Image model vs image model
GPT Image 2 vs GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst
GPT Image 2 ranks 3rd of the 50 models we list with a text-to-image arena score; GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst hasn’t been rated yet. They cost about the same (≈$0.21 against ≈$0.21 an image).
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 2. Models the arena hasn’t rated yet sit in the grey lane at the bottom.
Which one to pick
Pick GPT Image 2 if
- you want a model with a track record: it ranks 3rd of the 50 models we list with a text-to-image arena score, and GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst has no arena score yet
- you need to edit pictures you upload; GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst only makes new ones here
The specs
| Spec | GPT Image 2 | GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst |
|---|---|---|
| Price per image | ≈$0.21 (estimated, high quality) | ≈$0.21 (estimated, high quality) |
| 100 images | $21.05 | $21.05 |
| Text-to-image Elo | 1188 ±11 (#3 in the arena) | Not scored yet |
| Editing Elo | 1136 ±13 (#8 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 2 | GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst |
| Released | April 2026 | 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 2 or GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst?
GPT Image 2 ranks 3rd of the 50 models we list with a text-to-image arena score; GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst hasn’t been rated yet. They cost about the same (≈$0.21 against ≈$0.21 an image).
Which is cheaper, GPT Image 2 or GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst?
They cost about the same: GPT Image 2 ≈$0.21 and GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst ≈$0.21 for a 1024×1024 image. GPT Image 2 is billed per token, so its price is an estimate at high quality. GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst is billed per token, so its price is an estimate at high quality.
Can GPT Image 2 and GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst edit images?
GPT Image 2 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 2 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.