Baidu's ERNIE 4.5 & X1: DeepSeek R1 at Half the Price?

Baidu’s groundbreaking launch of ERNIE 4.5 & X1, AI models that outperform GPT-4.5 and DeepSeek at 1% and 50% of the cost. Learn about their multimodal capabilities, free access via ERNIE Bot

Ashley Innocent

Ashley Innocent

17 March 2025

Baidu's ERNIE 4.5 & X1: DeepSeek R1 at Half the Price?

Baidu just dropped a bombshell on March 16, 2025, with the launch of ERNIE 4.5 & X1. These two new AI models are shaking up the industry, offering mind-blowing capabilities at jaw-dropping prices.

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If you’re looking to test and build APIs to explore models like ERNIE 4.5 & X1, download Apidog for free today! It’s the perfect tool to dive into Baidu’s latest innovations and streamline your AI development process. Now, let’s explore why this launch is such a big deal!
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What Are ERNIE 4.5 & X1, and Why Should You Care?

Baidu, a powerhouse in the AI space, has been pushing boundaries with its ERNIE (Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration) series for years. On March 16, 2025, they unveiled ERNIE 4.5 and ERNIE X1, two game-changing models that promise to redefine how we interact with AI. These models aren’t just upgrades, they’re a leap forward in multimodal capabilities, reasoning, and affordability.

ERNIE 4.5 serves as Baidu’s latest foundation model, designed as a native multimodal model. That means it can handle text, images, audio, and video seamlessly, making it incredibly versatile for a wide range of applications. On the other hand, ERNIE X1 is Baidu’s first deep-thinking reasoning model, focusing on complex problem-solving and multimodal tasks. Together, they’re positioning Baidu as a serious competitor to giants like OpenAI and DeepSeek.

Speaking of DeepSeek, Baidu’s announcement highlights that ERNIE X1 delivers performance on par with DeepSeek R1 but at half the price. That’s a bold claim, and it’s already sparking conversations across the tech world. Whether you’re a developer, researcher, or just an AI enthusiast, these models are worth paying attention to.

Diving Into ERNIE 4.5: The Multimodal Powerhouse

Let’s start with ERNIE 4.5. This model is Baidu’s newest foundation model, built from the ground up to handle multiple data types. Multimodal AI is the future, and ERNIE 4.5 nails it by integrating text, images, audio, and video into a cohesive system. Imagine an AI that can understand a sarcastic meme, analyze a video, and generate a detailed report all in one go. That’s what ERNIE 4.5 brings to the table.

Key Features of ERNIE 4.5

Comparison to GPT-4.5, R1 and Ernie 4.5 demonstrate a 98-99% drop in cost. BI via Flourish

Baidu also claims ERNIE 4.5 outperforms GPT-4.5 in several benchmarks while costing just 1% of its price. That’s a game-changer for businesses and developers looking to leverage high-performance AI without breaking the bank.

Real-World Applications

For individual users, ERNIE Bot (Baidu’s AI chatbot) now offers free access to ERNIE 4.5 ahead of schedule, starting March 16, 2025. You can explore it on Baidu's official website. Whether you’re searching for information, generating content, or analyzing multimedia, ERNIE 4.5 promises a smarter, more intuitive experience.

Exploring ERNIE X1: The Deep-Thinking Reasoning Model

Now, let’s turn our attention to ERNIE X1, Baidu’s deep-thinking reasoning model. This isn’t your average AI it’s built for complex tasks that require advanced reasoning and multimodal capabilities. ERNIE X1 stands out as Baidu’s answer to models like DeepSeek R1, but with a twist: it’s half the price while matching performance.

What Makes ERNIE X1 Special?

X1 is about 50% of the cost of R1 and a little under 2% of the cost of o1. BI via Flourish

Baidu’s focus on reasoning sets ERNIE X1 apart. It uses advanced technologies like the Progressive Reinforcement Learning Method, End-to-End Training Approach, and a Unified Multi-Faceted Reward System to ensure accurate, logical outputs. This makes it a go-to model for tasks requiring deep analysis and problem-solving.

How ERNIE X1 Stacks Up Against DeepSeek

Baidu’s claim that ERNIE X1 matches DeepSeek R1’s performance at half the price has raised eyebrows and for good reason. DeepSeek, known for its robust AI models, is a tough competitor, but Baidu’s pricing strategy could disrupt the market. ERNIE X1’s ability to handle multimodal tasks while maintaining high reasoning capabilities positions it as a direct rival, appealing to businesses and developers looking for cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality.

Why Baidu’s Launch Matters for the AI Industry

Baidu’s launch of ERNIE 4.5 & X1 isn’t just a win for the company it’s a milestone for the AI industry as a whole. Here’s why:

A Price War in AI

As Robert Scoble noted on X, “We have an AI price war folks!” Baidu’s aggressive pricing for ERNIE 4.5 & X1 starting at fractions of the cost of competitors like GPT-4.5 and DeepSeek R1 signals a shift in the market. This move could pressure other players to lower their prices or innovate faster, driving down costs for everyone.

Open-Source Potential

Baidu has a history of open-sourcing its models, and ERNIE 4.5 is no exception. In a response to a user on X, Baidu confirmed plans to open-source the ERNIE 4.5 series in the coming months, following a previous announcement from February 14, 2025. This aligns with the growing trend of open-source AI, fostering collaboration and innovation across the global tech community.

Broader Ecosystem Integration

Baidu isn’t stopping at individual models. The company plans to integrate ERNIE 4.5 & X1 into its broader ecosystem, including Baidu Search, Wenxiaoyan, and other offerings. This creates a seamless user experience, making advanced AI accessible to millions of users worldwide.

How to Get Started with ERNIE 4.5 & X1

Excited to try out these models? Here’s how you can get started:

Challenges and Considerations

While ERNIE 4.5 & X1 are impressive, there are a few things to keep in mind:

The Future of AI with Baidu’s ERNIE Models

Baidu’s launch of ERNIE 4.5 & X1 marks a pivotal moment in AI development. These models blend cutting-edge technology with affordability, making advanced AI accessible to individuals, businesses, and developers alike. As Baidu continues to integrate these models into its ecosystem and potentially open-source ERNIE 4.5 following their earlier commitment, we can anticipate even greater innovations in the coming months.

For those in the tech space, this is an exciting time to experiment with ERNIE 4.5 & X1. Whether you’re building apps, conducting research, or simply exploring AI, these models offer unparalleled opportunities. And with tools like Apidog, you can test and deploy these innovations with ease. Download Apidog for free today and dive into the world of Baidu’s latest AI breakthroughs!

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Conclusion

Baidu’s launch of ERNIE 4.5 & X1 on March 16, 2025, is a bold move that could reshape the AI landscape. With their multimodal capabilities, deep-thinking reasoning, and competitive pricing, these models challenge giants like DeepSeek and OpenAI while offering accessible solutions for everyone. Whether you’re an individual user enjoying free access via ERNIE Bot or a developer leveraging APIs on Qianfan, ERNIE 4.5 & X1 are set to make a lasting impact.

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