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

GPT Image 1 vs Imagen 4

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

  1. OpenAI

    GPT Image 1

    Released Apr 24, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,139
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove GPT Image 1

  2. Google

    Imagen 4

    Released May 22, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Arena1,128
    • From$0.04/image
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Imagen 4

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    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 imageImagen 4GPT Image 1 1,115 (#49) · Imagen 4 1,128 (#43) — blind human votes
  • NewestImagen 4GPT Image 1 Apr 24, 2025 · Imagen 4 May 22, 2025
  • Widest inputsGPT Image 1GPT Image 1: Text prompts, Reference images · Imagen 4: Text prompts
  • Image editingGPT Image 1Takes a reference image as input: GPT Image 1 yes · Imagen 4 no
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsGPT Image 1GPT Image 1: 4 · Imagen 4: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

GPT Image 1 vs Imagen 4 specifications side by side
SpecificationGPT Image 1OpenAIImagen 4Google
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,115 ±3#49 of 82 · 268,430 votes1,128 ±3#43 of 82 · 539,657 votes (best)
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,139 ±3#57 of 61 · 2,869,681 votes—
Price
Starting price—$0.04/image standard
How it is billed—Per image
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesNo
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API hosts4 (best)1
ReleasedApr 24, 2025May 22, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, GPT Image 1 or Imagen 4?

For text to image, voters prefer Imagen 4 (GPT Image 1 1,115 (#49) · Imagen 4 1,128 (#43)). 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 costs from $0.04/image (standard). GPT Image 1 has no published per-image price. Prices are list rates and change often; check the lab before budgeting.

What is the difference between GPT Image 1 and Imagen 4?

GPT Image 1 is an image model from OpenAI (Apr 24, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Imagen 4 is an image model from Google (May 22, 2025), taking text prompts and producing images.

Which is newer?

GPT Image 1 Apr 24, 2025; Imagen 4 May 22, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: GPT Image 1 yes; Imagen 4 no.

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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