AI image model comparison
Nano Banana 2 vs MAI-Image-2.5
Image quality, cost per image, and editing features compared side by side. Or skip the guesswork and generate with both.
Gemini 3.1 Flash Image, a.k.a. "Nano Banana 2," is Google’s latest state of the art image generation and editing model, delivering Pro-level visual quality at Flash speed.
- Per image
- $0.067
- Output / 1M
- $60
- Image Elo
- 1277
Microsoft
MAI-Image-2.5
Microsoft AI's MAI-Image-2.5 is a high-quality image generation model available via Azure AI Foundry.
- Per image
- Not available
- Output / 1M
- $47
- Image Elo
- 1226
At a glance
Quick verdict
Which model wins on the things that matter most when you're making images.
Cheaper per image
Not available
Only one lists a per-image price
Better image quality
Nano Banana 2
1277 vs 1226 Elo in blind votes
Better at editing
Not available
Only one editing score is available
Newer release
Nano Banana 2
Released June 18, 2026
Quality
Image quality rankings
Elo ratings from Design Arena, where people vote between two anonymous images made from the same prompt. Higher is better.
Image generation
Image editing
Graphic design
Logos
Pricing
Nano Banana 2 vs MAI-Image-2.5 price per image
What each image actually costs, plus the underlying API rates. Cheaper option highlighted.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cost per imageEstimated, ~1 megapixel (1024×1024) | $0.067 | Not available |
| Image outputPer 1M image tokens | $60 | $47 |
| Tokens per imageHow many image tokens one ~1MP image uses | 1,120 | Not available |
| Prompt textPer 1M input tokens | $0.50 | $5 |
What it costs in practice
Estimated totals at standard resolution.
Single image
1 image
Social media batch
50 images
Product catalog
1,000 images
Specs
Inputs, outputs, and limits
What each model accepts, what it gives back, and how long your prompt can be.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accepts | Image, Text | Image, Text |
| Produces | Image, Text | Image |
| Max prompt lengthText plus reference images | 131K tokens | 4K tokens |
| Reasoning step | Optional | No |
| Release date | June 18, 2026 | June 2, 2026 |
Features
Supported features
Creative controls available for each model.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Image editingAccepts reference or source images | Supported | Supported |
| Text alongside imagesCan explain or caption what it made | Supported | Not supported |
| Thinks before drawingPlans the image with a reasoning step | Supported | Not supported |
| Reproducible seedsSame seed, same image | Supported | Not supported |
| Temperature controlTrade consistency for variety | Supported | Supported |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which makes better images, Nano Banana 2 or MAI-Image-2.5?
In blind votes on Design Arena, Nano Banana 2 has an image generation Elo of 1277 and MAI-Image-2.5 has 1226, putting Nano Banana 2 ahead. Taste varies by style, so the best test is running your own prompts through both.
Can Nano Banana 2 and MAI-Image-2.5 edit existing images?
Yes. Both accept reference images, so you can upload a photo and ask for changes like a new background, different lighting, or added text.
Can I use Nano Banana 2 and MAI-Image-2.5 at the same time?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to multiple image models at once, so you can see Nano Banana 2 and MAI-Image-2.5 results side by side and keep the one you like.
Why choose? Generate with both.
Send one prompt to Nano Banana 2 and MAI-Image-2.5 at the same time. See both images side by side and keep the one you like.