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.
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
- Native Multimodal Capabilities: ERNIE 4.5 doesn’t just process text, it excels at understanding and generating content across multiple formats. This makes it ideal for applications like content creation, customer service, and even creative industries.
- Improved Reasoning and Memory: Baidu emphasizes that ERNIE 4.5 has enhanced logical reasoning, better memory retention, and reduced “hallucinations”, those pesky moments when AI generates incorrect or nonsensical outputs.
- Coding Abilities: For developers, ERNIE 4.5 shines in coding tasks, offering advanced support for writing, debugging, and optimizing code. This is a huge win for tech teams looking to integrate AI into their workflows.
- Affordable Pricing: For enterprise users, ERNIE 4.5 is available via APIs on Baidu’s AI Cloud platform, Qianfan, with input prices starting at $0.55 per 1M tokens and output prices at $2.2 per 1M tokens (using an exchange rate of 1 RMB ≈ 0.14 USD). That’s incredibly competitive, especially when compared to similar models like GPT-4.5.
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?
- Deep-Thinking Reasoning: ERNIE X1 excels in tasks that demand critical thinking, such as Chinese knowledge Q&A, manuscript writing, complex calculations, and tool usage. It’s designed to tackle problems that go beyond simple pattern recognition, making it ideal for research, education, and professional applications.
- Multimodal Support: Like ERNIE 4.5, X1 handles text, images, and more. It supports tools for image analysis, code interpretation, academic research, and even business information searches, making it a versatile powerhouse.
- Competitive Pricing: For enterprises, ERNIE X1’s input and output prices start at $0.28 per 1M tokens and $1.1 per 1M tokens, respectively. That’s an aggressive price point, especially when compared to DeepSeek R1, which it matches in performance.
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:
- Individual Users: ERNIE Bot is now free for individual users, giving you access to both ERNIE 4.5 & X1. Head to there to explore their capabilities.
- Enterprise Users and Developers: ERNIE 4.5 is already available via APIs on Baidu’s Qianfan platform, with ERNIE X1 set to follow soon. The pricing is incredibly competitive, starting at $0.55/$2.2 per 1M tokens for ERNIE 4.5 and $0.28/$1.1 per 1M tokens for ERNIE X1.
- Testing and Integration: If you’re a developer, tools like Apidog can help you test and integrate these models into your projects. Download Apidog for free to streamline your API development and explore Baidu’s innovations!
Challenges and Considerations
While ERNIE 4.5 & X1 are impressive, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Accessibility for Non-Chinese Users: Some users on X, like Ant A, have requested an English version of ERNIE Bot, highlighting potential language barriers. Baidu will need to expand its localization efforts to reach a global audience.
- Competition with DeepSeek and Others: While Baidu’s pricing is a major advantage, models like DeepSeek R1 and GPT-4.5 still have strong followings. Baidu will need to maintain its edge through continuous innovation and performance improvements.
- Technical Complexity: For developers, integrating these models might require advanced knowledge of APIs and multimodal systems. Tools like Apidog can simplify this process, but there’s still a learning curve.
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!
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.
