Head-to-head comparison

GPT Image 2 vs. Nano Banana 2

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: 48
shared sample prompts: 4
latest arena retrieval: 2026-08-26

First image modelSecond image model

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 GPT Image 2 and Nano Banana 2
Attribute	GPT Image 2	Nano Banana 2
Provider	OpenAI	Google
Released	April 2026	February 2026
Access	API, Web app	API, Web app
Lifecycle	No separate lifecycle notice	Stable API since May 28, 2026. The arena entry names the earlier preview configuration Status source
Weights	Proprietary	Proprietary
Parameters	Not published	Not published
Maximum output	4K	4K
Arena configuration	High	Gemini 3.1 Flash Image Preview
Text-to-image price	$211 per 1,000 images	$67 per 1,000 images
Editing price	$211 per 1,000 images	$67 per 1,000 images
Technical source	Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15	Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15

GPT Image 2Nano Banana 2

Text to Image ArenaUSD per 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels

GPT Image 2$211

Nano Banana 2$67

Image Editing ArenaUSD per 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels

GPT Image 2$211

Nano Banana 2$67

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 32 results from published research benchmarks.

GPT Image 2Nano Banana 2

Gradually sample test: Typography and layoutMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each

GPT Image 235.8 / 100

Nano Banana 286.4 / 100

Gradually sample test: Product photographyMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each

GPT Image 295.1 / 100

Nano Banana 229.6 / 100

Gradually sample test: Character and detailMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each

GPT Image 276.6 / 100

Nano Banana 218.5 / 100

Gradually sample test: InfographicMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each

GPT Image 276.6 / 100

Nano Banana 249.4 / 100

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Capability benchmark scores for GPT Image 2 and Nano Banana 2
Benchmark	GPT Image 2	Nano Banana 2
GenExam Mathematics, strict	50.3 %	Higher benchmark score56.3 %
GenExam Physics, strict	Higher benchmark score79.6 %	74.3 %
GenExam Chemistry, strict	Higher benchmark score69.5 %	52.5 %
GenExam Biology, strict	Higher benchmark score89.1 %	66 %
GenExam Geography, strict	Higher benchmark score84.8 %	69.7 %
GenExam Computer science, strict	Higher benchmark score73.5 %	56.9 %
GenExam Engineering, strict	Higher benchmark score79.3 %	67.6 %
GenExam Economics, strict	Higher benchmark score83.1 %	63.6 %
GenExam Music, strict	Higher benchmark score64.6 %	50.8 %
GenExam History, strict	Tie82.9 %	Tie82.9 %
GenExam overall, strict	Higher benchmark score74.6 %	64.1 %
GenExam Mathematics, relaxed	85.2 %	Higher benchmark score87.8 %
GenExam Physics, relaxed	95.6 %	Higher benchmark score95.7 %
GenExam Chemistry, relaxed	Higher benchmark score92 %	90 %
GenExam Biology, relaxed	Higher benchmark score97.5 %	95.2 %
GenExam Geography, relaxed	Higher benchmark score97.6 %	94.8 %
GenExam Computer science, relaxed	Higher benchmark score93.3 %	88.8 %
GenExam Engineering, relaxed	Higher benchmark score96.5 %	95.8 %
GenExam Economics, relaxed	Higher benchmark score97.7 %	94.2 %
GenExam Music, relaxed	Higher benchmark score89.1 %	86.9 %
GenExam History, relaxed	97.1 %	Higher benchmark score97.3 %
GenExam overall, relaxed	Higher benchmark score93.8 %	92.6 %
Qwen Image Bench quality	Higher benchmark score58.65 / 100	54.77 / 100
Qwen Image Bench aesthetics	Higher benchmark score67.53 / 100	61.08 / 100
Qwen Image Bench alignment	Higher benchmark score65.85 / 100	62.4 / 100
Qwen Image Bench real-world fidelity	Higher benchmark score57.38 / 100	54.28 / 100
Qwen Image Bench creative generation	Higher benchmark score75.23 / 100	67.05 / 100
Qwen Image Bench overall	Higher benchmark score64.69 / 100	59.82 / 100
GRADE reasoning	Higher benchmark score82.2 / 100	72.6 / 100
GRADE consistency	Higher benchmark score94.4 / 100	86.4 / 100
GRADE readability	Higher benchmark score98.8 / 100	95.9 / 100
GRADE accuracy	Higher benchmark score56 / 100	39.6 / 100
Gradually sample test: Typography and layout	35.8 / 100 Mean rank: 18.33 (22 / 11 / 22) Five rubric scores Headline: 1.67 / 2 Subline: 1.67 / 2 Text control: 1.67 / 2 Visual brief: 1 / 2 Layout: 1.33 / 2	Higher blind-rank score86.4 / 100 Mean rank: 4.67 (8 / 2 / 4) 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
Gradually sample test: Product photography	Higher blind-rank score95.1 / 100 Mean rank: 2.33 (3 / 3 / 1) Five rubric scores Subject: 1.33 / 2 Time: 1.33 / 2 Watch details: 1.33 / 2 Photography: 1.33 / 2 Exclusions: 1.33 / 2	29.6 / 100 Mean rank: 20 (24 / 17 / 19) Five rubric scores Subject: 1.33 / 2 Time: 1.33 / 2 Watch details: 1.33 / 2 Photography: 1.33 / 2 Exclusions: 1 / 2
Gradually sample test: Character and detail	Higher blind-rank score76.6 / 100 Mean rank: 7.33 (12 / 9 / 1) Five rubric scores Scene: 1.33 / 2 Wardrobe: 1.33 / 2 Anatomy: 1.33 / 2 Props: 1 / 2 Environment: 1 / 2	18.5 / 100 Mean rank: 23 (24 / 18 / 27) Five rubric scores Scene: 1.33 / 2 Wardrobe: 1.33 / 2 Anatomy: 1 / 2 Props: 0.67 / 2 Environment: 0.67 / 2
Gradually sample test: Infographic	Higher blind-rank score76.6 / 100 Mean rank: 7.33 (10 / 5 / 7) Five rubric scores Title: 1.67 / 2 Sequence: 1.67 / 2 Labels: 1.67 / 2 Diagram: 1.33 / 2 Clarity: 1.67 / 2	49.4 / 100 Mean rank: 14.67 (16 / 14 / 14) Five rubric scores Title: 1.67 / 2 Sequence: 1 / 2 Labels: 1 / 2 Diagram: 1.67 / 2 Clarity: 1 / 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.

12 shared result series

GPT Image 2Nano Banana 2

Text to Image ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,371 Elo

Nano Banana 21,321 Elo

Image Editing ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,257 Elo

Nano Banana 21,250 Elo

LMArena Text to Image: 3D modelingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,360.375

Nano Banana 21,258.705

LMArena Text to Image: ArtBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,370.438

Nano Banana 21,250.508

LMArena Text to Image: CartoonBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,396.031

Nano Banana 21,266.735

LMArena Text to Image: Commercial designBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,389.556

Nano Banana 21,272.164

LMArena Text to Image: OverallBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,380.469

Nano Banana 21,263.056

LMArena Text to Image: PhotorealismBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,378.291

Nano Banana 21,269.812

LMArena Text to Image: PortraitsBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,428.866

Nano Banana 21,266.805

LMArena Text to Image: Text renderingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,424.046

Nano Banana 21,294.784

LMArena Image Editing: Multi-image editingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,454.125

Nano Banana 21,364.764

LMArena Image Editing: OverallBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

GPT Image 21,462.796

Nano Banana 21,386.267

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Arena benchmark scores for GPT Image 2 and Nano Banana 2
Benchmark	GPT Image 2	Nano Banana 2	Source
Text to Image Arena	Higher score1,371 Elo Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±10, 14,328 ratings	1,321 Elo Rank 4, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 15,335 ratings	Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26
Image Editing Arena	No clear lead1,257 Elo Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±6, 18,356 ratings	1,250 Elo Rank 7, 95% confidence interval: ±7, 12,690 ratings	Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: 3D modeling	Higher score1,360.375 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±9.77, 6,635 ratings	1,258.705 Rank 3, 95% confidence interval: ±11.62, 2,907 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Art	Higher score1,370.438 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±8.48, 8,762 ratings	1,250.508 Rank 8, 95% confidence interval: ±9.92, 4,154 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Cartoon	Higher score1,396.031 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±6.88, 28,210 ratings	1,266.735 Rank 8, 95% confidence interval: ±7.6, 10,445 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Commercial design	Higher score1,389.556 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±6.61, 27,138 ratings	1,272.164 Rank 4, 95% confidence interval: ±7.4, 10,316 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Overall	Higher score1,380.469 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±4.62, 69,194 ratings	1,263.056 Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±5.24, 27,910 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Photorealism	Higher score1,378.291 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±6.62, 26,719 ratings	1,269.812 Rank 6, 95% confidence interval: ±7.28, 11,229 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Portraits	Higher score1,428.866 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±8.77, 13,521 ratings	1,266.805 Rank 7, 95% confidence interval: ±9.15, 5,554 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Text rendering	Higher score1,424.046 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±7.09, 26,226 ratings	1,294.784 Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±7.73, 9,489 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Image Editing: Multi-image editing	Higher score1,454.125 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±4.67, 72,134 ratings	1,364.764 Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±4.86, 37,577 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Image Editing: Overall	Higher score1,462.796 Rank 1, 95% confidence interval: ±3.69, 199,275 ratings	1,386.267 Rank 10, 95% confidence interval: ±3.71, 117,943 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 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

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.

GPT Image 2. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID openai/gpt-image-2, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:13 PM. Source
Nano Banana 2. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/flash-image-3.1, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:15 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 985a75b38642a9f0e5e0c0e0c67f1b7f67780d42bd2168fa24e9a7a7a94b0da6

GPT Image 2, image SHA 256: 82f6e2369ab4fb6efb0ef48feeff0d14f1d6087c64c35113a983456f0f0879ac

GPT Image 2, request SHA 256: db4ca97dc43effd578430b77f8ca559c7dd5cbe60e663ba9ecc2e89a33480b0d

Nano Banana 2, image SHA 256: 5d3a70ed3fe3328484725565d9c91fb25fc7f745bd66872dae432444493a83de

Nano Banana 2, request SHA 256: 406e70dda817fa504900359d5c374ebb06fc8ea29f34c8a15f630e9a10489aec

Infographic

Numbers, labels, and visual organization

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.

GPT Image 2. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID openai/gpt-image-2, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:14 PM. Source
Nano Banana 2. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/flash-image-3.1, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:15 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: ed65cb4e6a51e2336f8b149ad4cbb16e020f07d527ad94362e719d2dcf91d94f

GPT Image 2, image SHA 256: 6c15466e258e2b14a8e862959cb6a67b4f7a23896ea5d42c5a5618d848847711

GPT Image 2, request SHA 256: ed741d3d120188b9286d3576e7dcd3ace9dd7792978d4d5426022f32ed7ca381

Nano Banana 2, image SHA 256: 66123dd4e8cd5d22ecdca9cca8e4c5853a8046370aa4861ffee807a8c122c769

Nano Banana 2, request SHA 256: 10e973caab6f314ec731d9d377b19f5d51f279e9e2962133c49682bfbba3fe3d

Product photography

Materials, reflections, and fine details

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.

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

Prompt SHA 256: c67fd71e91304458a2feef5c91efa8677260fab0c0099a29a2c52cb579f5b2f3

GPT Image 2, image SHA 256: 471c71b30618afb1a8a67ab8363308d67f99c65ef6740ca72417806d06d3c346

GPT Image 2, request SHA 256: 7b27ff2c9b64529a36bebf2d572c3448f26e68f3e9d1ac6a3f2b5ead8698f60f

Nano Banana 2, image SHA 256: 509871921c450f6f07ec28f91a380992db1b3017108fd5928fe0aa9670a1ecdc

Nano Banana 2, request SHA 256: 631ce921c9772c7c2109900c8662471564a871def8e70f50ce29ce83ab71daab

Typography and layout

Legible text, hierarchy, and composition

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.

GPT Image 2. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID openai/gpt-image-2, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:59 PM. Source
Nano Banana 2. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/flash-image-3.1, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:59 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 2e012c3d14ee5dd02203a94f394ca80a5038cdebd6032b25a8b8a221f2255419

GPT Image 2, image SHA 256: 434cf9939b9be2a2c2711e13d027c9438c47038bb32229ceeaf405d2e89d2afc

GPT Image 2, request SHA 256: 473a774dfe9f9b7bb597e9e8b63af4e770b6bc4e7f8bc90682636db3516e7353

Nano Banana 2, image SHA 256: 06ae79c07d1604d3da3bbfa80bac73ac15c88af5cb8c013faaf5c9ea93092305

Nano Banana 2, request SHA 256: 6f1909c093d741b97bc2b4fe76e889009776dbe8635d2a14dbedd89bb4cae8fb

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

Compare GPT Image 2 and Nano Banana 2 with other important image models using the same benchmark and sample methodology.

View the complete image model comparison

GPT Image 2 vs. Nano Banana 2

Change image model selection

General specifications and task-specific pricing

Shared capability benchmarks

Shared arena benchmarks

Sample images

Character and detail

Infographic

Product photography

Typography and layout

An Elo score is not a verdict on creativity

Related image model comparisons