AI image model comparison
Grok Imagine Image Quality vs Seedream 4.5
Image quality, cost per image, and editing features compared side by side. Or skip the guesswork and generate with both.
Grok Imagine Image Quality is SpaceXAI's fast, high-fidelity image generation and editing model.
- Per image
- $0.05
- Output / 1M
- $11.98
- Image Elo
- Not available
ByteDance Seed
Seedream 4.5
Seedream 4.5 is the latest in-house image generation model developed by ByteDance.
- Per image
- $0.04
- Output / 1M
- $9.58
- 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
Seedream 4.5
$0.04 vs $0.05, 1.2x cheaper
Better image quality
Not available
Not enough arena data
Better at editing
Not available
Not enough arena data
Newer release
Grok Imagine Image Quality
Released May 18, 2026
Pricing
Grok Imagine Image Quality vs Seedream 4.5 price per image
What each image actually costs, plus the underlying API rates. Cheaper option highlighted.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cost per imageEstimated, ~1 megapixel (1024×1024) | $0.05 | $0.04 |
| Image outputPer 1M image tokens | $11.98 | $9.58 |
| Tokens per imageHow many image tokens one ~1MP image uses | 4,175 | 4,175 |
| Prompt textPer 1M input tokens | Included | Included |
| Reference imagesPer 1M input image tokens | $10000 | Included |
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 | Image |
| Max prompt lengthText plus reference images | 66K tokens | 4K tokens |
| Reasoning step | No | No |
| Release date | May 18, 2026 | December 23, 2025 |
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 | 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 | Supported | Supported |
Our take
Seedream 4.5 is 1.2x cheaper per image. The right pick depends on your workload, so the quickest way to settle it is to send the same prompt to both and compare.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Grok Imagine Image Quality or Seedream 4.5 cheaper?
Seedream 4.5 is cheaper at about $0.04 per standard image, compared with $0.05 for Grok Imagine Image Quality. For 1,000 images that is $40 versus $50.
Can Grok Imagine Image Quality and Seedream 4.5 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 Grok Imagine Image Quality and Seedream 4.5 at the same time?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to multiple image models at once, so you can see Grok Imagine Image Quality and Seedream 4.5 results side by side and keep the one you like.
Why choose? Generate with both.
Send one prompt to Grok Imagine Image Quality and Seedream 4.5 at the same time. See both images side by side and keep the one you like.