Head-to-head comparison
Nano Banana Pro vs. MAI-Image-2.6 Flash
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
- 2
- shared sample prompts
- 0
- latest arena retrieval
- 2026-09-22
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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.
| Attribute | Nano Banana Pro | MAI-Image-2.6 Flash |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Microsoft AI | |
| Released | November 2025 | July 31, 2026 |
| Access | API, Web app | API |
| Lifecycle | No separate lifecycle notice | Preview in Microsoft Foundry Status source |
| Weights | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Parameters | Not published | Not published |
| Maximum output | 4K | 2,359,296 pixels |
| Arena configuration | Gemini 3 Pro Image | No separate configuration named |
| Text-to-image price | $134 per 1,000 images | $19.5 per 1,000 images |
| Editing price | $134 per 1,000 images | $19.5 per 1,000 images |
| Technical source | Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15 | Model sourceVerified 2026-09-24 |
Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie
Prompt adherence and specialist tests
Shared capability benchmarks
These exact checkpoints have not both completed the fixed Gradually sample protocol. Earlier checkpoints do not substitute for them. No exact shared result from the integrated research benchmarks is available for this pair.
No shared Gradually ranking yet
A score appears only after both exact checkpoints complete all four fixed prompts and the same blind evaluation.
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.
Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie
| Benchmark | Nano Banana Pro | MAI-Image-2.6 Flash | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text to Image Arena | Tie1,100 Elo Rank 10, 95% confidence interval: ±8, 15,977 ratings | Tie1,100 Elo Rank 11, 95% confidence interval: ±10, 5,636 ratings | Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-09-22 |
| Image Editing Arena | 1,096 Elo Rank 13, 95% confidence interval: ±8, 13,170 ratings | Higher score1,124 Elo Rank 4, 95% confidence interval: ±8, 10,342 ratings | Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-09-22 |
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.
No shared documented run yet
The fixed test suite covers typography, product photography, character details, and an infographic. A prompt appears only after both models have a verifiable first run.
Missing image run for MAI-Image-2.6 Flash
Missing prompts. Typography and layout, Product photography, Character and detail, Infographic.
No results with the four fixed test prompts are available for this model yet.
Next step. Run the four fixed prompts with this model, archive the first outputs, and evaluate them blind.
DocumentationHow 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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