Imagen 4: When to choose it

Imagen 4 is Google's most advanced text-to-image model, delivering exceptional photorealism and fine detail at 2K HD resolution. If you need professional-quality images with accurate text rendering and intricate textures, this is your best choice.

What Imagen 4 excels at

• Exceptional photorealism: Renders intricate textures like fabrics, water droplets, scales, and fur with stunning realism
• Accurate text generation: Creates perfectly spelled text for infographics, ads, and greeting cards
• 2K HD resolution: Up to 2048×2048 pixels for crisp, detailed output
• Lightning-fast generation: Up to 10x faster than Imagen 3 for rapid iteration
• Multiple styles: Photorealistic, cartoon, manga, and abstract styles
• Two variants: Standard Imagen 4 and Ultra for higher prompt adherence and creative precision
• Price: $0.04 per standard image, $0.06 for Ultra version on Google's platform

Best use cases

• High-quality marketing materials and advertisements
• Infographics and presentations requiring embedded text
• Product photography and e-commerce visuals
• Professional documentation and reports
• Creative content requiring fine textural detail
• Any project needing 2K resolution output

When to pick another model

• Image editing or upscaling → Choose other models (Imagen 4 doesn't support these)
• Budget-conscious rapid ideation → Consider faster, cheaper alternatives
• Few-shot learning with input images → Imagen 4 doesn't support this feature

How to use Imagen 4

Available through:

• Gemini API and Google AI Studio
• Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Vids)
• Firebase AI Logic SDKs
• Third-party platforms like Magicdoor

Generation process:

1. Choose between standard Imagen 4 or Ultra
2. Write detailed prompts (up to 480 tokens)
3. Configure aspect ratio and safety settings
4. Generate up to 4 images per request

Prompt tips for better results

• Be specific about textures and materials you want rendered
• Include text requirements clearly in your prompt
• Specify style preferences (photorealistic, cartoon, etc.)
• Mention resolution needs if using the 2K capability
• Use descriptive language for fine details

Quick comparisons

• Imagen 4 vs Imagen 3: 10x faster, better text rendering, higher resolution
• Imagen 4 Standard vs Ultra: Ultra offers higher prompt adherence and creative precision
• Imagen 4 vs other models: Excels at photorealism and text generation, but doesn't do image editing

Technical specifications

• Maximum resolution: 2048×2048 pixels (2K)
• Input limit: 480 tokens
• Output: Up to 4 images per request
• Format: Base64-encoded bytes
• Limitations: No upscaling, editing, or few-shot learning

FAQs

Is Imagen 4 good for photorealistic images?

Yes, this is one of its strongest features. It excels at rendering fine details like textures, making it ideal for photorealistic content.

Can Imagen 4 generate images with text?

It is not the best at text. For accurate text, ChatGPT Image, Recraft or Flux Kontext are the winners.

Can I generate multiple images at once?

Use ChatGPT Image or Flux Schnell when you need many variations. Imagen 4 is best for single, polished results.

How much does it cost?

$0.05 per image on Magicdoor.