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Nano Banana 2vs.GPT Image 1.5

Which one is better?

In our own test both are on par. In the arena, Nano Banana 2 leads. Nano Banana 2 costs only half per image.

Test images

Same task, the first image of each. The task with the biggest difference is preselected.

Nano Banana 2: Character and detail, first image from the fixed test run
Nano Banana 236 out of 100
GPT Image 1.5: Character and detail, first image from the fixed test run
GPT Image 1.589 out of 100

Result for “Character and detail”:GPT Image 1.5 ahead

Prompt given to both modelsCreate 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.

What the rating looks at: Anatomy, clothing, and spatial consistency.

“Ahead”: better in all three rating rounds. “Slightly ahead”: a higher value, but not in every round.

Test protocol of the images

Each test attempt uses the same archived prompt and one request. The first output of that attempt counts. Repeats after technical test failures are disclosed for the affected images. Files are normalized to 1,024 × 1,024 pixels without cropping. Provider resolution, randomness, quality tier and prompt processing can still differ. The images are a practical visual test, not a reconstruction of the arena configuration.

Character and detail

Nano Banana 2: together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:15 PM. Source

GPT Image 1.5: together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:17 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1. Prompt SHA 256: 985a75b38642a9f0e5e0c0e0c67f1b7f67780d42bd2168fa24e9a7a7a94b0da6

Nano Banana 2 image SHA 256: 5d3a70ed3fe3328484725565d9c91fb25fc7f745bd66872dae432444493a83de

GPT Image 1.5 image SHA 256: 0dff52ccd39400ac66ac8870c9ea937512ff1474688e70118688f420c38c2296

Infographic

Nano Banana 2: together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:15 PM. Source

GPT Image 1.5: together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:17 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1. Prompt SHA 256: ed65cb4e6a51e2336f8b149ad4cbb16e020f07d527ad94362e719d2dcf91d94f

Nano Banana 2 image SHA 256: 66123dd4e8cd5d22ecdca9cca8e4c5853a8046370aa4861ffee807a8c122c769

GPT Image 1.5 image SHA 256: 1c9ff59c32621c8b48b002dacb0ae66487262280c7c0a5b3d6456c81b248ebe9

Product photography

Nano Banana 2: together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:15 PM. Source

GPT Image 1.5: together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:16 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1. Prompt SHA 256: c67fd71e91304458a2feef5c91efa8677260fab0c0099a29a2c52cb579f5b2f3

Nano Banana 2 image SHA 256: 509871921c450f6f07ec28f91a380992db1b3017108fd5928fe0aa9670a1ecdc

GPT Image 1.5 image SHA 256: 67cfa2f324447027ceb5f82e9446d40a1395b46ce425890a74606b4d97731cf6

Typography and layout

Nano Banana 2: together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:59 PM. Source

GPT Image 1.5: together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:59 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1. Prompt SHA 256: 2e012c3d14ee5dd02203a94f394ca80a5038cdebd6032b25a8b8a221f2255419

Nano Banana 2 image SHA 256: 06ae79c07d1604d3da3bbfa80bac73ac15c88af5cb8c013faaf5c9ea93092305

GPT Image 1.5 image SHA 256: 6a4cec86850fd371b65274198e2bf630b3cf36a096f9fb953d4bfe17c3222ebe

The numbers at a glance

Arena ratingfrom votes by users · higher is better
1,257

Nano Banana 2

Rank 8 of 21

1,236

GPT Image 1.5

Rank 13 of 21

GraduallyBenchour own rating, 0 to 100 · higher is better
61

Nano Banana 2

Rank 51 of 108

68

GPT Image 1.5

Rank 29 of 108

Price per imagedollars through the API · lower is better
$0.067

Nano Banana 2

fairly expensive

$0.13

GPT Image 1.5

expensive

Ranks among the 21 image models with an arena rating and the 108 with a GraduallyBench run; prices compared with 28 models with an API price.

Nano Banana 2

Subscription
Free to use at Google (Google AI Free, with limited credits), more from €4.99 a month (Google AI Plus, with limited credits). Through other providers from ≈ €6.36 a month (ElevenLabs Starter, with limited credits). 73 plans in Germany.
Via API
$0.067 per image, 100 images $6.70.

GPT Image 1.5

Subscription
No OpenAI subscription includes this model. Through other providers from ≈ €6.36 a month (ElevenLabs Starter, with limited credits). 42 plans in Germany.
Via API
$0.13 per image, 100 images $13.30.

Subscriptions only count plans that name exactly this model. Subscription prices include VAT, API prices are in dollars.

Arena rating (LMArena) from Nov 6, 2026 · GraduallyBench from Nov 3, 2026 · API prices from Nov 6, 2026 · Subscription database from Sep 29, 2026 (38 days old)

All data side by side

The better value is bold. For ratings only when the gap is clear.

KennzahlNano Banana 2GPT Image 1.5
Ratings
Arena ratingfrom votes by users, higher is better1,2571,236
Arena rankRank 8 of 21Rank 13 of 21
Arena votesmore votes, a safer rating77,495173,798
GraduallyBenchour own rating, 0 to 1006168
GraduallyBench by task
Typography and layoutLegible text, hierarchy, and composition10060
Product photographyMaterials, reflections, and fine details4552
Character and detailAnatomy, clothing, and spatial consistency3689
InfographicNumbers, labels, and visual organization6372
API price
Per imagelower is better$0.067$0.13
100 images$6.70$13.30
Profile
ReleasedFebruary 2026December 2025
Weightsopen means: runs locallyproprietaryproprietary
LifecyclePrevious generation to Nano Banana 2.1; Google recommends Nano Banana 2.1 for all new projects, the stable API has existed since May 28, 2026 and no shutdown is announced, the arena entry names the earlier pre-release configurationMarked as deprecated by OpenAI; removed from the API on December 1, 2026
AccessAPI, Web appAPI, Web app
Parametersnot publishednot published
Largest output4K1,536 × 1,024 pixels
Plans in Germanynaming exactly this model7342

API prices for one image at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels according to Artificial Analysis.

Sources: Nano Banana 2 model source, status source (verified Aug 15, 2026) · GPT Image 1.5 model source, status source (verified Aug 15, 2026)

Arena ratings by category

From blind votes on LMArena. “Ahead” means the lead is clear.

Arena rating per categoryfrom votes by users · higher is betterNano Banana 2GPT Image 1.5
Text to Image ArenaNano Banana 2: 1,142GPT Image 1.5: 1,124level
Image Editing ArenaNano Banana 2: 1,125GPT Image 1.5: 1,116level
Text to Image: 3D modelingNano Banana 2: 1,256GPT Image 1.5: 1,218Nano Banana 2 ahead
Text to Image: Agentic image generationNano Banana 2: 1,257GPT Image 1.5: 1,237level
Text to Image: ArtNano Banana 2: 1,240GPT Image 1.5: 1,225Nano Banana 2 ahead
Text to Image: CartoonNano Banana 2: 1,260GPT Image 1.5: 1,244Nano Banana 2 ahead
Text to Image: Commercial designNano Banana 2: 1,268GPT Image 1.5: 1,238Nano Banana 2 ahead
Text to Image: OverallNano Banana 2: 1,257GPT Image 1.5: 1,236Nano Banana 2 ahead
Text to Image: PhotorealismNano Banana 2: 1,261GPT Image 1.5: 1,247Nano Banana 2 ahead
Text to Image: PortraitsNano Banana 2: 1,255GPT Image 1.5: 1,259level
Text to Image: Text renderingNano Banana 2: 1,294GPT Image 1.5: 1,251Nano Banana 2 ahead
Image Editing: Agentic image generationNano Banana 2: 1,377GPT Image 1.5: 1,360level
Image Editing: Multi-image editingNano Banana 2: 1,370GPT Image 1.5: 1,342Nano Banana 2 ahead
Image Editing: Agentic multi-image editingNano Banana 2: 1,390GPT Image 1.5: 1,359Nano Banana 2 ahead
Image Editing: OverallNano Banana 2: 1,387GPT Image 1.5: 1,368Nano Banana 2 ahead

Artificial Analysis from Nov 6, 2026 · LMArena from Nov 6, 2026

All individual values with sources
RatingNano Banana 2GPT Image 1.5Source
Text to Image Arena1,1421,124Artificial AnalysisRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Image Editing Arena1,1251,116Artificial AnalysisRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Text to Image: 3D modeling1,2561,218LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Text to Image: Agentic image generation1,2571,237LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Text to Image: Art1,2401,225LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Text to Image: Cartoon1,2601,244LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Text to Image: Commercial design1,2681,238LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Text to Image: Overall1,2571,236LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Text to Image: Photorealism1,2611,247LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Text to Image: Portraits1,2551,259LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Text to Image: Text rendering1,2941,251LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Image Editing: Agentic image generation1,3771,360LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Image Editing: Multi-image editing1,3701,342LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Image Editing: Agentic multi-image editing1,3901,359LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026
Image Editing: Overall1,3871,368LMArenaRetrieved Nov 6, 2026

Published specialist tests

This pair shares 41 results from published research benchmarks.

Specialist testspublished research benchmarks · higher is betterNano Banana 2GPT Image 1.5
GenExam Mathematics, strictNano Banana 2: 56%GPT Image 1.5: 27%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Physics, strictNano Banana 2: 74%GPT Image 1.5: 46%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Chemistry, strictNano Banana 2: 53%GPT Image 1.5: 39%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Biology, strictNano Banana 2: 66%GPT Image 1.5: 56%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Geography, strictNano Banana 2: 70%GPT Image 1.5: 61%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Computer science, strictNano Banana 2: 57%GPT Image 1.5: 36%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Engineering, strictNano Banana 2: 68%GPT Image 1.5: 44%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Economics, strictNano Banana 2: 64%GPT Image 1.5: 43%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Music, strictNano Banana 2: 51%GPT Image 1.5: 29%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam History, strictNano Banana 2: 83%GPT Image 1.5: 51%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam overall, strictNano Banana 2: 64%GPT Image 1.5: 43%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Mathematics, relaxedNano Banana 2: 88%GPT Image 1.5: 66%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Physics, relaxedNano Banana 2: 96%GPT Image 1.5: 85%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Chemistry, relaxedNano Banana 2: 90%GPT Image 1.5: 78%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Biology, relaxedNano Banana 2: 95%GPT Image 1.5: 92%level
GenExam Geography, relaxedNano Banana 2: 95%GPT Image 1.5: 93%level
GenExam Computer science, relaxedNano Banana 2: 89%GPT Image 1.5: 76%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Engineering, relaxedNano Banana 2: 96%GPT Image 1.5: 86%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Economics, relaxedNano Banana 2: 94%GPT Image 1.5: 86%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam Music, relaxedNano Banana 2: 87%GPT Image 1.5: 71%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam History, relaxedNano Banana 2: 97%GPT Image 1.5: 91%Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenExam overall, relaxedNano Banana 2: 93%GPT Image 1.5: 82%Nano Banana 2 ahead
Qwen Image Bench qualityNano Banana 2: 55 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 55 / 100level
Qwen Image Bench aestheticsNano Banana 2: 61 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 61 / 100level
Qwen Image Bench alignmentNano Banana 2: 62 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 62 / 100level
Qwen Image Bench real-world fidelityNano Banana 2: 54 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 54 / 100level
Qwen Image Bench creative generationNano Banana 2: 67 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 66 / 100level
Qwen Image Bench overallNano Banana 2: 60 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 60 / 100level
GRADE reasoningNano Banana 2: 73 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 55 / 100Nano Banana 2 ahead
GRADE consistencyNano Banana 2: 86 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 82 / 100level
GRADE readabilityNano Banana 2: 96 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 91 / 100Nano Banana 2 ahead
GRADE accuracyNano Banana 2: 40 / 100GPT Image 1.5: 16 / 100Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenAI-Bench overall preferenceNano Banana 2: 1,073GPT Image 1.5: 1,047Nano Banana 2 ahead
GenAI-Bench visual qualityNano Banana 2: 1,129GPT Image 1.5: 975Nano Banana 2 ahead
Infographics factualityNano Banana 2: 1,074GPT Image 1.5: 985Nano Banana 2 ahead
General image editingNano Banana 2: 1,047GPT Image 1.5: 995Nano Banana 2 ahead
Character editingNano Banana 2: 1,049GPT Image 1.5: 1,025Nano Banana 2 ahead
Creative editingNano Banana 2: 1,031GPT Image 1.5: 1,017level
Object and environment editingNano Banana 2: 1,018GPT Image 1.5: 976Nano Banana 2 ahead
Editing with 1-3 input imagesNano Banana 2: 1,016GPT Image 1.5: 1,014level
StylizationNano Banana 2: 1,031GPT Image 1.5: 996Nano Banana 2 ahead

GenExam from Aug 26, 2026 · Qwen Image Bench from Aug 26, 2026 · GRADE from Aug 26, 2026 · Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model card from Aug 26, 2026

All individual values with sources
RatingNano Banana 2GPT Image 1.5Source
GenExam Mathematics, strict56%27%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Physics, strict74%46%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Chemistry, strict53%39%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Biology, strict66%56%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Geography, strict70%61%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Computer science, strict57%36%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Engineering, strict68%44%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Economics, strict64%43%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Music, strict51%29%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam History, strict83%51%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam overall, strict64%43%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Mathematics, relaxed88%66%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Physics, relaxed96%85%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Chemistry, relaxed90%78%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Biology, relaxed95%92%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Geography, relaxed95%93%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Computer science, relaxed89%76%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Engineering, relaxed96%86%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Economics, relaxed94%86%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam Music, relaxed87%71%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam History, relaxed97%91%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenExam overall, relaxed93%82%GenExamRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Qwen Image Bench quality55 / 10055 / 100Qwen Image BenchRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Qwen Image Bench aesthetics61 / 10061 / 100Qwen Image BenchRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Qwen Image Bench alignment62 / 10062 / 100Qwen Image BenchRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Qwen Image Bench real-world fidelity54 / 10054 / 100Qwen Image BenchRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Qwen Image Bench creative generation67 / 10066 / 100Qwen Image BenchRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Qwen Image Bench overall60 / 10060 / 100Qwen Image BenchRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GRADE reasoning73 / 10055 / 100GRADERetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GRADE consistency86 / 10082 / 100GRADERetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GRADE readability96 / 10091 / 100GRADERetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GRADE accuracy40 / 10016 / 100GRADERetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenAI-Bench overall preference1,0731,047Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model cardRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
GenAI-Bench visual quality1,129975Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model cardRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Infographics factuality1,074985Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model cardRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
General image editing1,047995Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model cardRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Character editing1,0491,025Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model cardRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Creative editing1,0311,017Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model cardRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Object and environment editing1,018976Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model cardRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Editing with 1-3 input images1,0161,014Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model cardRetrieved Aug 26, 2026
Stylization1,031996Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model cardRetrieved Aug 26, 2026

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