GPT Image 2.5 vs Nano Banana 2: Which AI Image Model Should You Use?

GPT Image 2.5 and Nano Banana 2 are both recommended image models in Automatica, and they suit different jobs. OpenAI's GPT Image 2.5 comes in two tiers, Flare and Sunburst, with five quality levels and transparent backgrounds. Google's Nano Banana 2 creates detailed images quickly, with up to 4K output and one of the widest choices of aspect ratios in the catalogue.

This comparison is based on the settings you can select in Automatica, so you can choose the right model before you start generating.

The short answer

• Choose GPT Image 2.5 Flare for everyday work that needs natural lighting, rich textures or a transparent background.

• Choose GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst for intricate, premium visuals where detail matters more than speed.

• Choose Nano Banana 2 for fast, detailed images, large 4K files and unusual formats such as banners and panoramas.

GPT Image 2.5: two tiers, fine control

In Automatica, GPT Image 2.5 is split into two models that share the same settings.

GPT Image 2.5 Flare is OpenAI's fast default image model, with natural lighting, rich textures and transparent backgrounds. Start here.

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst is OpenAI's precision tier for intricate detail and premium visual work. It takes longer to generate, so save it for final assets.

Both give you five quality levels, from Low to Max, and a Background setting that can output transparent images. That makes GPT Image 2.5 the natural choice for logos, stickers, product cut-outs and anything you'll place over another design.

Nano Banana 2: speed, 4K and flexible formats

Nano Banana 2 creates detailed images quickly with up to 4K output. Resolution is a simple choice of 0.5K, 1K, 2K or 4K, so you can draft at 1K and re-run the winner at 4K.

Its aspect ratio list is unusually long. Alongside the standard square, portrait and widescreen options, it offers 21:9 ultrawide, 4:1 and 8:1 panoramas, and 1:4 and 1:8 vertical formats. That makes it the easy pick for website banners, event headers and tall infographics.

Prompts can run to 50,000 characters, which helps when you paste in detailed brand guidelines or long scene descriptions.

Settings compared

Which model to use for each job

Editing with each model

Each model has an edit companion, so you can change an image with a prompt instead of starting again. Use GPT Image 2.5 Flare Edit or Sunburst Edit for OpenAI images, and Nano Banana 2 Edit for Google's. Keep edit prompts short and specific, for example "replace the background with a clean white studio sweep" or "change the jacket to navy and keep everything else the same".

Nano Banana 2 Edit also powers the GTA Online template, which is a good example of what it can do with a detailed restyling prompt.

Prompting tips for both models

• Lead with the subject: "a ceramic coffee cup on a walnut table, soft morning window light" gives the model more to work with than a list of adjectives.

• Match the format: say "square social post" or "wide website banner" in the prompt and set the size or ratio to match.

• Spell out exact text: write headlines word for word, for example "SUMMER SALE" in bold white capitals, then check the spelling in the result.

• Draft small, finish big: use Low or Medium quality on GPT Image 2.5, or 1K on Nano Banana 2, until the composition is right.

The verdict

Choose GPT Image 2.5 when you need transparent backgrounds, precise quality control or a premium final render. Start with Flare and step up to Sunburst for hero assets. Choose Nano Banana 2 when you need speed, large files or unusual formats. Most teams will use both and send each job to the model that fits it.

Run the comparison yourself

Automatica keeps both models in one workspace, so you can run the same prompt through each and compare the results in your library. Browse the GPT Image models or explore the Nano Banana models to get started.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between GPT Image 2.5 Flare and Sunburst? Flare is OpenAI's fast default with natural lighting, rich textures and transparent backgrounds. Sunburst is the precision tier for intricate detail and premium work, with longer generation times. They share the same settings.

Which model supports 4K? Nano Banana 2, with resolution options of 0.5K, 1K, 2K and 4K.

Can Nano Banana 2 make transparent images? Not in Automatica. Use GPT Image 2.5 and set Background to Transparent.

Is there a quicker Nano Banana option for drafts? Yes. Nano Banana 2 Lite generates 1K images from text with very low latency.