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

GPT Image 1.5 vs Seedream 4.5

Preferred for text to image: GPT Image 1.5 · Preferred for image editing: GPT Image 1.5 · Newest: Seedream 4.5. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

  1. OpenAI

    GPT Image 1.5

    Released Nov 25, 2025Deprecated

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,368
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove GPT Image 1.5

  2. ByteDance Seed

    Seedream 4.5

    Released Dec 3, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,303
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Seedream 4.5

  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 1.5GPT Image 1.5 1,236 (#17) · Seedream 4.5 1,149 (#35) — blind human votes
  • Preferred for image editingGPT Image 1.5GPT Image 1.5 1,368 (#19) · Seedream 4.5 1,303 (#27) — blind human votes
  • NewestSeedream 4.5GPT Image 1.5 Nov 25, 2025 · Seedream 4.5 Dec 3, 2025
  • Widest inputsSame inputsGPT Image 1.5: Text prompts, Reference images · Seedream 4.5: Text prompts, Reference images
  • Image editingBoth edit imagesTakes a reference image as input: GPT Image 1.5 yes · Seedream 4.5 yes
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsGPT Image 1.5GPT Image 1.5: 7 · Seedream 4.5: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

GPT Image 1.5 vs Seedream 4.5 specifications side by side
SpecificationGPT Image 1.5OpenAISeedream 4.5ByteDance Seed
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,236 ±3#17 of 82 · 174,012 votes (best)1,149 ±3#35 of 82 · 318,120 votes
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,368 ±3#19 of 61 · 684,650 votes (best)1,303 ±2#27 of 61 · 1,361,328 votes
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesYes
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API model IDgpt-image-1.5—
API hosts7 (best)1
ReleasedNov 25, 2025Dec 3, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, GPT Image 1.5 or Seedream 4.5?

For text to image, voters prefer GPT Image 1.5 (GPT Image 1.5 1,236 (#17) · Seedream 4.5 1,149 (#35)). For image editing, voters prefer GPT Image 1.5 (GPT Image 1.5 1,368 (#19) · Seedream 4.5 1,303 (#27)). 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.

What is the difference between GPT Image 1.5 and Seedream 4.5?

GPT Image 1.5 is an image model from OpenAI (Nov 25, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Seedream 4.5 is an image model from ByteDance Seed (Dec 3, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images.

Which is newer?

GPT Image 1.5 Nov 25, 2025; Seedream 4.5 Dec 3, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: GPT Image 1.5 yes; Seedream 4.5 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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