Head-to-head comparison

Reve 2.1 vs. MAI-Image-2.5

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: 15
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 Reve 2.1 and MAI-Image-2.5
Attribute	Reve 2.1	MAI-Image-2.5
Provider	Reve	Microsoft AI
Released	July 2026	June 2026
Access	API, Web app	API, Web app
Lifecycle	No separate lifecycle notice	Preview in Microsoft Foundry Status source
Weights	Proprietary	Proprietary
Parameters	Not published	20 billion
Maximum output	4K	1,048,576 pixels
Arena configuration	No separate configuration named	No separate configuration named
Text-to-image price	$200 per 1,000 images	$48.1 per 1,000 images
Editing price	$200 per 1,000 images	$48.1 per 1,000 images
Technical source	Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15	Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15

Reve 2.1MAI-Image-2.5

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

Reve 2.1$200

MAI-Image-2.5$48.1

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

Reve 2.1$200

MAI-Image-2.5$48.1

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. No exact shared result from the integrated research benchmarks is available for this pair.

Reve 2.1MAI-Image-2.5

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

Reve 2.135.8 / 100

MAI-Image-2.593.8 / 100

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

Reve 2.151.9 / 100

MAI-Image-2.586.4 / 100

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

Reve 2.132.1 / 100

MAI-Image-2.524.7 / 100

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

Reve 2.197.5 / 100

MAI-Image-2.565.4 / 100

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Capability benchmark scores for Reve 2.1 and MAI-Image-2.5
Benchmark	Reve 2.1	MAI-Image-2.5
Gradually sample test: Typography and layout	35.8 / 100 Mean rank: 18.33 (21 / 14 / 20) Five rubric scores Headline: 1.67 / 2 Subline: 1.67 / 2 Text control: 1.67 / 2 Visual brief: 1.33 / 2 Layout: 1 / 2	Higher blind-rank score93.8 / 100 Mean rank: 2.67 (2 / 3 / 3) 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
Gradually sample test: Product photography	51.9 / 100 Mean rank: 14 (9 / 15 / 18) Five rubric scores Subject: 1.33 / 2 Time: 1.33 / 2 Watch details: 1.33 / 2 Photography: 1.33 / 2 Exclusions: 1.33 / 2	Higher blind-rank score86.4 / 100 Mean rank: 4.67 (1 / 5 / 8) Five rubric scores Subject: 1.33 / 2 Time: 1.33 / 2 Watch details: 1.33 / 2 Photography: 1.33 / 2 Exclusions: 1.33 / 2
Gradually sample test: Character and detail	Higher blind-rank score32.1 / 100 Mean rank: 19.33 (22 / 20 / 16) Five rubric scores Scene: 1.33 / 2 Wardrobe: 1.33 / 2 Anatomy: 0.33 / 2 Props: 1 / 2 Environment: 1.33 / 2	24.7 / 100 Mean rank: 21.33 (21 / 21 / 22) Five rubric scores Scene: 1.33 / 2 Wardrobe: 1 / 2 Anatomy: 1 / 2 Props: 0.33 / 2 Environment: 1.33 / 2
Gradually sample test: Infographic	Higher blind-rank score97.5 / 100 Mean rank: 1.67 (2 / 1 / 2) Five rubric scores Title: 1.67 / 2 Sequence: 1.67 / 2 Labels: 1.67 / 2 Diagram: 1.67 / 2 Clarity: 1.67 / 2	65.4 / 100 Mean rank: 10.33 (11 / 10 / 10) Five rubric scores Title: 1.67 / 2 Sequence: 1 / 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.

11 shared result series

Reve 2.1MAI-Image-2.5

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

Reve 2.11,322 Elo

MAI-Image-2.51,303 Elo

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

Reve 2.11,263 Elo

MAI-Image-2.51,257 Elo

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

Reve 2.11,272.907

MAI-Image-2.51,246.107

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

Reve 2.11,287.61

MAI-Image-2.51,277.636

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

Reve 2.11,309.93

MAI-Image-2.51,270.066

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

Reve 2.11,314.26

MAI-Image-2.51,260.487

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

Reve 2.11,301.588

MAI-Image-2.51,256.13

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

Reve 2.11,302.563

MAI-Image-2.51,253.013

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

Reve 2.11,316.543

MAI-Image-2.51,259.199

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

Reve 2.11,340.56

MAI-Image-2.51,282.791

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

Reve 2.11,375.077

MAI-Image-2.51,401.279

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Arena benchmark scores for Reve 2.1 and MAI-Image-2.5
Benchmark	Reve 2.1	MAI-Image-2.5	Source
Text to Image Arena	Higher score1,322 Elo Rank 3, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 15,860 ratings	1,303 Elo Rank 6, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 14,800 ratings	Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26
Image Editing Arena	No clear lead1,263 Elo Rank 3, 95% confidence interval: ±10, 5,689 ratings	1,257 Elo Rank 4, 95% confidence interval: ±8, 11,305 ratings	Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: 3D modeling	No clear lead1,272.907 Rank 2, 95% confidence interval: ±22.44, 683 ratings	1,246.107 Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±9.6, 4,252 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Art	No clear lead1,287.61 Rank 2, 95% confidence interval: ±17.35, 1,102 ratings	1,277.636 Rank 3, 95% confidence interval: ±8.37, 6,571 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Cartoon	Higher score1,309.93 Rank 2, 95% confidence interval: ±11.32, 2,930 ratings	1,270.066 Rank 7, 95% confidence interval: ±6.37, 17,440 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Commercial design	Higher score1,314.26 Rank 2, 95% confidence interval: ±11.59, 2,731 ratings	1,260.487 Rank 6, 95% confidence interval: ±6.3, 17,261 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Overall	Higher score1,301.588 Rank 2, 95% confidence interval: ±7.71, 7,598 ratings	1,256.13 Rank 8, 95% confidence interval: ±4.57, 44,940 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Photorealism	Higher score1,302.563 Rank 2, 95% confidence interval: ±11.07, 3,038 ratings	1,253.013 Rank 10, 95% confidence interval: ±6.3, 17,468 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Portraits	Higher score1,316.543 Rank 2, 95% confidence interval: ±15.5, 1,472 ratings	1,259.199 Rank 10, 95% confidence interval: ±7.61, 8,541 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Text rendering	Higher score1,340.56 Rank 2, 95% confidence interval: ±12.24, 2,542 ratings	1,282.791 Rank 7, 95% confidence interval: ±6.6, 15,799 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Image Editing: Overall	1,375.077 Rank 12, 95% confidence interval: ±6.2, 19,116 ratings	Higher score1,401.279 Rank 5, 95% confidence interval: ±3.56, 170,301 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.

Reve 2.1. Provider Manual import, Official Reve web app; Reve 2.1; chat creation; one request; 1:1 requested in prompt; first of two results; free plan; 2026-08-14; https://app.reve.com/model, source 4096x4096, stored 1024x1024 (Lanczos3 downscale), model ID manual export, generated Aug 14, 2026, 4:23 PM. Source
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

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

Prompt SHA 256: 985a75b38642a9f0e5e0c0e0c67f1b7f67780d42bd2168fa24e9a7a7a94b0da6

Reve 2.1, image SHA 256: 29e9f7f38ed5c63dcfaab671a49fb9f4e9f82cd24b99134b87e1c22442822126

MAI-Image-2.5, image SHA 256: ca1c58688ae4601975d7e1f7b58bb43a0a999e736f610d9f51cd11e06284bced

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

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.

Reve 2.1. Provider Manual import, Official Reve web app; Reve 2.1; chat creation; one request; 1:1 requested in prompt; first of two results; free plan; 2026-08-14; https://app.reve.com/model, source 4096x4096, stored 1024x1024 (Lanczos3 downscale), model ID manual export, generated Aug 14, 2026, 4:23 PM. Source
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

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

Prompt SHA 256: ed65cb4e6a51e2336f8b149ad4cbb16e020f07d527ad94362e719d2dcf91d94f

Reve 2.1, image SHA 256: 30d157e85d75eb2ca1f71152d27f26d378ad8ea49b899d5f350ae0cda4e2bc59

MAI-Image-2.5, image SHA 256: eaf00a906231e8859f98ef5dc2cce7e8017797819aea453305a4ef0e970d4dbf

MAI-Image-2.5, request SHA 256: bbedc701e9933a8d6ed0fbb2a6fbb7214214fad9d32d9ae80a114a7254a0bcf1

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.

Reve 2.1. Provider Manual import, Official Reve web app; Reve 2.1; chat creation; one request; 1:1 requested in prompt; first of two results; free plan; 2026-08-14; https://app.reve.com/model, source 4096x4096, stored 1024x1024 (Lanczos3 downscale), model ID manual export, generated Aug 14, 2026, 4:23 PM. Source
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

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

Prompt SHA 256: c67fd71e91304458a2feef5c91efa8677260fab0c0099a29a2c52cb579f5b2f3

Reve 2.1, image SHA 256: 1f91c3cb481151fb5165194b4edea2a46e786ca80e4ec3bdd888e3ba0016c510

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

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

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.

Reve 2.1. Provider Manual import, Official Reve web app; Reve 2.1; chat creation; one request; 1:1 requested in prompt; first of two results; free plan; 2026-08-14; https://app.reve.com/model, source 4096x4096, stored 1024x1024 (Lanczos3 downscale), model ID manual export, generated Aug 14, 2026, 4:23 PM. Source
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

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

Prompt SHA 256: 2e012c3d14ee5dd02203a94f394ca80a5038cdebd6032b25a8b8a221f2255419

Reve 2.1, image SHA 256: 84bcd1680fd0ae861ec66c21ab8f4cd79738bd093eb87ffe7283d9842c37cb1d

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

MAI-Image-2.5, request SHA 256: f14577273bd6b0980f49e13988b01555bb55dc824317b201b5fab3d2ef72e666

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 Reve 2.1 and MAI-Image-2.5 with other important image models using the same benchmark and sample methodology.

View the complete image model comparison

Reve 2.1 vs. MAI-Image-2.5

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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