# GPT Image 2 vs Nano Banana vs Seedream vs Z-Image

Choose by output quality, reference-image count, aspect-ratio needs, and how complex the visual reasoning is.

## Decision rules

- GPT Image 2: Choose GPT Image 2 when the output needs to be client-ready, when you want the broadest size controls, or when a prompt needs many reference images.
- GPT Image 2 Saver: Choose GPT Image 2 Saver for the lowest price per image on GPT Image 2 at any quality and resolution; choose standard GPT Image 2 when you need up to 16 reference images.
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare: Choose GPT Image 2.5 Flare for fast, high-quality everyday generation and editing once it is enabled; choose Sunburst when editing precision matters most.
- GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst: Choose GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst when editing precision matters more than speed; choose Flare for everyday generation.
- Nano Banana: Choose Nano Banana when you need speed and a lightweight reference-image workflow more than high-resolution output.
- Nano Banana 2: Choose Nano Banana 2 when you want Gemini speed, more references, and higher-resolution exports without the full Pro image model.
- Nano Banana 2.1: Choose Nano Banana 2.1 for Gemini image generation at half the price of Nano Banana 2, especially for text-heavy layouts; choose Nano Banana 2 or Pro when you need a faster turnaround.
- Nano Banana Pro: Choose Nano Banana Pro for the most demanding Gemini image prompts, especially high-resolution commercial scenes, stronger text handling, and multi-reference art direction.
- Nano Banana 2 Lite: Choose Nano Banana 2 Lite for the fastest 1K Gemini images, such as icons, stickers, and drafts; choose Nano Banana 2.1 for text-heavy layouts, larger sizes, or multi-image edits.
- Seedream 4.0: Choose Seedream 4.0 for photographic scenes and budget 4K output at one flat price; choose Seedream 4.5 or 5.0 Pro for posters and text-heavy designs.
- Seedream 4.5: Choose Seedream 4.5 for product posters, clean typography, and 4K product photos; choose Seedream 4.0 for budget photographic scenes or 1K drafts.
- Seedream 5.0: Choose Seedream 5.0 for illustration, character sheets, and 4K artwork at the lowest Seedream price; choose Seedream 5.0 Pro for text-heavy posters.
- Seedream 5.0 Pro: Choose Seedream 5.0 Pro for posters and designs where the text must be exactly right; choose Seedream 4.5 or 5.0 when you need 4K or faster renders.
- Seedream 5.0 Lite: Choose Seedream 5.0 Lite for natural portraits, interiors, and relighting edits at 2K; choose Seedream 5.0 or 4.5 for 4K, or Seedream 5.0 Pro for typography.
- Z-Image Turbo: Choose Z-Image Turbo for low-cost photographic scenes and product shots at 1K or 2K; choose a Seedream or Nano Banana model when you need reference edits or 4K.

## Capability matrix

| Model | Provider | Quality | References | Best use |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GPT Image 2 | OpenAI | 1K, 2K, 4K | 16 | Product renders, ad concepts, campaign key visuals, thumbnails, and social creatives. |
| GPT Image 2 Saver | OpenAI | 1K, 2K, 4K | 14 | High-volume drafts and prompt exploration where cost per image matters most. |
| GPT Image 2.5 Flare | OpenAI | 1K, 2K, 4K | 16 | Everyday generation and editing where speed and consistent quality matter more than maximum precision. |
| GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst | OpenAI | 1K, 2K, 4K | 16 | Masked or multi-reference edits where small details must land exactly where the prompt says. |
| Nano Banana | Google Gemini | 1K | 3 | Moodboard passes, visual ideation, small social concepts, and early product shot exploration. |
| Nano Banana 2 | Google Gemini | 1K, 2K, 4K | 14 | Campaign concept sets, UI mockup imagery, creator thumbnails, and product lifestyle scenes. |
| Nano Banana 2.1 | Google Gemini | 1K, 2K, 4K | 14 | Menus, price lists, posters, and infographics where the text has to be right. |
| Nano Banana Pro | Google Gemini | 1K, 2K, 4K | 14 | High-detail product scenes, editorial campaigns, ad concepts, cinematic images, and brand art direction. |
| Nano Banana 2 Lite | Google Gemini | 1K | 3 | Icon, sticker, and emoji-style concepts. |
| Seedream 4.0 | ByteDance Seedream | 1K, 2K, 4K | 10 | 4K landscapes and backgrounds on a budget. |
| Seedream 4.5 | ByteDance Seedream | 2K, 4K | 10 | Product posters and ads with short headlines. |
| Seedream 5.0 | ByteDance Seedream | 2K, 4K | 10 | Illustrations and concept art at 2K or 4K. |
| Seedream 5.0 Pro | ByteDance Seedream | 1K, 2K | 10 | Event and travel posters with titles and dates. |
| Seedream 5.0 Lite | ByteDance Seedream | 2K | 10 | Portraits and documentary-style photos. |
| Z-Image Turbo | Alibaba Tongyi | 1K, 2K | 0 | Photographic scenes on a budget. |