Head-to-head comparison

Nano Banana 2 vs. GPT Image 1.5

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: 57
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 Nano Banana 2 and GPT Image 1.5
Attribute	Nano Banana 2	GPT Image 1.5
Provider	Google	OpenAI
Released	February 2026	December 2025
Access	API, Web app	API, Web app
Lifecycle	Stable API since May 28, 2026. The arena entry names the earlier preview configuration Status source	Marked as deprecated by OpenAI Status source
Weights	Proprietary	Proprietary
Parameters	Not published	Not published
Maximum output	4K	1,536 × 1,024 pixels
Arena configuration	Gemini 3.1 Flash Image Preview	High
Text-to-image price	$67 per 1,000 images	$133 per 1,000 images
Editing price	$67 per 1,000 images	$133 per 1,000 images
Technical source	Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15	Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15

Nano Banana 2GPT Image 1.5

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

Nano Banana 2$67

GPT Image 1.5$133

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

Nano Banana 2$67

GPT Image 1.5$133

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 41 results from published research benchmarks.

Nano Banana 2GPT Image 1.5

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

Nano Banana 286.4 / 100

GPT Image 1.533.3 / 100

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

Nano Banana 229.6 / 100

GPT Image 1.537 / 100

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

Nano Banana 218.5 / 100

GPT Image 1.585.2 / 100

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

Nano Banana 249.4 / 100

GPT Image 1.549.4 / 100

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Capability benchmark scores for Nano Banana 2 and GPT Image 1.5
Benchmark	Nano Banana 2	GPT Image 1.5
GenExam Mathematics, strict	Higher benchmark score56.3 %	26.5 %
GenExam Physics, strict	Higher benchmark score74.3 %	46 %
GenExam Chemistry, strict	Higher benchmark score52.5 %	39 %
GenExam Biology, strict	Higher benchmark score66 %	56.4 %
GenExam Geography, strict	Higher benchmark score69.7 %	60.6 %
GenExam Computer science, strict	Higher benchmark score56.9 %	36.3 %
GenExam Engineering, strict	Higher benchmark score67.6 %	44.1 %
GenExam Economics, strict	Higher benchmark score63.6 %	42.9 %
GenExam Music, strict	Higher benchmark score50.8 %	29.2 %
GenExam History, strict	Higher benchmark score82.9 %	51.2 %
GenExam overall, strict	Higher benchmark score64.1 %	43.2 %
GenExam Mathematics, relaxed	Higher benchmark score87.8 %	65.8 %
GenExam Physics, relaxed	Higher benchmark score95.7 %	85.4 %
GenExam Chemistry, relaxed	Higher benchmark score90 %	78.1 %
GenExam Biology, relaxed	Higher benchmark score95.2 %	91.9 %
GenExam Geography, relaxed	Higher benchmark score94.8 %	92.5 %
GenExam Computer science, relaxed	Higher benchmark score88.8 %	75.8 %
GenExam Engineering, relaxed	Higher benchmark score95.8 %	86.4 %
GenExam Economics, relaxed	Higher benchmark score94.2 %	85.5 %
GenExam Music, relaxed	Higher benchmark score86.9 %	70.8 %
GenExam History, relaxed	Higher benchmark score97.3 %	90.9 %
GenExam overall, relaxed	Higher benchmark score92.6 %	82.3 %
Qwen Image Bench quality	54.77 / 100	Higher benchmark score55.14 / 100
Qwen Image Bench aesthetics	Higher benchmark score61.08 / 100	60.88 / 100
Qwen Image Bench alignment	Higher benchmark score62.4 / 100	61.72 / 100
Qwen Image Bench real-world fidelity	Higher benchmark score54.28 / 100	53.95 / 100
Qwen Image Bench creative generation	Higher benchmark score67.05 / 100	66.35 / 100
Qwen Image Bench overall	Higher benchmark score59.82 / 100	59.65 / 100
GRADE reasoning	Higher benchmark score72.6 / 100	54.5 / 100
GRADE consistency	Higher benchmark score86.4 / 100	82.3 / 100
GRADE readability	Higher benchmark score95.9 / 100	90.7 / 100
GRADE accuracy	Higher benchmark score39.6 / 100	16 / 100
GenAI-Bench overall preference	Higher benchmark score1,073 ± 5	1,047 ± 5
GenAI-Bench visual quality	Higher benchmark score1,129 ± 6	975 ± 5
Infographics factuality	Higher benchmark score1,074 ± 12	985 ± 12
General image editing	Higher benchmark score1,047 ± 9	995 ± 8
Character editing	Higher benchmark score1,049 ± 7	1,025 ± 7
Creative editing	No clear benchmark lead1,031 ± 7	1,017 ± 7
Object and environment editing	Higher benchmark score1,018 ± 8	976 ± 8
Editing with 1-3 input images	No clear benchmark lead1,016 ± 8	1,014 ± 9
Stylization	Higher benchmark score1,031 ± 7	996 ± 7
Gradually sample test: Typography and layout	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	33.3 / 100 Mean rank: 19 (20 / 18 / 19) Five rubric scores Headline: 1.67 / 2 Subline: 1.67 / 2 Text control: 1.67 / 2 Visual brief: 1.33 / 2 Layout: 1 / 2
Gradually sample test: Product photography	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	Higher blind-rank score37 / 100 Mean rank: 18 (18 / 16 / 20) Five rubric scores Subject: 1.33 / 2 Time: 1 / 2 Watch details: 1.33 / 2 Photography: 1.33 / 2 Exclusions: 1.33 / 2
Gradually sample test: Character and detail	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	Higher blind-rank score85.2 / 100 Mean rank: 5 (5 / 8 / 2) Five rubric scores Scene: 1.33 / 2 Wardrobe: 1.33 / 2 Anatomy: 1 / 2 Props: 1.33 / 2 Environment: 1.33 / 2
Gradually sample test: Infographic	Tie49.4 / 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	Tie49.4 / 100 Mean rank: 14.67 (13 / 15 / 16) Five rubric scores Title: 1.67 / 2 Sequence: 1.67 / 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

Nano Banana 2GPT Image 1.5

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

Nano Banana 21,321 Elo

GPT Image 1.51,310 Elo

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

Nano Banana 21,250 Elo

GPT Image 1.51,251 Elo

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

Nano Banana 21,258.705

GPT Image 1.51,215.437

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

Nano Banana 21,250.508

GPT Image 1.51,223.911

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

Nano Banana 21,266.735

GPT Image 1.51,243.08

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

Nano Banana 21,272.164

GPT Image 1.51,240.908

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

Nano Banana 21,263.056

GPT Image 1.51,238.658

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

Nano Banana 21,269.812

GPT Image 1.51,248.785

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

Nano Banana 21,266.805

GPT Image 1.51,261.416

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

Nano Banana 21,294.784

GPT Image 1.51,254.593

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

Nano Banana 21,364.764

GPT Image 1.51,341.507

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

Nano Banana 21,386.267

GPT Image 1.51,370.209

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Arena benchmark scores for Nano Banana 2 and GPT Image 1.5
Benchmark	Nano Banana 2	GPT Image 1.5	Source
Text to Image Arena	No clear lead1,321 Elo Rank 4, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 15,335 ratings	1,310 Elo Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 13,674 ratings	Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26
Image Editing Arena	1,250 Elo Rank 7, 95% confidence interval: ±7, 12,690 ratings	No clear lead1,251 Elo Rank 6, 95% confidence interval: ±7, 11,694 ratings	Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: 3D modeling	Higher score1,258.705 Rank 3, 95% confidence interval: ±11.62, 2,907 ratings	1,215.437 Rank 11, 95% confidence interval: ±6.83, 14,763 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Art	Higher score1,250.508 Rank 8, 95% confidence interval: ±9.92, 4,154 ratings	1,223.911 Rank 11, 95% confidence interval: ±6.08, 19,937 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Cartoon	Higher score1,266.735 Rank 8, 95% confidence interval: ±7.6, 10,445 ratings	1,243.08 Rank 10, 95% confidence interval: ±4.87, 55,661 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Commercial design	Higher score1,272.164 Rank 4, 95% confidence interval: ±7.4, 10,316 ratings	1,240.908 Rank 10, 95% confidence interval: ±4.72, 55,926 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Overall	Higher score1,263.056 Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±5.24, 27,910 ratings	1,238.658 Rank 11, 95% confidence interval: ±3.36, 142,427 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Photorealism	Higher score1,269.812 Rank 6, 95% confidence interval: ±7.28, 11,229 ratings	1,248.785 Rank 11, 95% confidence interval: ±4.83, 57,631 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Portraits	No clear lead1,266.805 Rank 7, 95% confidence interval: ±9.15, 5,554 ratings	1,261.416 Rank 9, 95% confidence interval: ±5.95, 28,153 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Text rendering	Higher score1,294.784 Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±7.73, 9,489 ratings	1,254.593 Rank 10, 95% confidence interval: ±4.98, 51,503 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Image Editing: Multi-image editing	Higher score1,364.764 Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±4.86, 37,577 ratings	1,341.507 Rank 9, 95% confidence interval: ±4.04, 164,316 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Image Editing: Overall	Higher score1,386.267 Rank 10, 95% confidence interval: ±3.71, 117,943 ratings	1,370.209 Rank 13, 95% confidence interval: ±2.92, 531,138 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.

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
GPT Image 1.5. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID openai/gpt-image-1.5, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:17 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 985a75b38642a9f0e5e0c0e0c67f1b7f67780d42bd2168fa24e9a7a7a94b0da6

Nano Banana 2, image SHA 256: 5d3a70ed3fe3328484725565d9c91fb25fc7f745bd66872dae432444493a83de

Nano Banana 2, request SHA 256: 406e70dda817fa504900359d5c374ebb06fc8ea29f34c8a15f630e9a10489aec

GPT Image 1.5, image SHA 256: 0dff52ccd39400ac66ac8870c9ea937512ff1474688e70118688f420c38c2296

GPT Image 1.5, request SHA 256: 5199631ac6ff07633dd2fb6ab61c918c26e1e02f37e6131828072233ac04527d

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.

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

Prompt SHA 256: ed65cb4e6a51e2336f8b149ad4cbb16e020f07d527ad94362e719d2dcf91d94f

Nano Banana 2, image SHA 256: 66123dd4e8cd5d22ecdca9cca8e4c5853a8046370aa4861ffee807a8c122c769

Nano Banana 2, request SHA 256: 10e973caab6f314ec731d9d377b19f5d51f279e9e2962133c49682bfbba3fe3d

GPT Image 1.5, image SHA 256: 1c9ff59c32621c8b48b002dacb0ae66487262280c7c0a5b3d6456c81b248ebe9

GPT Image 1.5, request SHA 256: 7f1efc9531f1e6bed7d61a11c637add9fd892001aea2bb2781f8d89c79a2eb03

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

Nano Banana 2, image SHA 256: 509871921c450f6f07ec28f91a380992db1b3017108fd5928fe0aa9670a1ecdc

Nano Banana 2, request SHA 256: 631ce921c9772c7c2109900c8662471564a871def8e70f50ce29ce83ab71daab

GPT Image 1.5, image SHA 256: 67cfa2f324447027ceb5f82e9446d40a1395b46ce425890a74606b4d97731cf6

GPT Image 1.5, request SHA 256: c850843a298631a4076c5d2686de8e9d7223534f2b8ca53505f437862718bef9

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.

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
GPT Image 1.5. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID openai/gpt-image-1.5, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:59 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 2e012c3d14ee5dd02203a94f394ca80a5038cdebd6032b25a8b8a221f2255419

Nano Banana 2, image SHA 256: 06ae79c07d1604d3da3bbfa80bac73ac15c88af5cb8c013faaf5c9ea93092305

Nano Banana 2, request SHA 256: 6f1909c093d741b97bc2b4fe76e889009776dbe8635d2a14dbedd89bb4cae8fb

GPT Image 1.5, image SHA 256: 6a4cec86850fd371b65274198e2bf630b3cf36a096f9fb953d4bfe17c3222ebe

GPT Image 1.5, request SHA 256: 9c3a396aecfcaae3f8a25edbe5c8c44d0d33199d7ba29efda864d2b0221c3250

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 Nano Banana 2 and GPT Image 1.5 with other important image models using the same benchmark and sample methodology.

View the complete image model comparison

Nano Banana 2 vs. GPT Image 1.5

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

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