Image model vs image model
GPT Image 1 Mini vs GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst
GPT Image 1 Mini ranks 29th of the 50 models we list with a text-to-image arena score; GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst hasn’t been rated yet. GPT Image 1 Mini costs 24× less (≈$0.009 against ≈$0.21 an image).
At a glance
Longer bar means the bigger number. Elo bars start at 800.
Price per image · 1024×1024, lower is better
Where they sit among all 59 image models
Up and to the left is better pictures for less money. Hover or tap a dot for its numbers, then click it to compare that model with GPT Image 1 Mini. Models the arena hasn’t rated yet sit in the grey lane at the bottom.
Which one to pick
Pick GPT Image 1 Mini if
- you want a model with a track record: it ranks 29th of the 50 models we list with a text-to-image arena score, and GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst has no arena score yet
- price matters: 100 images cost $0.86, against $21.05 with GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst
- you need to edit pictures you upload; GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst only makes new ones here
The specs
| Spec | GPT Image 1 Mini | GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst |
|---|---|---|
| Price per image | ≈$0.009 (estimated, medium quality) | ≈$0.21 (estimated, high quality) |
| 100 images | $0.86 | $21.05 |
| Text-to-image Elo | 936 ±17 (#71 in the arena) | Not scored yet |
| Editing Elo | 940 ±19 (#64 in the arena) | Not scored yet |
| Edits uploaded pictures | Yes | No |
| Largest size | — | — |
| Open weights | No | No |
| Zero data retention | No | No |
| Lab | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Official name | GPT Image 1 Mini | GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst |
| Released | October 2025 | November 2026 |
Elo ± is the 95% margin. Prices are for one 1024×1024 image from the Vercel AI Gateway.
Questions
Which is better, GPT Image 1 Mini or GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst?
GPT Image 1 Mini ranks 29th of the 50 models we list with a text-to-image arena score; GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst hasn’t been rated yet. GPT Image 1 Mini costs 24× less (≈$0.009 against ≈$0.21 an image).
Which is cheaper, GPT Image 1 Mini or GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst?
GPT Image 1 Mini: ≈$0.009 for a 1024×1024 image, against ≈$0.21 for GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst. 100 images cost $0.86 and $21.05. GPT Image 1 Mini is billed per token, so its price is an estimate at medium quality. GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst is billed per token, so its price is an estimate at high quality.
Can GPT Image 1 Mini and GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst edit images?
GPT Image 1 Mini can change a picture you upload. GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst only makes new pictures from a prompt here.
How can I compare GPT Image 1 Mini and GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst myself?
Open the comparison, type one prompt and both models draw it side by side, each with what it cost and how long it took. You sign up with Google before your first run, and new accounts start with free credit.
Related comparisons
Where the numbers come from
Quality scores are Elo ratings from the Artificial Analysis image arenas, where people vote between two pictures made from the same prompt without knowing which model made which. The vote split comes from the Elo gap. Prices are for one 1024×1024 image from the Vercel AI Gateway; models billed per token are estimated at the quality the arena scored. The sample pictures are our own runs. Updated November 5, 2026.