Codex CLI GPT‑5.3 Said This PR Was Safe. Qodo 2.0 Strongly Disagreed.

The article examines the strengths and limitations of two AI code review tools, Codex CLI (GPT-5.3) and Qodo, when applied to a pull request for an MCP tool. Codex CLI is praised for its speed and precision in identifying correctness issues such as input validation gaps and missing test coverage, providing actionable feedback for developers focused on line-by-line code improvements. However, it is critiqued for missing broader system-level risks like security vulnerabilities at boundary points, which Qodo successfully identifies. Qodo's system-aware approach highlights issues such as time-of-check vs. time-of-use (TOCTOU) gaps and logging practices, offering a more comprehensive review by integrating security, correctness, and maintainability within the context of the entire codebase. The article suggests that while Codex CLI excels in ensuring code correctness and contract adherence, Qodo adds value by addressing system architecture and risk, emphasizing that a combination of both tools provides a more holistic code review solution.