AI image model comparison
GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs MAI-Image-2.6
Image quality, cost per image, and editing features compared side by side. Or skip the guesswork and generate with both.
OpenAI
GPT Image 2.5 Flare
GPT Image 2.5 Flare is an image generation and editing model from OpenAI, positioned as the speed-oriented tier of the GPT Image 2.5 series.
- Per image
- Not available
- Output / 1M
- $30
- Image Elo
- Not available
Microsoft
MAI-Image-2.6
MAI-Image-2.6 is an image generation and editing model from Microsoft AI, the precision tier of the MAI-Image-2.6 family alongside the faster [MAI-Image-2.6 Flash](/microsoft/mai-image-2.6-flash).
- Per image
- Not available
- Output / 1M
- $38
- Image Elo
- 1318
At a glance
Quick verdict
Which model wins on the things that matter most when you're making images.
Cheaper per image
Not available
Per-image price is not available
Better image quality
Not available
Not enough arena data
Better at editing
Not available
Only one editing score is available
Newer release
GPT Image 2.5 Flare
Released September 9, 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
GPT Image 2.5 FlareNot availableImage editing
GPT Image 2.5 FlareNot availableGraphic design
GPT Image 2.5 FlareNot availableLogos
GPT Image 2.5 FlareNot availablePricing
GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs MAI-Image-2.6 price per image
What each image actually costs, plus the underlying API rates. Cheaper option highlighted.
| Metric | GPT Image 2.5 Flare | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per imageEstimated, ~1 megapixel (1024×1024) | Not available | Not available |
| Image outputPer 1M image tokens | $30 | $38 |
| Tokens per imageHow many image tokens one ~1MP image uses | Not available | Not available |
| Prompt textPer 1M input tokens | $8 | $5 |
What it costs in practice
Estimated totals at standard resolution.
Single image
1 image
GPT Image 2.5 FlareNot availableSocial media batch
50 images
GPT Image 2.5 FlareNot availableProduct catalog
1,000 images
GPT Image 2.5 FlareNot availableSpecs
Inputs, outputs, and limits
What each model accepts, what it gives back, and how long your prompt can be.
| Metric | GPT Image 2.5 Flare | |
|---|---|---|
| Accepts | Image, Text | Image, Text |
| Produces | Image | Image |
| Max prompt lengthText plus reference images | 400K tokens | 4K tokens |
| Reasoning step | No | No |
| Release date | September 9, 2026 | September 4, 2026 |
Features
Supported features
Creative controls available for each model.
| Metric | GPT Image 2.5 Flare | |
|---|---|---|
| Image editingAccepts reference or source images | Supported | Supported |
| Text alongside imagesCan explain or caption what it made | Not supported | Not supported |
| Thinks before drawingPlans the image with a reasoning step | Not supported | Not supported |
| Reproducible seedsSame seed, same image | Supported | Not supported |
| Temperature controlTrade consistency for variety | Not supported | Supported |
Keep exploring
More on these models
Other head-to-heads, the full model page, and the alternatives list for each model.
GPT Image 2.5 FlareView full model details- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs Nano Banana 2 Lite
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs GPT-5.4 Image 2
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs GPT Image 2
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs Ming Image 0.1 Design
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs Nano Banana 2.1
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs Hy Image 3.5 Preview
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs GPT-5 Image Mini
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs GPT-5 Image
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs MAI-Image-2.6 Flash
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs GPT Image 1
- GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs MAI-Image-2.5
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Riverflow V2.5 Pro
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs MAI-Image-2.6 Flash
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana 2
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana Pro
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs MAI-Image-2.5
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs FLUX.2 Flex
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs FLUX.2 Pro
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Seedream 4.5
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana 2 Lite
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs GPT-5.4 Image 2
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs GPT Image 2
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Ming Image 0.1 Design
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana 2.1
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs GPT Image 1
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can GPT Image 2.5 Flare and MAI-Image-2.6 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 GPT Image 2.5 Flare and MAI-Image-2.6 at the same time?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to multiple image models at once, so you can see GPT Image 2.5 Flare and MAI-Image-2.6 results side by side and keep the one you like.
Why choose? Generate with both.
Send one prompt to GPT Image 2.5 Flare and MAI-Image-2.6 at the same time. See both images side by side and keep the one you like.