I think my last post got flagged for being too vague, so here’s a more concrete example of what I’m seeing. Setup: I’m running Claude locally via CLI: claude --model claude-opus-4-5-20251101 Test I did: I gave both 4.5 and 4.6 the same prompt related to debugging a Spring Boot API issue where a controller was returning null even tho the service layer had data. Opus 4.5: • immediately traced possible causes (DTO mapping, null serialization, wrong response entity) • suggested checking Jackson config and u/JsonInclude • gave a clean step by step debugging flow • even pointed out a possible mismatch between entity and response model Opus 4.6: • gave more generic advice like “check your code” and “ensure data is returned” • was more hesitant and less direct • didnt go as deep into actual root cause possibilities • felt more like surface level troubleshooting Another quick test: Asked both to refactor a React Native component for better state handling. 4.5: • rewrote it cleanly • reduced re renders • suggested useMemo and better structure 4.6: • kept things mostly the same • added safer but less impactful suggestions • didnt really optimize much So from actual usage: 4.5 feels sharper, more decisive, better at reasoning 4.6 feels more cautious but also more shallow at times No bugs on 4.5 so far, which is why it kinda feels like “prime Opus” again for me. Now I’m curious: Did they intentionally tune 4.6 to be safer even if it costs depth? Or is there some routing or config difference I’m missing? Anyone else running specific versions like this and seeing the same thing? submitted by /u/Difficult_Term2246
Originally posted by u/Difficult_Term2246 on r/ClaudeCode
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