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Head-to-head comparison

MAI-Image-2.5 vs. Firefly Image Model 5

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.

0

shared result series

4

shared sample prompts

No data

latest arena retrieval

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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 MAI-Image-2.5 and Firefly Image Model 5
AttributeMAI-Image-2.5Firefly Image Model 5
ProviderMicrosoft AIAdobe
ReleasedJune 2026October 28, 2025
AccessAPI, Web appAPI, Web app
LifecyclePreview in Microsoft Foundry Status sourceGenerally available since March 19, 2026 Status source
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
Parameters20 billionNot published
Maximum output1,048,576 pixels4 Megapixel
Arena configurationNo separate configuration namedNo arena entry
Text-to-image price$48.1 per 1,000 imagesNo arena entry
Editing price$48.1 per 1,000 imagesNo arena entry
Technical sourceModel sourceVerified 2026-08-15Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15

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.

0 shared result series

No shared arena score in the stored snapshot

The stored benchmark database contains no measurement for MAI-Image-2.5 and Firefly Image Model 5 from the same arena and category. Older model versions are not used as substitutes.

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

MAI-Image-2.5, Character and detail
MAI-Image-2.5
Firefly Image Model 5, Character and detail
Firefly Image Model 5
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.

MAI-Image-2.5. Provider OpenRouter, aspect ratio 1:1, provider default 1K resolution, n=1, seed=provider random, actual cost $0.048508, model ID microsoft/mai-image-2.5, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:26 PM. Source
Firefly Image Model 5. Provider Manual import, one request, first output, Firefly Image 5, 1:1, 1K, no reference image, no negative prompt, 10 Adobe credits, model ID manual export, generated Aug 16, 2026, 12:14 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 985a75b38642a9f0e5e0c0e0c67f1b7f67780d42bd2168fa24e9a7a7a94b0da6

MAI-Image-2.5, image SHA 256: ca1c58688ae4601975d7e1f7b58bb43a0a999e736f610d9f51cd11e06284bced

MAI-Image-2.5, request SHA 256: 40fc54cbcee64f9045c44e702e013b649a0d8bbd7f8e2390d839bc38ee183b90

Firefly Image Model 5, image SHA 256: 6a8e97db33824727599cf62339ff714cfb836a96a5f078010bb7760d7372f3d4

Infographic

Numbers, labels, and visual organization

MAI-Image-2.5, Infographic
MAI-Image-2.5
Firefly Image Model 5, Infographic
Firefly Image Model 5
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.

MAI-Image-2.5. Provider OpenRouter, aspect ratio 1:1, provider default 1K resolution, n=1, seed=provider random, actual cost $0.048538, model ID microsoft/mai-image-2.5, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:26 PM. Source
Firefly Image Model 5. Provider Manual import, one request, first output, Firefly Image 5, 1:1, 1K, no reference image, no negative prompt, 10 Adobe credits, model ID manual export, generated Aug 16, 2026, 12:14 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: ed65cb4e6a51e2336f8b149ad4cbb16e020f07d527ad94362e719d2dcf91d94f

MAI-Image-2.5, image SHA 256: eaf00a906231e8859f98ef5dc2cce7e8017797819aea453305a4ef0e970d4dbf

MAI-Image-2.5, request SHA 256: bbedc701e9933a8d6ed0fbb2a6fbb7214214fad9d32d9ae80a114a7254a0bcf1

Firefly Image Model 5, image SHA 256: 8fa6d9b40c417847061ec33d789ad5bf91f1e85da586515c6226ce6db825d1ba

Product photography

Materials, reflections, and fine details

MAI-Image-2.5, Product photography
MAI-Image-2.5
Firefly Image Model 5, Product photography
Firefly Image Model 5
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.

MAI-Image-2.5. Provider OpenRouter, aspect ratio 1:1, provider default 1K resolution, n=1, seed=provider random, actual cost $0.048513, model ID microsoft/mai-image-2.5, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:25 PM. Source
Firefly Image Model 5. Provider Manual import, one request, first output, Firefly Image 5, 1:1, 1K, no reference image, no negative prompt, 10 Adobe credits, model ID manual export, generated Aug 16, 2026, 12:14 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: c67fd71e91304458a2feef5c91efa8677260fab0c0099a29a2c52cb579f5b2f3

MAI-Image-2.5, image SHA 256: 67d4930b711fac61482231c4bc270cfcdb41c1b0daf653045781fb2126e237dd

MAI-Image-2.5, request SHA 256: 071e156eeb3e65e6744b7c6b675ffcb32b551dcfc1033a55e30e9561c0bd78a9

Firefly Image Model 5, image SHA 256: c36dab49ebe40473fa9e9a61b2b02fe36c4cd3536cbb6aac1d0ad0f8944d8bfc

Typography and layout

Legible text, hierarchy, and composition

MAI-Image-2.5, Typography and layout
MAI-Image-2.5
Firefly Image Model 5, Typography and layout
Firefly Image Model 5
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.

MAI-Image-2.5. Provider OpenRouter, aspect ratio 1:1, provider default 1K resolution, n=1, seed=provider random, actual cost $0.048473, model ID microsoft/mai-image-2.5, generated Aug 14, 2026, 2:03 PM. Source
Firefly Image Model 5. Provider Manual import, one request, first output, Firefly Image 5, 1:1, 1K, no reference image, no negative prompt, 10 Adobe credits, model ID manual export, generated Aug 16, 2026, 12:14 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 2e012c3d14ee5dd02203a94f394ca80a5038cdebd6032b25a8b8a221f2255419

MAI-Image-2.5, image SHA 256: 4c8a60555b57b8c3b5ebaa131371d1bba9d31bfafe7aaa772554969f7c28cb08

MAI-Image-2.5, request SHA 256: f14577273bd6b0980f49e13988b01555bb55dc824317b201b5fab3d2ef72e666

Firefly Image Model 5, image SHA 256: cf8a921a221de5e456df2311482fc999303f5438270fb1a77c1be2dd3d9afc0b

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.

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