system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[Lord of the Rings] Is there any actual difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White?
gpt
Yes - while Gandalf remained similar in personality and such, Gandalf the White was sent back significantly stronger in order to complete his task.

The thing we always have to remember is that magic and power in Middle-Earth are subtle things - it's not like Gandalf the White can summon bigger fireballs or anything, that's not generally how power manifests.  But the significant thing is that he was sent back as the *White* Wizard - taking the place of Saruman, who failed in his mission.  So while Gandalf the *Grey* was a bit quieter, a bit less self-confident (as humble as a wizard can be at least), Gandalf the *White* was a leader - he spoke with command, he was more willing and ready to impose his will onto others, and he had the confidence and power to lead, rather than just to advise.  He took on some of the aspects that were given originally to Saruman alone.

One of Saruman's greatest powers was his voice, and the power of command that he was able to place into it.  And we see several times that Gandalf the White has a similar power - able to heal and inspire Theoden, and able to stand against Saruman, ignore his commands, and speak words of power to break his staff, and able to command and hold off the Witch-King momentarily, even though it was the Witch-King's most powerful hour, where he was empowered by Sauron.  Gandalf the White rarely shows his power through more dramatic actions, but he is able to save Faramir twice and stand up to the Witch-King, which Gandalf the Grey either couldn't do or wouldn't do.

Gandalf the Grey, though able to lead the Fellowship, was largely an advisor - he was there to inspire the greatest of Elves and Men to great deeds, while keeping out of the forefront of the war unless absolutely necessary.  But Gandalf the White, while still possessing that power of inspiration, was made a *leader* as well, along with all of the magical benefits needed to do that effectively.  Instead of being a servant of the Powers in Middle-Earth, he became their prime emissary, and was empowered to do just about anything necessary to win the way.