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Head-to-head comparison

Nano Banana Pro vs. Nano Banana 2 Lite

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
16
shared sample prompts
4
latest arena retrieval
2026-09-22

Change image model selection

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 Pro and Nano Banana 2 Lite
AttributeNano Banana ProNano Banana 2 Lite
ProviderGoogleGoogle
ReleasedNovember 2025June 2026
AccessAPI, Web appAPI, Web app
LifecycleNo separate lifecycle noticeNo separate lifecycle notice
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
ParametersNot publishedNot published
Maximum output4K1K
Arena configurationGemini 3 Pro ImageGemini 3.1 Flash Lite Image
Text-to-image price$134 per 1,000 images$33.6 per 1,000 images
Editing price$134 per 1,000 images$33.6 per 1,000 images
Technical sourceModel sourceVerified 2026-08-15Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15
Nano Banana ProNano Banana 2 Lite
Text to Image ArenaUSD per 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels
Nano Banana Pro$134
Nano Banana 2 LiteLower price$33.6
Image Editing ArenaUSD per 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels
Nano Banana Pro$134
Nano Banana 2 LiteLower price$33.6

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Prompt adherence and specialist tests

Shared capability benchmarks

Both checkpoints completed the same four Gradually sample tasks. For each task, 30 archived first outputs are 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. No exact shared result from the integrated research benchmarks is available for this pair.

Nano Banana ProNano Banana 2 Lite
Gradually sample test: Typography and layoutMean of three blind ranks across all 30 first outputs, n = 1 each
Nano Banana ProHigher blind-rank score89.7 / 100
Nano Banana 2 Lite78.2 / 100
Gradually sample test: Product photographyMean of three blind ranks across all 30 first outputs, n = 1 each
Nano Banana Pro51.7 / 100
Nano Banana 2 LiteHigher blind-rank score65.5 / 100
Gradually sample test: Character and detailMean of three blind ranks across all 30 first outputs, n = 1 each
Nano Banana ProHigher blind-rank score39.1 / 100
Nano Banana 2 Lite11.5 / 100
Gradually sample test: InfographicMean of three blind ranks across all 30 first outputs, n = 1 each
Nano Banana Pro34.5 / 100
Nano Banana 2 LiteHigher blind-rank score57.5 / 100

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Capability benchmark scores for Nano Banana Pro and Nano Banana 2 Lite
BenchmarkNano Banana ProNano Banana 2 Lite
Gradually sample test: Typography and layout
Higher blind-rank score89.7 / 100
Mean rank: 4 (4 / 1 / 7)
Five rubric scores
Headline: 1.67 / 2
Subline: 1.67 / 2
Text control: 1.67 / 2
Visual brief: 1.67 / 2
Layout: 1.67 / 2
78.2 / 100
Mean rank: 7.33 (5 / 6 / 11)
Five rubric scores
Headline: 1.67 / 2
Subline: 1.67 / 2
Text control: 1.67 / 2
Visual brief: 1.67 / 2
Layout: 1.33 / 2
Gradually sample test: Product photography
51.7 / 100
Mean rank: 15 (3 / 21 / 21)
Five rubric scores
Subject: 1.67 / 2
Time: 1.33 / 2
Watch details: 1.67 / 2
Photography: 1.67 / 2
Exclusions: 1.67 / 2
Higher blind-rank score65.5 / 100
Mean rank: 11 (8 / 17 / 8)
Five rubric scores
Subject: 1.67 / 2
Time: 1.67 / 2
Watch details: 1.67 / 2
Photography: 1.67 / 2
Exclusions: 1.67 / 2
Gradually sample test: Character and detail
Higher blind-rank score39.1 / 100
Mean rank: 18.67 (5 / 22 / 29)
Five rubric scores
Scene: 1 / 2
Wardrobe: 1 / 2
Anatomy: 1 / 2
Props: 1 / 2
Environment: 1 / 2
11.5 / 100
Mean rank: 26.67 (30 / 30 / 20)
Five rubric scores
Scene: 1 / 2
Wardrobe: 1 / 2
Anatomy: 1 / 2
Props: 1 / 2
Environment: 1 / 2
Gradually sample test: Infographic
34.5 / 100
Mean rank: 20 (19 / 21 / 20)
Five rubric scores
Title: 1.67 / 2
Sequence: 1.67 / 2
Labels: 0.67 / 2
Diagram: 1.67 / 2
Clarity: 1 / 2
Higher blind-rank score57.5 / 100
Mean rank: 13.33 (15 / 13 / 12)
Five rubric scores
Title: 1.67 / 2
Sequence: 1.33 / 2
Labels: 1 / 2
Diagram: 1.33 / 2
Clarity: 1.33 / 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 ProNano Banana 2 Lite
Text to Image ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana ProNo clear lead1,100 Elo
Nano Banana 2 Lite1,092 Elo
Image Editing ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana ProHigher score1,096 Elo
Nano Banana 2 Lite1,042 Elo
LMArena Text to Image: 3D modelingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana ProNo clear lead1,231.053
Nano Banana 2 Lite1,226.293
LMArena Text to Image: ArtBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana Pro1,223.222
Nano Banana 2 LiteHigher score1,255.576
LMArena Text to Image: CartoonBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana Pro1,242.36
Nano Banana 2 LiteHigher score1,257.93
LMArena Text to Image: Commercial designBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana Pro1,245.874
Nano Banana 2 LiteNo clear lead1,250.509
LMArena Text to Image: OverallBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana Pro1,246.241
Nano Banana 2 LiteNo clear lead1,250.402
LMArena Text to Image: PhotorealismBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana Pro1,259.845
Nano Banana 2 LiteNo clear lead1,260.141
LMArena Text to Image: PortraitsBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana ProNo clear lead1,256.799
Nano Banana 2 Lite1,247.68
LMArena Text to Image: Text renderingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana Pro1,269.94
Nano Banana 2 LiteNo clear lead1,275.491
LMArena Image Editing: Multi-image editingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana ProHigher score1,362.666
Nano Banana 2 Lite1,289.38
LMArena Image Editing: OverallBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better
Nano Banana ProHigher score1,390.037
Nano Banana 2 Lite1,314.296

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Arena benchmark scores for Nano Banana Pro and Nano Banana 2 Lite
BenchmarkNano Banana ProNano Banana 2 LiteSource
Text to Image Arena
No clear lead1,100 Elo
Rank 10, 95% confidence interval: ±8, 15,977 ratings
1,092 Elo
Rank 13, 95% confidence interval: ±8, 15,812 ratings
Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-09-22
Image Editing Arena
Higher score1,096 Elo
Rank 13, 95% confidence interval: ±8, 13,170 ratings
1,042 Elo
Rank 23, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 5,732 ratings
Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-09-22
LMArena Text to Image: 3D modeling
No clear lead1,231.053
Rank 12, 95% confidence interval: ±6.77, 14,827 ratings
1,226.293
Rank 13, 95% confidence interval: ±14.58, 1,568 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19
LMArena Text to Image: Art
1,223.222
Rank 15, 95% confidence interval: ±5.95, 21,618 ratings
Higher score1,255.576
Rank 12, 95% confidence interval: ±12.19, 2,303 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19
LMArena Text to Image: Cartoon
1,242.36
Rank 15, 95% confidence interval: ±4.73, 61,392 ratings
Higher score1,257.93
Rank 13, 95% confidence interval: ±8.68, 6,253 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19
LMArena Text to Image: Commercial design
1,245.874
Rank 13, 95% confidence interval: ±4.66, 54,136 ratings
No clear lead1,250.509
Rank 12, 95% confidence interval: ±8.73, 5,899 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19
LMArena Text to Image: Overall
1,246.241
Rank 14, 95% confidence interval: ±3.23, 152,220 ratings
No clear lead1,250.402
Rank 13, 95% confidence interval: ±6.19, 16,371 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19
LMArena Text to Image: Photorealism
1,259.845
Rank 12, 95% confidence interval: ±4.58, 64,470 ratings
No clear lead1,260.141
Rank 11, 95% confidence interval: ±8.56, 6,745 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19
LMArena Text to Image: Portraits
No clear lead1,256.799
Rank 14, 95% confidence interval: ±5.56, 34,276 ratings
1,247.68
Rank 15, 95% confidence interval: ±10.67, 3,352 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19
LMArena Text to Image: Text rendering
1,269.94
Rank 13, 95% confidence interval: ±4.95, 50,538 ratings
No clear lead1,275.491
Rank 12, 95% confidence interval: ±9.1, 5,412 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19
LMArena Image Editing: Multi-image editing
Higher score1,362.666
Rank 8, 95% confidence interval: ±3.52, 220,858 ratings
1,289.38
Rank 14, 95% confidence interval: ±5.21, 26,348 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19
LMArena Image Editing: Overall
Higher score1,390.037
Rank 9, 95% confidence interval: ±2.75, 556,580 ratings
1,314.296
Rank 19, 95% confidence interval: ±4.92, 59,280 ratings
LMArenaRetrieved 2026-09-19

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

Nano Banana 2 Lite, Character and detail
Nano Banana Pro, Character and detail
Nano Banana Pro
Nano Banana 2 Lite
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 Pro. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/gemini-3-pro-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:20 PM. Source
Nano Banana 2 Lite. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/flash-image-3.1-lite, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:21 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 985a75b38642a9f0e5e0c0e0c67f1b7f67780d42bd2168fa24e9a7a7a94b0da6

Nano Banana Pro, image SHA 256: eed53dcc080d2710e6e890382f6273382a12e2c5b079b8813962bff0c92b5df7

Nano Banana Pro, request SHA 256: 12c91e972a7256b1386b22420c0c84e30b85ac6e07830eea944755e5bd9742fc

Nano Banana 2 Lite, image SHA 256: 6c7d17b2a84129cbeba7d52c8de703773e9296562d9d603688256d2717e65a0c

Nano Banana 2 Lite, request SHA 256: c8a36467199e361b900613c1db90cb99b0f552ddb7f7c7f2dd4aeb51ddb5ee1a

Infographic

Numbers, labels, and visual organization

Nano Banana 2 Lite, Infographic
Nano Banana Pro, Infographic
Nano Banana Pro
Nano Banana 2 Lite
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.

Nano Banana Pro. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/gemini-3-pro-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:20 PM. Source
Nano Banana 2 Lite. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/flash-image-3.1-lite, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:21 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: ed65cb4e6a51e2336f8b149ad4cbb16e020f07d527ad94362e719d2dcf91d94f

Nano Banana Pro, image SHA 256: 4ff7d3965d18e197f00647c35d6aed5a86a376c92779ee9e748c598aebafa51d

Nano Banana Pro, request SHA 256: a69a5193f107aac4f7532f021fc4306c0907470f40f984d0b263728e292d8f1b

Nano Banana 2 Lite, image SHA 256: 11d8b5ddf15becefa6e4e32fca21729ff7d57f561a10e3a2b4b6f5c7a0aed6ef

Nano Banana 2 Lite, request SHA 256: 0e6096a9f082a718e45fcf3733bf3ffc92cb6c9db66b8c2c73d6c764ea0b15c8

Product photography

Materials, reflections, and fine details

Nano Banana 2 Lite, Product photography
Nano Banana Pro, Product photography
Nano Banana Pro
Nano Banana 2 Lite
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.

Nano Banana Pro. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/gemini-3-pro-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:19 PM. Source
Nano Banana 2 Lite. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/flash-image-3.1-lite, generated Aug 14, 2026, 12:21 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: c67fd71e91304458a2feef5c91efa8677260fab0c0099a29a2c52cb579f5b2f3

Nano Banana Pro, image SHA 256: d50770f426cac7920c9ffdaf210db2f11cdc51a8cf0b7ef52e6cd26850b1de70

Nano Banana Pro, request SHA 256: 92d73f9638fa47ea30f0ceefdeb5eb2ca7d4a018b4b4835463bd0ea29d0495cf

Nano Banana 2 Lite, image SHA 256: 30d9b09b92917eca84675448260a083ad368d9ea25376dabccac0f526f3a3ab7

Nano Banana 2 Lite, request SHA 256: cab5c6b0ea5c96eb96b640e581e0fe296421c7fffec3aad04f9394c978814ca1

Typography and layout

Legible text, hierarchy, and composition

Nano Banana 2 Lite, Typography and layout
Nano Banana Pro, Typography and layout
Nano Banana Pro
Nano Banana 2 Lite
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 Pro. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/gemini-3-pro-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 2:00 PM. Source
Nano Banana 2 Lite. Provider Together, 1024x1024, n=1, seed=provider random, provider default steps, model ID google/flash-image-3.1-lite, generated Aug 14, 2026, 2:00 PM. Source

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

Prompt SHA 256: 2e012c3d14ee5dd02203a94f394ca80a5038cdebd6032b25a8b8a221f2255419

Nano Banana Pro, image SHA 256: fc173de00b0df04772321167cfeabb55418d3d016081e7ebfb589c69a629b712

Nano Banana Pro, request SHA 256: d686c572b086aa9f5d019886e8182c8f41c5d35bfb43bc6b6937feccba8a73eb

Nano Banana 2 Lite, image SHA 256: 9fab80fe1ad268b9ceceb4ef61ef1dd0e965dd3f28d377af7cf9cf201fdf47fa

Nano Banana 2 Lite, request SHA 256: 942506d572642220473dd80be80ff16950d6d11f31fab2b5c3145f3f2a9b2513

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 Pro and Nano Banana 2 Lite with other important image models under the same evidence rules. Each page shows only exact shared measurements and samples.

View the complete image model comparison