison: ChatGPT Plus costs $20 (roughly 1,800 rubles at current exchange rates). A threefold difference. For those who need an AI assistant specifically for Russian-language tasks, GigaChat is the best value on the market.
API with per-token pricing is available for businesses. Cost-wise, it's one of the cheapest options for integrating AI into corporate processes.
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