Image Model Comparison: Choosing the Right Model for the Job

Last updated: April 25, 2026.

magicdoor.ai currently offers 9 image models. They are not interchangeable: some are better for low-cost exploration, some for polished outputs, some for editing, and one is only for upscaling.

Full pricing details: model cost guide.

Quick reference

• Lowest-cost generation: Seedream 4.5
• Fast general-purpose generation and editing: Google Nano Banana 2
• Design-oriented illustrations and brand work: Recraft V4
• Targeted image edits: Flux.1 Kontext Pro
• Photorealistic scenes: Flux 2 Pro
• Clean presentation visuals: Imagen 4
• Higher-resolution output: Google Nano Banana Pro (2K)
• OpenAI image workflow: ChatGPT Image 2
• Upscaling only: Recraft Upscaler

Current model list

How to choose

Start cheap when you are exploring

If you are still figuring out composition, style, or wording, start with Seedream 4.5 or Google Nano Banana 2. They keep experimentation inexpensive while still supporting image input for edits.

Use Flux 2 Pro when realism matters

For product shots, realistic people, interiors, or ad-style imagery, Flux 2 Pro is a strong generation option at $0.05 per image. If you already have an image and want to change part of it, switch to Flux.1 Kontext Pro at $0.04 per image.

Use Recraft V4 for design-oriented work

For brand graphics, illustrations, simple layouts, or images that need to feel more designed than photographed, Recraft V4 is usually a better fit than realism-first image models.

Use ChatGPT Image 2 when you want the OpenAI image path

ChatGPT Image 2 is useful when you want OpenAI-style prompt following, multiple input images for editing, and a premium generalist. It costs $0.15 per image, so it makes the most sense once you already know what you want.

Use Imagen 4 for clean presentation visuals

Imagen 4 is a good option for polished visuals where you care more about clean output than editing support.

Use Google Nano Banana Pro (2K) when resolution matters earlier

Google Nano Banana Pro (2K) costs $0.14 per image and is useful when you want higher-resolution output without waiting until the final upscale step.

Use Recraft Upscaler at the end

If the image is already good but resolution is not, use Recraft Upscaler. It is often cheaper than regenerating the whole image with a more expensive model.

Recommended workflows

Fast idea-to-final workflow

1. Start with Seedream 4.5 or Google Nano Banana 2.
2. Move the strongest concept to Flux 2 Pro, ChatGPT Image 2, or Recraft V4 depending on style.
3. Use Flux.1 Kontext Pro for specific edits.
4. Finish with Recraft Upscaler if the image is approved and only needs more resolution.

Brand asset workflow

1. Use Recraft V4 for illustrations, layout-sensitive visuals, or graphic treatments.
2. Use ChatGPT Image 2, Imagen 4, or Flux 2 Pro for hero imagery.
3. Keep Flux.1 Kontext Pro for revisions to approved images.
4. Use Google Nano Banana Pro (2K) when higher-resolution output is needed before final upscaling.

Lowest-cost workflow

1. Generate several options with Seedream 4.5.
2. Edit promising options with Google Nano Banana 2 or Flux.1 Kontext Pro.
3. Only rerun the winning concept on a pricier model if the quality gap matters.
4. Upscale instead of regenerating when resolution is the only issue.

Common mistakes

• Using premium models before you know the direction.
• Regenerating a whole image when a targeted edit would do.
• Using a photorealistic model for graphic-design work.
• Paying for higher-resolution output before the content is approved.
• Ignoring the upscaler when the only problem is size.

Bottom line

There is no single best image model across every task. On magicdoor.ai, the practical approach is:

• start with a cheaper model,
• switch to a stronger specialist when the task becomes clear,
• edit only the parts that need changing,
• upscale only at the end.

For model-specific workflow examples, see ChatGPT Image 2 on magicdoor.ai and advanced image workflows.