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

GLM-Image vs GPT Image 1 Mini

Preferred for text to image: GPT Image 1 Mini · Newest: GLM-Image · Self-hosting: GLM-Image. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

  1. Z.ai (Zhipu)

    GLM-Image

    Released Jan 14, 2026

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,012
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove GLM-Image

  2. OpenAI

    GPT Image 1 Mini

    Released Sep 26, 2025Deprecated

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,124
    • From$0.033/image
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove GPT Image 1 Mini

  3. Add a model

    Make it a three-way comparison.

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 imageGPT Image 1 MiniGLM-Image 1,012 (#76) · GPT Image 1 Mini 1,109 (#54) — blind human votes
  • NewestGLM-ImageGLM-Image Jan 14, 2026 · GPT Image 1 Mini Sep 26, 2025
  • Widest inputsSame inputsGLM-Image: Text prompts, Reference images · GPT Image 1 Mini: Text prompts, Reference images
  • Image editingBoth edit imagesTakes a reference image as input: GLM-Image yes · GPT Image 1 Mini yes
  • Self-hostingGLM-ImageDownloadable weights (MIT)
  • Most API hostsSame reachGLM-Image: 1 · GPT Image 1 Mini: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

GLM-Image vs GPT Image 1 Mini specifications side by side
SpecificationGLM-ImageZ.ai (Zhipu)GPT Image 1 MiniOpenAI
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,012 ±9#76 of 82 · 4,854 votes1,109 ±3#54 of 82 · 170,993 votes (best)
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better—1,124 ±3#58 of 61 · 682,755 votes
Price
Starting price—$0.033/image 1024×1024
How it is billed—Measured cost of one square image at default settings.
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Images per request—Up to 10
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesYes
Max reference images—16
Access
WeightsOpenMITProprietary
API model ID—gpt-image-1-mini
API hosts11
ReleasedJan 14, 2026Sep 26, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, GLM-Image or GPT Image 1 Mini?

For text to image, voters prefer GPT Image 1 Mini (GLM-Image 1,012 (#76) · GPT Image 1 Mini 1,109 (#54)). 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?

GPT Image 1 Mini costs from $0.033/image (1024×1024). GLM-Image has no published per-image price. Prices are list rates and change often; check the lab before budgeting.

What is the difference between GLM-Image and GPT Image 1 Mini?

GLM-Image is an image model from Z.ai (Zhipu) (Jan 14, 2026), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. GPT Image 1 Mini is an image model from OpenAI (Sep 26, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images.

Which is newer?

GLM-Image Jan 14, 2026; GPT Image 1 Mini Sep 26, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: GLM-Image yes; GPT Image 1 Mini yes.

Can I run any of these on my own hardware?

GLM-Image. Downloadable weights (MIT).

04 — Keep comparing

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