GPT Image 2 vs Gemini 3.1 Flash Image
Which one to choose
Pick gpt-image-2 when you edit existing pictures and need to change only a masked region, or when you want OpenAI's image endpoints. Pick Gemini 3.1 Flash Image, which Google markets as Nano Banana 2, when one idea must fit many layouts, including very wide and very tall banners, at several output sizes. Both generate from text and edit from reference images, so the choice is mostly about editing style and output shape.
Pricing comparison
| GPT Image 2 | Gemini 3.1 Flash Image | |
|---|---|---|
| Model maker | OpenAI | |
| Delivery availability | Available | Available |
| Context window | - | 1M |
| Max output | - | 64K |
| Official price | Input$5.00per 1M tokensOutput$30.00per 1M tokens | Input$0.50per 1M tokensOutput$3.00per 1M tokens |
| TokenLab price | Input$3.50per 1M tokensOutput$21.00per 1M tokens | Input$0.25per 1M tokensOutput$1.50per 1M tokens |
| Model performance |
| Collecting data |
| Capabilities | Text to ImageImage Edit | Image to ImageText to ImageVisionImage Edit |
Choose GPT Image 2 when
- You need inpainting, where a masked area changes and the rest of the image stays put.
- Your application already uses OpenAI's image generation and image edit endpoints.
- You refine one product or subject over several edits and want high-fidelity image inputs.
Choose Gemini 3.1 Flash Image when
- You produce banners, strips or portrait layouts and need aspect ratios that most models skip.
- You steer edits by plain instructions on a supplied image rather than by masks.
- You make assets in batches and want a Flash-tier model with 1K, 2K and 4K output options.
How they differ
| Aspect | GPT Image 2 | Gemini 3.1 Flash Image |
|---|---|---|
| Editing method | Supports inpainting with a mask, so a chosen region can change in isolation. | Instruction-led editing changes a supplied image from a written direction. |
| Output shape | Flexible image sizes, set to suit a particular layout. | Fourteen fixed aspect ratios, including extreme strips such as 8:1 and 1:8. |
| Output size tiers | Sizes are set directly in the request. | Chooses between 1K, 2K and 4K. |
| Request style | Reached through OpenAI-style image generation and edit calls. | Reached through a Gemini-style generate-content request. |
| Position in the line | OpenAI says GPT Image 2.5 Flare and Sunburst now succeed it, so it is the established option. | A Flash-tier model, with Nano Banana Pro above it for detailed, text-heavy compositions. |
Summary
- GPT Image 2: Input $3.50 / Output $21.00 per 1M tokens; Gemini 3.1 Flash Image: Input $0.25 / Output $1.50 per 1M tokens. Rates depend on the billing unit, specification, and usage. Compare matching conditions in the model's detailed pricing; a single rate does not determine the total cost.
FAQ
Which is better for editing photos, gpt-image-2 or Gemini 3.1 Flash Image?
Use gpt-image-2 when you want masked inpainting, and Gemini 3.1 Flash Image when you want to describe the change in words. Both keep a subject recognizable across edits when given reference images.
Is Gemini 3.1 Flash Image the same as Nano Banana 2?
Yes. Nano Banana 2 is Google's marketing name for Gemini 3.1 Flash Image, so the two names describe one and the same model, and the same prompts and settings apply to both.
Can I swap one for the other without rewriting code?
No. They use different request formats, so the client call has to change, and size handling differs: aspect ratios on one side, flexible sizes on the other. Prompts for plain text-to-image carry over with little change.
Are there newer OpenAI options than gpt-image-2?
Yes. OpenAI says GPT Image 2.5 Flare and Sunburst succeed gpt-image-2, with Flare as the fast default. Gemini 3.1 Flash Image should be compared with Flare for new projects.
Which is cheaper, GPT Image 2 or Gemini 3.1 Flash Image?
GPT Image 2: Input $3.50 / Output $21.00 per 1M tokens; Gemini 3.1 Flash Image: Input $0.25 / Output $1.50 per 1M tokens. Rates depend on the billing unit, specification, and usage. Compare matching conditions in the model's detailed pricing; a single rate does not determine the total cost.
What are the key differences between GPT Image 2 and Gemini 3.1 Flash Image?
Gemini 3.1 Flash Image: Image to Image, Vision
Sources
Reviewed Oct 2, 2026