Skip to main content

Head-to-head comparison

FLUX.2 Klein 9B vs. HiDream-O1-Image

Compare arena scores with documented retrieval dates, task-specific image pricing, and verified specifications. Text-to-image generation and image editing are never blended into an artificial overall score.

10

shared result series

4

shared sample prompts

2026-08-16

latest arena retrieval

Change image model selection

Specifications and cost

General specifications and task-specific pricing

A model can have one price for generating new images and another for editing. Prices therefore remain tied to the corresponding arena configuration.

Specifications and pricing for FLUX.2 Klein 9B and HiDream-O1-Image
AttributeFLUX.2 Klein 9BHiDream-O1-Image
ProviderBlack Forest LabsHiDream
ReleasedJanuary 2026May 2026
AccessAPI, localAPI, local
LifecycleNo separate lifecycle noticeNo separate lifecycle notice
WeightsOpen weightsOpen weights
Parameters9 billion8 billion
Maximum output4 Megapixel2,048 × 2,048 pixels
Arena configuration9BNo separate configuration named
Text-to-image price$15 per 1,000 imagesNo comparable API price
Editing price$17 per 1,000 images$10 per 1,000 images
Technical sourceModel sourceVerified 2026-08-15Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15
FLUX.2 Klein 9BHiDream-O1-Image
Image Editing ArenaUSD per 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels
FLUX.2 Klein 9B$17
HiDream-O1-Image$10Lower price

Independent preference tests

Shared arena benchmarks

Artificial Analysis and Arena derive scores from blind comparisons. Raters see outputs for the same prompt and choose the image they prefer. Separate series cover text rendering, photorealism, portraits, art, commercial design, and image editing. Confidence intervals indicate how certain a measured lead is.

10 shared result series
FLUX.2 Klein 9BHiDream-O1-Image
Text to Image ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,149 Elo
HiDream-O1-Image1,178 EloHigher arena score
Image Editing ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,168 Elo
HiDream-O1-Image1,195 EloHigher arena score
Arena Text to Image: 3D modelingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,078.396 arena points
HiDream-O1-Image1,122.629 arena pointsHigher arena score
Arena Text to Image: ArtBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,078.844 arena points
HiDream-O1-Image1,122.865 arena pointsHigher arena score
Arena Text to Image: CartoonBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,063.975 arena points
HiDream-O1-Image1,122.842 arena pointsHigher arena score
Arena Text to Image: Commercial designBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,069.649 arena points
HiDream-O1-Image1,128.773 arena pointsHigher arena score
Arena Text to Image: OverallBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,069.517 arena points
HiDream-O1-Image1,118.314 arena pointsHigher arena score
Arena Text to Image: PhotorealismBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,090.118 arena points
HiDream-O1-Image1,111.024 arena pointsHigher arena score
Arena Text to Image: PortraitsBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,092.062 arena points
HiDream-O1-Image1,107.311 arena pointsHigher arena score
Arena Text to Image: Text renderingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,057.362 arena points
HiDream-O1-Image1,135.627 arena pointsHigher arena score
Arena benchmark scores for FLUX.2 Klein 9B and HiDream-O1-Image
BenchmarkFLUX.2 Klein 9BHiDream-O1-ImageSource
Text to Image Arena
1,149 Elo
Rank 60, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 7,939 ratings
1,178 EloHigher arena score
Rank 49, 95% confidence interval: ±10, 4,032 ratings
Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-15
Image Editing Arena
1,168 Elo
Rank 30, 95% confidence interval: ±7, 11,020 ratings
1,195 EloHigher arena score
Rank 21, 95% confidence interval: ±8, 6,392 ratings
Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-15
Arena Text to Image: 3D modeling
1,078.396 arena points
Rank 54, 95% confidence interval: ±6.95, 13,814 ratings
1,122.629 arena pointsHigher arena score
Rank 41, 95% confidence interval: ±10.3, 3,159 ratings
ArenaRetrieved 2026-08-16
Arena Text to Image: Art
1,078.844 arena points
Rank 53, 95% confidence interval: ±6.28, 19,055 ratings
1,122.865 arena pointsHigher arena score
Rank 41, 95% confidence interval: ±8.57, 4,910 ratings
ArenaRetrieved 2026-08-16
Arena Text to Image: Cartoon
1,063.975 arena points
Rank 55, 95% confidence interval: ±5.01, 53,034 ratings
1,122.842 arena pointsHigher arena score
Rank 38, 95% confidence interval: ±6.4, 13,113 ratings
ArenaRetrieved 2026-08-16
Arena Text to Image: Commercial design
1,069.649 arena points
Rank 56, 95% confidence interval: ±4.59, 55,183 ratings
1,128.773 arena pointsHigher arena score
Rank 39, 95% confidence interval: ±6.2, 12,596 ratings
ArenaRetrieved 2026-08-16
Arena Text to Image: Overall
1,069.517 arena points
Rank 55, 95% confidence interval: ±3.25, 142,762 ratings
1,118.314 arena pointsHigher arena score
Rank 40, 95% confidence interval: ±4.3, 34,179 ratings
ArenaRetrieved 2026-08-16
Arena Text to Image: Photorealism
1,090.118 arena points
Rank 54, 95% confidence interval: ±4.7, 60,335 ratings
1,111.024 arena pointsHigher arena score
Rank 50, 95% confidence interval: ±6.31, 13,889 ratings
ArenaRetrieved 2026-08-16
Arena Text to Image: Portraits
1,092.062 arena points
Rank 55, 95% confidence interval: ±5.73, 32,758 ratings
1,107.311 arena pointsHigher arena score
Rank 50, 95% confidence interval: ±7.76, 7,047 ratings
ArenaRetrieved 2026-08-16
Arena Text to Image: Text rendering
1,057.362 arena points
Rank 56, 95% confidence interval: ±4.77, 51,643 ratings
1,135.627 arena pointsHigher arena score
Rank 37, 95% confidence interval: ±6.45, 11,302 ratings
ArenaRetrieved 2026-08-16

Visual comparison

Sample images from documented runs

Our images complement preference data, but do not replace it. The prompt, request count, and selection rule match. Provider resolution, quality tier, randomness, and prompt processing remain visible limitations, so this is not a fully controlled laboratory test.

Largely standardized comparison protocol. Both models receive the same archived prompt, exactly one request, and the first result counts. Files are normalized to 1,024 × 1,024 pixels without cropping. Provider resolution, randomness, quality tier, and prompt processing can still differ. These images are a practical visual test, not a reconstruction of the arena configuration.

Character and detail

Anatomy, clothing, and spatial consistency

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, Character and detail
FLUX.2 Klein 9B
HiDream-O1-Image, Character and detail
HiDream-O1-Image
Prompt and settings

Create a square cinematic full-body portrait of a fictional bicycle courier waiting under a transparent umbrella at a rainy tram stop in Hamburg at blue hour. She wears a mustard raincoat, navy trousers, red sneakers, a silver helmet, and carries a teal messenger bag. Keep both hands visible, render the bicycle correctly, use realistic wet-street reflections, and include no readable brand names.

FLUX.2 Klein 9B. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1587849924, estimated cost $0.006291, model ID fal-ai/flux-2/klein/9b, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:52 PM. Source
HiDream-O1-Image. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1735022440, estimated cost $0.010486, model ID fal-ai/hidream-o1-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:53 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1, selection rule: first result.

Prompt SHA 256: 985a75b38642a9f0e5e0c0e0c67f1b7f67780d42bd2168fa24e9a7a7a94b0da6

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, image SHA 256: 84eceab680e59de6b9d4e68b3c21f6515ce093ff7d110992049e847570dd565f

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, request SHA 256: 5d005ee24926d68b7d2299b8ecbe4e14919f652761f6de2568a043f2a6258da0

HiDream-O1-Image, image SHA 256: 9ac2cbe23ee6a63b0daacd665a40c3471c52c52fd6ad23e46d3027bb95f8c880

HiDream-O1-Image, request SHA 256: 5d005ee24926d68b7d2299b8ecbe4e14919f652761f6de2568a043f2a6258da0

Infographic

Numbers, labels, and visual organization

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, Infographic
FLUX.2 Klein 9B
HiDream-O1-Image, Infographic
HiDream-O1-Image
Prompt and settings

Create a square German infographic titled SO FUNKTIONIERT PHOTOSYNTHESE. Show exactly four numbered steps in this order: 1 LICHT, 2 WASSER, 3 CO₂, 4 ZUCKER + SAUERSTOFF. Use a clean editorial science style with one plant cross-section, simple arrows, high contrast, legible labels, and no other text.

FLUX.2 Klein 9B. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1082231541, estimated cost $0.006291, model ID fal-ai/flux-2/klein/9b, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:52 PM. Source
HiDream-O1-Image. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1456348218, estimated cost $0.010486, model ID fal-ai/hidream-o1-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:53 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1, selection rule: first result.

Prompt SHA 256: ed65cb4e6a51e2336f8b149ad4cbb16e020f07d527ad94362e719d2dcf91d94f

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, image SHA 256: 1d2eb263ca5a25794a88df7bb04f5c13e10ed9a289371d1dcc7ed6d6e0a297e2

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, request SHA 256: 8b8014fc63f520d73ff57d3d8df5eae880097383167d44918b963f2830d09940

HiDream-O1-Image, image SHA 256: 258eece8b53e4df0c990b78dee2e02ec57569b1c823c3feff2ab54671240d66f

HiDream-O1-Image, request SHA 256: 8b8014fc63f520d73ff57d3d8df5eae880097383167d44918b963f2830d09940

Product photography

Materials, reflections, and fine details

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, Product photography
FLUX.2 Klein 9B
HiDream-O1-Image, Product photography
HiDream-O1-Image
Prompt and settings

Create a square premium product photograph of a brushed titanium wristwatch standing upright on dark green marble. The watch has a cream dial, thin black hands set to 10:10, twelve distinct hour markers, a realistic crown, and a dark brown leather strap. Soft window light from the left, controlled reflections, shallow depth of field, no text, no logo, no extra objects.

FLUX.2 Klein 9B. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1388538280, estimated cost $0.006291, model ID fal-ai/flux-2/klein/9b, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:39 PM. Source
HiDream-O1-Image. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=124666889, estimated cost $0.010486, model ID fal-ai/hidream-o1-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:53 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1, selection rule: first result.

Prompt SHA 256: c67fd71e91304458a2feef5c91efa8677260fab0c0099a29a2c52cb579f5b2f3

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, image SHA 256: e7208f19ccfb9b810b9648cb1861797b7155ad91933d1660059236cef413ebe0

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, request SHA 256: 21e2c14d1b6315c30134e1390f531349608855d4ef1a87527e6d0ba57b2974ca

HiDream-O1-Image, image SHA 256: 5a9cd3c59556412e4de93a3ef5c4121ec12b6cc02730cad527619c2d8a889783

HiDream-O1-Image, request SHA 256: 21e2c14d1b6315c30134e1390f531349608855d4ef1a87527e6d0ba57b2974ca

Typography and layout

Legible text, hierarchy, and composition

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, Typography and layout
FLUX.2 Klein 9B
HiDream-O1-Image, Typography and layout
HiDream-O1-Image
Prompt and settings

Create a square editorial poster for an imaginary night train called MONDFALTER. Show the exact German headline MONDFALTER and the exact subline BERLIN NACH LISSABON. Use a restrained midnight-blue and warm-cream palette, one stylized moth, strong Swiss-grid typography, generous negative space, and no additional words or logos.

FLUX.2 Klein 9B. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1340991019, estimated cost $0.006291, model ID fal-ai/flux-2/klein/9b, generated Aug 14, 2026, 2:41 PM. Source
HiDream-O1-Image. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=2131088503, estimated cost $0.010486, model ID fal-ai/hidream-o1-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 2:41 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1, selection rule: first result.

Prompt SHA 256: 2e012c3d14ee5dd02203a94f394ca80a5038cdebd6032b25a8b8a221f2255419

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, image SHA 256: c5f23870e70f2245d24a3689f2579ceb770e5edf8c3c89b7d6ed7ae138f262f6

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, request SHA 256: 530872e813e988ba95025956a3743c6111120af963d90b8970a8bf3eced5547b

HiDream-O1-Image, image SHA 256: 418a9b974b87b751ad2e4e98cdf6b8d7e2f8f352aed63d25be84c02377f310d1

HiDream-O1-Image, request SHA 256: 530872e813e988ba95025956a3743c6111120af963d90b8970a8bf3eced5547b

How to read this comparison

An Elo score is not a verdict on creativity

A higher arena score means this specific configuration was preferred more often in blind comparisons.

Typography, character consistency, local execution, licensing, and price may matter more to your workload than overall visual appeal.

Prices cover 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels using settings documented by Artificial Analysis. Subscriptions and special rates are excluded.