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Head-to-head comparison

FLUX.2 Max vs. Seedream 4.0

Compare shared capability tests, arena scores with documented retrieval dates, task-specific image pricing, and verified specifications. Research benchmarks, preference arenas, and our n = 1 samples remain separate.

shared result series
32
shared sample prompts
4
latest arena retrieval
2026-08-26

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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 Max and Seedream 4.0
AttributeFLUX.2 MaxSeedream 4.0
ProviderBlack Forest LabsByteDance
ReleasedDecember 2025September 2025
AccessAPI, Web appAPI, Web app
LifecycleNo separate lifecycle noticeNo separate lifecycle notice
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
ParametersNot publishedNot published
Maximum output4 Megapixel4K
Arena configurationMaxNo separate configuration named
Text-to-image price$70 per 1,000 images$30 per 1,000 images
Editing price$140 per 1,000 images$30 per 1,000 images
Technical sourceModel sourceVerified 2026-08-15Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15
FLUX.2 MaxSeedream 4.0
Text to Image ArenaUSD per 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels
FLUX.2 Max$70
Seedream 4.0Lower price$30
Image Editing ArenaUSD per 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels
FLUX.2 Max$140
Seedream 4.0Lower price$30

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Prompt adherence and specialist tests

Shared capability benchmarks

Every matchup includes the same four Gradually sample tasks. For each task, one archived first output from every model is ranked in three differently ordered, model-blind passes. The published 0-100 value normalizes the mean rank. It must still be read as an n = 1 sample per model. This pair also shares 26 results from published research benchmarks.

FLUX.2 MaxSeedream 4.0
Gradually sample test: Typography and layoutMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each
FLUX.2 MaxHigher blind-rank score85.2 / 100
Seedream 4.018.5 / 100
Gradually sample test: Product photographyMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each
FLUX.2 MaxHigher blind-rank score56.8 / 100
Seedream 4.019.7 / 100
Gradually sample test: Character and detailMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each
FLUX.2 MaxHigher blind-rank score80.3 / 100
Seedream 4.013.6 / 100
Gradually sample test: InfographicMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each
FLUX.2 Max29.6 / 100
Seedream 4.0Higher blind-rank score67.9 / 100

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Capability benchmark scores for FLUX.2 Max and Seedream 4.0
BenchmarkFLUX.2 MaxSeedream 4.0
GenExam Mathematics, strict
Higher benchmark score6.6 %
2.6 %
GenExam Physics, strict
Higher benchmark score8.8 %
3.5 %
GenExam Chemistry, strict
Higher benchmark score6.8 %
5.9 %
GenExam Biology, strict
11.6 %
Higher benchmark score18.6 %
GenExam Geography, strict
Higher benchmark score15.2 %
10.6 %
GenExam Computer science, strict
Higher benchmark score8.8 %
6.9 %
GenExam Engineering, strict
10.8 %
Higher benchmark score11.7 %
GenExam Economics, strict
2.6 %
Higher benchmark score5.2 %
GenExam Music, strict
Higher benchmark score6.2 %
0 %
GenExam History, strict
Tie7.3 %
Tie7.3 %
GenExam overall, strict
Higher benchmark score8.5 %
7.2 %
GenExam Mathematics, relaxed
Higher benchmark score49.1 %
39.8 %
GenExam Physics, relaxed
Higher benchmark score63.2 %
49 %
GenExam Chemistry, relaxed
Higher benchmark score54 %
46.1 %
GenExam Biology, relaxed
Higher benchmark score74.5 %
71 %
GenExam Geography, relaxed
Higher benchmark score76.3 %
65.1 %
GenExam Computer science, relaxed
Higher benchmark score56.5 %
52.2 %
GenExam Engineering, relaxed
Higher benchmark score68.9 %
60 %
GenExam Economics, relaxed
Higher benchmark score61.5 %
56 %
GenExam Music, relaxed
Higher benchmark score47 %
34.5 %
GenExam History, relaxed
Higher benchmark score68 %
56.7 %
GenExam overall, relaxed
Higher benchmark score61.9 %
53 %
GRADE reasoning
Higher benchmark score47.8 / 100
32.4 / 100
GRADE consistency
Higher benchmark score67.2 / 100
53.2 / 100
GRADE readability
68.6 / 100
Higher benchmark score77 / 100
GRADE accuracy
Higher benchmark score11.9 / 100
3.1 / 100
Gradually sample test: Typography and layout
Higher blind-rank score85.2 / 100
Mean rank: 5 (4 / 4 / 7)
Five rubric scores
Headline: 1.67 / 2
Subline: 1.67 / 2
Text control: 1.67 / 2
Visual brief: 1.33 / 2
Layout: 1.33 / 2
18.5 / 100
Mean rank: 23 (23 / 23 / 23)
Five rubric scores
Headline: 1.67 / 2
Subline: 1.67 / 2
Text control: 1.67 / 2
Visual brief: 1 / 2
Layout: 1.33 / 2
Gradually sample test: Product photography
Higher blind-rank score56.8 / 100
Mean rank: 12.67 (14 / 11 / 13)
Five rubric scores
Subject: 1.33 / 2
Time: 1.33 / 2
Watch details: 1.33 / 2
Photography: 1.33 / 2
Exclusions: 1.33 / 2
19.7 / 100
Mean rank: 22.67 (23 / 23 / 22)
Five rubric scores
Subject: 1.33 / 2
Time: 1.33 / 2
Watch details: 1.33 / 2
Photography: 1.33 / 2
Exclusions: 0.67 / 2
Gradually sample test: Character and detail
Higher blind-rank score80.3 / 100
Mean rank: 6.33 (8 / 5 / 6)
Five rubric scores
Scene: 1.33 / 2
Wardrobe: 1.33 / 2
Anatomy: 1.33 / 2
Props: 1.33 / 2
Environment: 1.33 / 2
13.6 / 100
Mean rank: 24.33 (26 / 26 / 21)
Five rubric scores
Scene: 1.33 / 2
Wardrobe: 1.33 / 2
Anatomy: 1 / 2
Props: 0.33 / 2
Environment: 1.33 / 2
Gradually sample test: Infographic
29.6 / 100
Mean rank: 20 (22 / 18 / 20)
Five rubric scores
Title: 1.67 / 2
Sequence: 1.33 / 2
Labels: 1 / 2
Diagram: 1 / 2
Clarity: 0.67 / 2
Higher blind-rank score67.9 / 100
Mean rank: 9.67 (6 / 8 / 15)
Five rubric scores
Title: 1.67 / 2
Sequence: 1.67 / 2
Labels: 1.67 / 2
Diagram: 1 / 2
Clarity: 1.67 / 2

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

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.

2 shared result series
FLUX.2 MaxSeedream 4.0
Text to Image ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 Max1,226 Elo
Seedream 4.0No clear lead1,227 Elo
Image Editing ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
FLUX.2 MaxHigher score1,201 Elo
Seedream 4.01,185 Elo

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Arena benchmark scores for FLUX.2 Max and Seedream 4.0
BenchmarkFLUX.2 MaxSeedream 4.0Source
Text to Image Arena
1,226 Elo
Rank 18, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 9,112 ratings
No clear lead1,227 Elo
Rank 17, 95% confidence interval: ±11, 4,603 ratings
Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26
Image Editing Arena
Higher score1,201 Elo
Rank 20, 95% confidence interval: ±7, 10,113 ratings
1,185 Elo
Rank 29, 95% confidence interval: ±7, 10,984 ratings
Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Visual comparison

Sample images

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

Seedream 4.0, Character and detail
FLUX.2 Max, Character and detail
FLUX.2 Max
Seedream 4.0
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 Max. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, steps=50, model ID black-forest-labs/FLUX.2-max, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:23 PM. Source
Seedream 4.0. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID ByteDance-Seed/Seedream-4.0, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:24 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 985a75b38642a9f0e5e0c0e0c67f1b7f67780d42bd2168fa24e9a7a7a94b0da6

FLUX.2 Max, image SHA 256: a0a2cef301582c47a8dca69ccd1c52212c37ca6c058d7185a880a7856713cd9e

FLUX.2 Max, request SHA 256: 0267e820f1d771485d5a0e44b93a6b996c2fb12f6547a199eb3c22d4cf8e21f3

Seedream 4.0, image SHA 256: 81b5aa023fa252472878015448b5ee1cefcbc61844dd6cff98997685d7ab1511

Seedream 4.0, request SHA 256: 84dbdb6b71e48c5944f2d15aa4069a994358e4f10f81fa84cdef4974deee2317

Infographic

Numbers, labels, and visual organization

Seedream 4.0, Infographic
FLUX.2 Max, Infographic
FLUX.2 Max
Seedream 4.0
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 Max. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, steps=50, model ID black-forest-labs/FLUX.2-max, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:24 PM. Source
Seedream 4.0. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID ByteDance-Seed/Seedream-4.0, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:25 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: ed65cb4e6a51e2336f8b149ad4cbb16e020f07d527ad94362e719d2dcf91d94f

FLUX.2 Max, image SHA 256: 9321457355d5a9630073632fb6441bf388da1c4ee8e5d58e58cd0603ce756a09

FLUX.2 Max, request SHA 256: 46911d2cf3eb49e0c0439477c802fc24910b2658b19d562a327af2e1b3f3faf1

Seedream 4.0, image SHA 256: 63dcddf4bf7bb58ea0c67eea96f2c71834158568f29ed3b7f2523b56a91e6526

Seedream 4.0, request SHA 256: 3cdb665a8b6ba558cedce86e937f28b5daa3b3e7a8af57fe9562e13cab212c02

Product photography

Materials, reflections, and fine details

Seedream 4.0, Product photography
FLUX.2 Max, Product photography
FLUX.2 Max
Seedream 4.0
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 Max. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, steps=50, model ID black-forest-labs/FLUX.2-max, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:23 PM. Source
Seedream 4.0. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID ByteDance-Seed/Seedream-4.0, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:24 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: c67fd71e91304458a2feef5c91efa8677260fab0c0099a29a2c52cb579f5b2f3

FLUX.2 Max, image SHA 256: dd6ad8d1ec45154727d9ddf573ef10da5225899820055318d23bcd4e5a1e930c

FLUX.2 Max, request SHA 256: 3c90a7839c60af903a8abb6d7b2b4af4df1320aabffcc84361491964161bcf9e

Seedream 4.0, image SHA 256: 1fbad61d03b05e6cd8523e76409983e86c11c74fca2fa1a14d20f07f0d801519

Seedream 4.0, request SHA 256: 55ce222b205d1832a107db6db7f13941b81298037e4bdf6c0d25054a1dc96c7c

Typography and layout

Legible text, hierarchy, and composition

Seedream 4.0, Typography and layout
FLUX.2 Max, Typography and layout
FLUX.2 Max
Seedream 4.0
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 Max. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, steps=50, model ID black-forest-labs/FLUX.2-max, generated Aug 14, 2026, 2:00 PM. Source
Seedream 4.0. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID ByteDance-Seed/Seedream-4.0, generated Aug 14, 2026, 2:01 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 2e012c3d14ee5dd02203a94f394ca80a5038cdebd6032b25a8b8a221f2255419

FLUX.2 Max, image SHA 256: 3eb2daf01c749ee25d86c2e4f55d6d3d81cfb4590eb0343f9a4bb3d0a70d19bc

FLUX.2 Max, request SHA 256: 10a63b4db9e0b1529ab3d891fdb504c5716d30aff6a5cc7bd0312790105eba22

Seedream 4.0, image SHA 256: 029be40f71522352246ad0de0de2e6c1ed2e45608f59c4f0e1be87b4dc2353c1

Seedream 4.0, request SHA 256: b2353ce00afff8f1dad912b51b418a7ea7da741b587814625f1ca7fc492b02c5

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.

More matchups

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