GPT Image 2.5 vs GPT Image 2
GPT Image 2.5 is the newer generation; GPT Image 2 is the model this site was originally built on. Both are available here, so the most reliable comparison is your own prompt run on each. Below is what is documented and what differs in practice on this site.
Side by side
| GPT Image 2.5 | GPT Image 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Newer (OpenAI, September 2026) | Previous generation |
| Model options | Flare (speed) and Sunburst (quality) | A single model |
| Quality vs GPT Image 2 (per OpenAI) | Flare: roughly on par, lower latency. Sunburst: higher quality | Baseline |
| Quality setting in the API | auto, low, medium, high, xhigh, max | Standard setting used on this site |
| Output size on this site | 1K, 2K or 4K | 1K class (1024×1024, 1536×1024, 1024×1536) |
| Credits on this site | Flare 1K: 1 · Flare 2K/4K: 2 · Sunburst 1K: 2 · Sunburst 2K/4K: 3 | 1 per image |
| Image editing | Yes, with reference images | Yes, with reference images |
When to use which
Keep GPT Image 2 when…
your existing prompts already give you what you need and you want to keep results consistent with earlier work.
Move to GPT Image 2.5 Flare when…
you want similar quality to GPT Image 2 with faster turnaround, or you iterate on many variations.
Use GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst when…
GPT Image 2 struggles: dense layouts, small exact text, fine textures, or multi-step edits that must keep identity.
A simple migration checklist
- Pick three to five prompts that represent your real work.
- Run each on GPT Image 2 and on GPT Image 2.5 Flare with the same aspect ratio and reference images.
- For prompts Flare does not pass, try Sunburst to confirm the quality is reachable, then re-test Flare.
- Only then raise resolution; higher resolution will not fix a weak prompt or the wrong model.
Source: OpenAI · Image prompting guide
Frequently asked questions
Is GPT Image 2.5 always better than GPT Image 2?
Not automatically. OpenAI positions Flare at roughly GPT Image 2 quality with lower latency and Sunburst above it. Test on your own prompts.
Will my GPT Image 2 prompts work on 2.5?
Usually yes. Keep the same structure; you may be able to remove workarounds you added for text or consistency.
Why is Sunburst more expensive here?
It is slower and higher quality upstream, so it costs more per image to run. Credits reflect that difference.
Can I still use GPT Image 2?
Yes. GPT Image 2 stays in the model list on every generator page.
More about GPT Image 2.5
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