GPT Image 1.5 vs Nano Banana Pro: A Real-World Comparison
Image generation is moving fast, and it’s getting harder to keep track of what’s actually better and what just sounds better on paper. OpenAI’s GPT Image 1.5 is the latest entrant, while Google’s Nano Banana Pro from Gemini has already built a strong reputation.
So the real question is simple. Which one actually performs better when you put them side by side using the same prompts?
Instead of relying on marketing claims, both models were tested on the same set of tasks. The focus stayed on things that matter in real usage like text accuracy, realism, speed, and how usable the final images actually feel.
GPT Image 1.5 vs Nano Banana Pro: First Impressions
At first glance, both models look impressive. GPT Image 1.5 shows a big improvement over older OpenAI image models. Images are cleaner, compositions feel more intentional, and overall quality is clearly higher.
Nano Banana Pro, on the other hand, feels more polished right out of the gate. Colors are consistent, lighting feels more natural, and images often look closer to real photographs rather than AI-generated art.
When using the same prompt on both, results are often similar at a distance. But small details start to matter once you look closely.
GPT Image 1.5 vs Nano Banana Pro: Text Rendering Matters
Text inside images is where the gap becomes more visible. Things like posters, banners, or prescriptions immediately show the difference.
In multiple tests, GPT Image 1.5 occasionally missed smaller text or placed it incorrectly. Sometimes the text was partially there, sometimes it was skipped altogether.
Nano Banana Pro handled text more reliably. Titles, subtitles, and even smaller details stayed readable and properly placed. For designs where text accuracy is non-negotiable, this makes a big difference.
Simply put, if text inside images is important, Nano Banana Pro feels more dependable.
GPT Image 1.5 vs Nano Banana Pro: Creative Posters and Visuals
Both models were tested on creative prompts like futuristic movie posters with specific titles, taglines, and director credits.
GPT Image 1.5 delivered visually appealing results, but some outputs still had that slightly artificial look that makes it obvious an AI was involved.
Nano Banana Pro produced posters that felt more cohesive. The layouts made sense, text placement looked intentional, and the overall image felt closer to something that could actually be used professionally.
That said, this wasn’t a complete knockout. On pure creativity, both models performed well, and results often came down to preference rather than clear superiority.
GPT Image 1.5 vs Nano Banana Pro: Realism Test
One of the most interesting tests involved generating a realistic doctor’s prescription with specific dates, medicines, and clinic details.
Nano Banana Pro created a prescription that looked surprisingly authentic at first glance. While there were minor spelling quirks, the structure, layout, and visual realism stood out.
GPT Image 1.5 also generated a complete prescription, but some details felt off. Extra elements were added unnecessarily, and certain parts made the image feel staged rather than natural.
In situations where realism is critical, like documents or photo-like outputs, Nano Banana Pro clearly had the edge.
GPT Image 1.5 vs Nano Banana Pro: Speed, Cost, and Practical Use
Speed is one area where both models perform well, but Nano Banana Pro generally feels faster in producing final results.
GPT Image 1.5 does have advantages in cost and flexibility. It’s easier to iterate quickly, works well for experimenting with ideas, and fits naturally into existing OpenAI workflows.
Based on feedback from Reddit and other communities, the general sentiment is consistent. GPT Image 1.5 is a strong upgrade and great for experimentation, but it hasn’t fully overtaken Nano Banana Pro in terms of final output quality.
| Category | GPT Image 1.5 | Nano Banana Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Image Quality | Very Good | Excellent |
| Text Rendering | Inconsistent | Highly Accurate |
| Speed | Fast | Very Fast |
| Realism | Good | Outstanding |
| Cost & Scaling | More Affordable | Higher Cost |
So, Which One Should You Use?
The answer depends on what you actually need.
GPT Image 1.5 works best when you need quick iterations, creative exploration, or cost-sensitive image generation. It feels like a powerful sketchpad for ideas.
Nano Banana Pro shines when realism, text accuracy, and professional-quality visuals matter. If the image is meant to be final and client-ready, it’s the safer choice.
The honest takeaway is that most people will end up using both. One for experimenting and one for finishing.
