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AI image model comparison

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst vs GPT Image 1

Image quality, cost per image, and editing features compared side by side. Or skip the guesswork and generate with both.

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OpenAI

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst is an image generation and editing model from OpenAI, positioned as the precision-oriented tier of the GPT Image 2.5 series.

Per image
Not available
Output / 1M
$30
Image Elo
Not available
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OpenAI

GPT Image 1

OpenAI's GPT Image 1 generates and edits images via the dedicated Images API.

Per image
Not available
Output / 1M
$40
Image Elo
Not available

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

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GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst

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

openai logoGPT Image 2.5 SunburstNot available
openai logoGPT Image 1Not available

Image editing

openai logoGPT Image 2.5 SunburstNot available
openai logoGPT Image 1#7 · 46.6% wins1106

Graphic design

openai logoGPT Image 2.5 SunburstNot available
openai logoGPT Image 1Not available

Logos

openai logoGPT Image 2.5 SunburstNot available
openai logoGPT Image 1Not available

Pricing

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst vs GPT Image 1 price per image

What each image actually costs, plus the underlying API rates. Cheaper option highlighted.

Metricopenai logoGPT Image 2.5 Sunburstopenai logoGPT Image 1
Cost per imageEstimated, ~1 megapixel (1024×1024)Not availableNot available
Image outputPer 1M image tokens$30$40
Tokens per imageHow many image tokens one ~1MP image usesNot availableNot available
Prompt textPer 1M input tokens$8$10

What it costs in practice

Estimated totals at standard resolution.

Single image

1 image

openai logoGPT Image 2.5 SunburstNot available
openai logoGPT Image 1Not available

Social media batch

50 images

openai logoGPT Image 2.5 SunburstNot available
openai logoGPT Image 1Not available

Product catalog

1,000 images

openai logoGPT Image 2.5 SunburstNot available
openai logoGPT Image 1Not available

Specs

Inputs, outputs, and limits

What each model accepts, what it gives back, and how long your prompt can be.

Metricopenai logoGPT Image 2.5 Sunburstopenai logoGPT Image 1
AcceptsImage, TextImage, Text
ProducesImageImage
Max prompt lengthText plus reference images400K tokens400K tokens
Reasoning stepNoNo
Release dateSeptember 9, 2026June 24, 2026

Features

Supported features

Creative controls available for each model.

Metricopenai logoGPT Image 2.5 Sunburstopenai logoGPT Image 1
Image editingAccepts reference or source imagesSupportedSupported
Text alongside imagesCan explain or caption what it madeNot supportedNot supported
Thinks before drawingPlans the image with a reasoning stepNot supportedNot supported
Reproducible seedsSame seed, same imageSupportedSupported
Temperature controlTrade consistency for varietyNot supportedNot supported

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst and GPT Image 1 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 Sunburst and GPT Image 1 at the same time?

Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to multiple image models at once, so you can see GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst and GPT Image 1 results side by side and keep the one you like.

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Why choose? Generate with both.

Send one prompt to GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst and GPT Image 1 at the same time. See both images side by side and keep the one you like.

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