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

GPT-5 Image vs Seedream 4.0

Newest: GPT-5 Image · Widest inputs: GPT-5 Image · Self-hosting: No open weights. Not enough arena votes yet for a quality score, so this is a spec comparison.

  1. OpenAI

    GPT-5 Image

    Released Oct 14, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena—
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove GPT-5 Image

  2. ByteDance Seed

    Seedream 4.0

    Released Sep 9, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,267
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Seedream 4.0

  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.

  • NewestGPT-5 ImageGPT-5 Image Oct 14, 2025 · Seedream 4.0 Sep 9, 2025
  • Widest inputsGPT-5 ImageGPT-5 Image: Text prompts, Reference images, PDFs · Seedream 4.0: Text prompts, Reference images
  • Image editingBoth edit imagesTakes a reference image as input: GPT-5 Image yes · Seedream 4.0 yes
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsGPT-5 ImageGPT-5 Image: 2 · Seedream 4.0: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

GPT-5 Image vs Seedream 4.0 specifications side by side
SpecificationGPT-5 ImageOpenAISeedream 4.0ByteDance Seed
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better—1,139 ±7#40 of 82 · 12,563 votes
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better—1,267 ±7#34 of 61 · 210,031 votes
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesYes
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API hosts2 (best)1
ReleasedOct 14, 2025Sep 9, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, GPT-5 Image or Seedream 4.0?

Neither model has enough arena votes for a reliable quality score yet, so this page compares specs only. Run the same three or four prompts through each and judge the results.

What is the difference between GPT-5 Image and Seedream 4.0?

GPT-5 Image is an image model from OpenAI (Oct 14, 2025), taking text prompts, reference images and pdfs and producing images. Seedream 4.0 is an image model from ByteDance Seed (Sep 9, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images.

Which is newer?

GPT-5 Image Oct 14, 2025; Seedream 4.0 Sep 9, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: GPT-5 Image yes; Seedream 4.0 yes.

Can I run any of these on my own hardware?

No open weights. Both are available only through APIs and apps.

04 — Keep comparing

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