Image model comparison · 2 models · Updated Nov 2, 2026

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] vs Imagen 4 Ultra

Preferred for text to image: Imagen 4 Ultra · Newest: FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] · Widest inputs: FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

Black Forest Labs
FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]
Released May 29, 2025
- Text to image
- Image editing
- Arena1,151
- From—
- Max size—
Full specs Remove FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]
Google
Imagen 4 Ultra
Released May 24, 2025
- Text to image
- Arena1,146
- From$0.06/image
- Max size—
Full specs Remove Imagen 4 Ultra
Add a model
Make it a three-way comparison.
Third model

01 — At a glance

Where they differ

Quality is the arena score from blind, side-by-side human votes. Price, length and resolution come from each lab’s own listings.

Preferred for text to imageImagen 4 UltraFLUX.1 Kontext [dev] 942 (#80) · Imagen 4 Ultra 1,146 (#37) — blind human votes
NewestFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] May 29, 2025 · Imagen 4 Ultra May 24, 2025
Widest inputsFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]: Text prompts, Reference images · Imagen 4 Ultra: Text prompts
Image editingFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]Takes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] yes · Imagen 4 Ultra no
Self-hostingFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]Downloadable weights (FLUX.1 [dev] Non-Commercial License)
Most API hostsSame reachFLUX.1 Kontext [dev]: 1 · Imagen 4 Ultra: 1

02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] vs Imagen 4 Ultra specifications side by side
Specification	FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]Black Forest Labs	Imagen 4 UltraGoogle
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better	942 ±4#80 of 82 · 216,222 votes	1,146 ±4#37 of 82 · 388,723 votes (best)
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better	1,151 ±3#55 of 61 · 3,639,663 votes	—
Price
Starting price	—	$0.06/image standard
How it is billed	—	Per image
Output
Produces	Images	Images
Inputs
Text prompts	Yes	Yes
Reference images (editing)	Yes	No
Access
Weights	OpenFLUX.1 [dev] Non-Commercial License	Proprietary
API hosts	1	1
Released	May 29, 2025	May 24, 2025

03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] or Imagen 4 Ultra?

For text to image, voters prefer Imagen 4 Ultra (FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] 942 (#80) · Imagen 4 Ultra 1,146 (#37)). Arena scores come from blind, side-by-side human votes on the same prompts; when the gap is inside both models’ error margins we call it a tie. Test your own prompts before you commit.

Which is cheaper?

Imagen 4 Ultra costs from $0.06/image (standard). FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] has no published per-image price. Prices are list rates and change often; check the lab before budgeting.

What is the difference between FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] and Imagen 4 Ultra?

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] is an image model from Black Forest Labs (May 29, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Imagen 4 Ultra is an image model from Google (May 24, 2025), taking text prompts and producing images.

Which is newer?

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] May 29, 2025; Imagen 4 Ultra May 24, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext [dev] yes; Imagen 4 Ultra no.

Can I run any of these on my own hardware?

FLUX.1 Kontext [dev]. Downloadable weights (FLUX.1 [dev] Non-Commercial License).