Seedream 5.0 vs Nano Banana Pro vs GPT Image 1.5 vs Flux Klein vs Qwen Image: Complete Comparison

The AI image generation landscape in 2026 features five distinct approaches to visual creation and editing. Seedream 5.0-Preview leads with intelligent reasoning and web search, Nano Banana Pro balances speed and quality with 4K output, GPT Image 1.5 offers tiered quality at competitive prices, Flux Klein provides open-weight efficiency with LoRA support, and Qwen Image excels at bilingual text rendering. This comparison covers both generation and editing capabilities with accurate pricing.

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Quick Comparison

Feature	Seedream 5.0-Preview	Nano Banana Pro	GPT Image 1.5	Flux Klein 9B	Qwen Image
Developer	ByteDance	Google	OpenAI	Black Forest Labs	Alibaba
Max Resolution	4K	4K	1536x1024	2048x2048	1536x1536
Base Price	$0.04	$0.14-$0.24	$0.009-$0.20	$0.01	$0.02
Text-to-Image	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Image Editing	Advanced	Advanced	Basic	Yes + LoRA	Advanced
Web Search	Yes	No	No	No	No
Text Rendering	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent (CN/EN)
LoRA Support	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Multi-Image	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes

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Seedream 5.0-Preview: The Intelligent Creator

ByteDance’s Seedream 5.0-Preview introduces knowledge-driven generation. It can search the web in real-time and apply logical reasoning to complex prompts—capabilities no other image model offers.

Key Specifications

• Resolution: Up to 4K (4096x4096)
• Base Price: $0.04 per image
• Web Search: Real-time retrieval for current events and entities
• Reasoning: Multi-step logic and domain knowledge
• Status: Preview (full release coming soon)

Generation Capabilities

Real-Time Web Search

Generate iPhone 17 Pro Max concept

The model retrieves current leaks and design trends to create accurate concepts.

Intelligent Reasoning

Classify the flowers in Image 1 by variety, arrange them
separately in the three vases shown in Image 2

Domain Knowledge

• Architecture (CAD to realistic renders)
• Science (anatomical diagrams, infographics)
• Geography (landmark recognition and annotation)

Editing Capabilities

Feature Transfer

Transfer the makeup from Image 2 onto the person in Image 1

Change Image 1's color tone to match Image 2

Example-Based Editing (Unique)

Reference the change from Image 1 to Image 2, apply the
same operation to Image 3

Learn transformation patterns and apply them to new images.

Model Variants

Model	Use Case	Price
bytedance/seedream-v4.5	Text-to-image with typography	$0.04
bytedance/seedream-v4.5/edit	Image editing	$0.04
bytedance/seedream-v4.5/edit-sequential	Batch editing	$0.04
bytedance/seedream-v4.5/sequential	Multi-image generation	$0.04

Note: 5.0-Preview builds on 4.5 with added reasoning capabilities

API Example

import wavespeed

output = wavespeed.run(
    "bytedance/seedream-v4.5",
    {"prompt": "Modern tech poster with chrome logo, dark gradient, 'INNOVATION' title"},
)

print(output["outputs"][0])

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Nano Banana Pro: The Balanced Performer

Google’s Nano Banana Pro (Gemini 3.0 Pro Image) prioritizes balance between speed and quality. Native 4K support and comprehensive editing make it a complete creative toolkit.

Key Specifications

• Resolution: Up to 4K
• Pricing: $0.14 (2K), $0.24 (4K)
• Speed: Fast iteration (5-10 seconds)
• Editing: Full suite with mask support
• Multi-Output: Batch generation available

Generation Capabilities

• Natural-language, context-aware generation
• Multilingual on-image text with auto translation
• Camera-style controls (angle, focus, depth of field)
• Aspect ratio flexibility (1:1 to 21:9)
• Consistent character and style rendering

Editing Capabilities

Mask-Based Editing

• Precise region selection
• Object removal and replacement
• Background swaps

Style and Tone

• Color grading adjustments
• Lighting modifications
• Mood transformations

Model Variants

Model	Use Case	Price
google/nano-banana-pro/text-to-image	Standard generation	$0.14
google/nano-banana-pro/text-to-image-ultra	Maximum quality	$0.24
google/nano-banana-pro/text-to-image-multi	Batch generation	$0.14
google/nano-banana-pro/edit	Image editing	$0.14
google/nano-banana-pro/edit-ultra	High-quality editing	$0.24
google/nano-banana-pro/edit-multi	Batch editing	$0.14

API Example

import wavespeed

output = wavespeed.run(
    "google/nano-banana-pro/text-to-image",
    {
        "prompt": "Luxury perfume bottle on marble, soft daylight, product photography",
        "resolution": "4k"
    },
)

print(output["outputs"][0])

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GPT Image 1.5: The Tiered Quality Option

OpenAI’s GPT Image 1.5 offers three quality tiers (low/medium/high) with transparent pricing. Powered by GPT-5 guidance, it excels at prompt understanding and photorealistic outputs.

Key Specifications

• Resolution: Up to 1536x1024
• Quality Tiers: Low, Medium, High
• Pricing: $0.009-$0.20 depending on quality and size
• Strengths: Strong prompt understanding, UI/UX friendly outputs

Pricing Structure

Quality	1024×1024	1024×1536 / 1536×1024
Low	$0.009	$0.013
Medium	$0.034	$0.051
High	$0.133	$0.200

Generation Capabilities

• Strong prompt understanding from GPT-5
• Photorealistic outputs with natural lighting
• Clean compositions for UI/UX designs
• Style variety from realistic to artistic

Editing Capabilities

Basic editing through the edit endpoint:

• Inpainting (fill regions)
• Simple modifications

Model Variants

Model	Use Case
openai/gpt-image-1.5/text-to-image	Text-to-image generation
openai/gpt-image-1.5/edit	Basic image editing

API Example

import wavespeed

output = wavespeed.run(
    "openai/gpt-image-1.5/text-to-image",
    {
        "prompt": "Street food market in Tokyo at night, chef tossing wok, neon signs",
        "size": "1024*1024",
        "quality": "high"
    },
)

print(output["outputs"][0])

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Flux Klein: The Efficient Engine

Black Forest Labs’ Flux Klein models (4B and 9B parameters) bring quality generation at the lowest price point. Open weights and LoRA support enable customization impossible with closed models.

Key Specifications

• Models: Klein 4B (fastest), Klein 9B (balanced)
• Resolution: Up to 2048x2048
• Price: $0.01 per image (flat rate)
• LoRA: Full training and inference support
• License: Open weights

Generation Capabilities

• 9B model delivers richer detail than 4B
• Strong prompt adherence
• Flexible sizing for any aspect ratio
• Built-in prompt enhancer

Editing Capabilities

• Inpainting and outpainting
• Style transfer
• LoRA-enhanced editing for custom styles

Model Variants

Model	Use Case	Price
wavespeed-ai/flux-2-klein-9b/text-to-image	High-quality generation	$0.01
wavespeed-ai/flux-2-klein-9b/text-to-image-lora	With custom LoRAs	$0.01
wavespeed-ai/flux-2-klein-9b/edit	Image editing	$0.01
wavespeed-ai/flux-2-klein-9b/edit-lora	Editing with LoRAs	$0.01
wavespeed-ai/flux-2-klein-4b/text-to-image	Fastest generation	$0.01
wavespeed-ai/flux-2-klein-4b/edit	Fast editing	$0.01

API Example

import wavespeed

output = wavespeed.run(
    "wavespeed-ai/flux-2-klein-9b/text-to-image",
    {
        "prompt": "Cyberpunk street scene, neon reflections on wet pavement",
        "width": 1024,
        "height": 1024
    },
)

print(output["outputs"][0])

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Qwen Image: The Text Rendering Master

Alibaba’s Qwen Image is a 20B MMDiT model that excels at bilingual text rendering (Chinese and English). It’s the best choice for posters, comics, and any work requiring accurate typography.

Key Specifications

• Parameters: 20B MMDiT
• Resolution: Up to 1536x1536
• Price: $0.02 per image
• Text Rendering: SOTA for English, best-in-class for Chinese
• LoRA: Training and inference support

Generation Capabilities

• Native in-pixel text generation (not overlays)
• Bilingual typography with diverse fonts and styles
• Excels across styles: photorealistic, anime, minimalist
• Strong poster and comic generation

Editing Capabilities

Dual-Mode Editing

• Appearance editing: Add/remove/modify while keeping other regions unchanged
• Semantic editing: Higher-level changes (IP creation, style transfer)

Text Editing

• Add/delete/replace on-image text
• Preserves original font, size, kerning, and style

Multi-Angle Generation

• Generate same subject from multiple viewpoints
• Consistent appearance across angles

Layered Output

• RGBA output with transparency
• Compositing-ready exports

Model Variants

Model	Use Case	Price
wavespeed-ai/qwen-image/text-to-image	Standard generation	$0.02
wavespeed-ai/qwen-image/text-to-image-2512	Enhanced version	$0.02
wavespeed-ai/qwen-image/text-to-image-lora	With custom LoRAs	$0.02
wavespeed-ai/qwen-image/edit	Basic editing	$0.02
wavespeed-ai/qwen-image/edit-plus	Advanced editing	$0.02
wavespeed-ai/qwen-image/edit-multiple-angles	Multi-view generation	$0.02
wavespeed-ai/qwen-image/layered	RGBA transparent output	$0.02

API Example

import wavespeed

output = wavespeed.run(
    "wavespeed-ai/qwen-image/text-to-image",
    {
        "prompt": "Movie poster with title 'HORIZON' in bold metallic text, sunset cityscape",
        "width": 1024,
        "height": 1536
    },
)

print(output["outputs"][0])

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Comparison Tables

Pricing Comparison

Model	Base Price	4K Price	Notes
Flux Klein 9B	$0.01	N/A	Flat rate, best value
Qwen Image	$0.02	N/A	Excellent for text
GPT Image 1.5 (low)	$0.009	N/A	Quality trade-off
GPT Image 1.5 (high)	$0.133	$0.20	Premium quality
Seedream 4.5	$0.04	$0.04	4K included
Nano Banana Pro	$0.14	$0.24	Full 4K support

Feature Comparison

Feature	Seedream 5.0	Nano Banana Pro	GPT Image 1.5	Flux Klein	Qwen Image
Web Search	Yes	No	No	No	No
Logical Reasoning	Excellent	Basic	Good	Basic	Good
Example-Based Edit	Yes	No	No	No	No
Feature Transfer	Excellent	Good	Limited	Good	Good
Text Rendering (EN)	Good	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Text Rendering (CN)	Good	Good	Fair	Fair	Best
LoRA Support	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Multi-Image Input	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Layered Output	No	No	No	No	Yes
Multi-Angle	No	No	No	No	Yes

Editing Capabilities

Edit Type	Seedream	Nano Banana Pro	GPT Image 1.5	Flux Klein	Qwen Image
Inpainting	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Style Transfer	Excellent	Good	Limited	Good	Good
Feature Transfer	Excellent	Limited	No	Limited	Good
Example-Based	Yes	No	No	No	No
Text Editing	Good	Good	Limited	Good	Excellent
Batch Editing	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Layered Output	No	No	No	No	Yes

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Use Case Recommendations

Choose Seedream 5.0-Preview if:

• You need current information (web search for trends, products, celebrities)
• Example-based editing is required (learn from before/after pairs)
• Complex logical reasoning in prompts is needed
• Feature transfer is important (color grading, makeup, style)
• You want 4K output at reasonable pricing

Best for: News visualization, intelligent editing, brand consistency, educational content.

Choose Nano Banana Pro if:

• 4K resolution is required
• You need a complete suite (generation + editing + effects)
• Consistency and reliability are priorities
• Batch processing is part of your workflow
• Google ecosystem integration is valuable

Best for: Marketing teams, e-commerce, social media content, professional production.

Choose GPT Image 1.5 if:

• Budget flexibility matters (pay for quality you need)
• Strong prompt understanding is important
• You want tiered pricing options
• OpenAI ecosystem integration is needed
• Simple, straightforward generation is the goal

Best for: Prototyping, UI/UX concepts, varied creative work, budget-conscious projects.

Choose Flux Klein if:

• Lowest cost is the priority ($0.01/image)
• Custom LoRA training is required
• You need open weights for self-hosting
• High volume generation is planned
• Flux ecosystem compatibility matters

Best for: Custom style development, high-volume production, self-hosted solutions, budget projects.

Choose Qwen Image if:

• Text rendering accuracy is critical (especially Chinese)
• Poster and typography work is the focus
• Layered output for compositing is needed
• Multi-angle generation is valuable
• Bilingual content is required

Best for: Graphic design, poster creation, Asian market content, comic/manga production.

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The Verdict

Each model serves different needs:

Model	Best For	Trade-off
Seedream 5.0	Intelligent, knowledge-driven work	Preview status
Nano Banana Pro	Complete production workflow	Higher price
GPT Image 1.5	Flexible quality/cost balance	Limited resolution
Flux Klein	Maximum value + customization	Smaller model
Qwen Image	Text and typography	Resolution limits

For intelligence: Seedream 5.0’s web search and reasoning are unmatched.

For production: Nano Banana Pro offers the most complete toolkit.

For budget: Flux Klein at $0.01/image can’t be beat.

For text: Qwen Image is the clear leader for typography.

For flexibility: GPT Image 1.5’s tiered pricing fits varied needs.

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Try These Models on WaveSpeedAI

All models are available through the WaveSpeedAI API:

Seedream

• Seedream 4.5 Text-to-Image
• Seedream 4.5 Edit

Nano Banana Pro

• Text-to-Image
• Text-to-Image Ultra (4K)
• Edit

GPT Image 1.5

• Text-to-Image
• Edit

Flux Klein

• Klein 9B Text-to-Image
• Klein 9B Edit
• Klein 4B Text-to-Image

Qwen Image

• Text-to-Image
• Edit Plus
• Layered (RGBA)
• Multiple Angles