GPT-4o vs Flux & Extra

In as we speak’s world, AI picture technology functions are quickly exploding and remodeling the best way we create issues. At present, with text-to-image generator instruments, some functions can create lifelike and particular photographs from easy textual content prompts. The appliance of that is huge, so even selecting one of the best AI picture generator is determined by one’s wants. On this article, we’ll be exploring 5 flagship AI picture technology mannequin, and every of those AI picture turbines might be going by means of a special collection of duties to uncover their strengths and limitations. So, whether or not you’re a developer, artist, or inventive designer, discovering one of the best picture generator with the optimum stability of high quality, pace, and API price is essential for remodeling creativity into outcomes. 

Why Selecting the Proper AI Picture Technology Mannequin Issues?

Regardless that the picture technology discipline is quickly evolving and we are able to discover some new fashions and updates daily. However not all picture turbines are created equal. Every mannequin has its strengths, weaknesses, and excellent use circumstances. Some give attention to uncooked photo-realism, others on pace or inventive model. In observe, when evaluating the software, the selection of mannequin is usually based mostly on parameters comparable to price or ecosystem. As a lot as uncooked high quality.

For instance, in case you are producing extremely stylized fantasy art work, then one software may supply advantages. In case you are producing a crisp technical diagram, then one other is perhaps higher suited. Understanding which AI matches your challenge will prevent numerous time in trial and error and exponentially enhance your productiveness.

Overview of the Textual content-to-Picture AI Fashions In contrast

On this article, we’ve got in contrast our duties on 5 of the main AI fashions. These are:

GPT-4o (OpenAI)

A multimodal mannequin (one of many newest within the GPT-4 collection) that builds photographs from textual content and pictures as nicely. It brings collectively highly effective functions of language with picture technology.

API Pricing: $10.00/1M enter tokens & $40.00/1M output tokens.

Additionally Learn: 10 Picture Technology Prompts to Attempt Out on GPT-4o

Flux (Leonardo.AI)

Flux is a set of picture fashions (like Flux Schnell, Flux Dev, Flux Professional) which are quick and versatile. It can create photographs at wrap pace with Flux Schnell, and with extraordinarily detailed additionally with Flux Dev/Professional.

API Pricing: Comes with 4 plans:

• Fundamental: $9/month with 3500 api credit
• Customary: $49/month with 25000 api credit
• Professional: $299/month with 200,000 credit
• Customized: Customized API credit quantity

Additionally Learn: Learn how to Run the Flux Mannequin on 8GB GPU RAM

Phoenix 1.0 (Leonardo.AI)

Phoenix 1.0 is Leonardo’s new base mannequin for prime visible expertise. Together with the superior picture technology, the mannequin additionally supplies superior image-guidance capabilities like devoted immediate following and artistic management.

API Pricing: Comes with 4 plans:

• Fundamental: $9/month with 3500 api credit
• Customary: $49/month with 25000 api credit
• Professional: $299/month with 200,000 credit
• Customized: Customized API credit quantity

Adobe Firefly

Adobe’s AI picture generator is designed for inventive professionals with built-in Photoshop and Inventive Cloud help, and has quite a few completely different artwork types. It could possibly create almost something from lifelike pictures to fantasy-style illustrations with a easy interface.

API Pricing: Comes with three plans:

• Customary: $9.99/month with 2,000 generative credit.
• Professional: $29.99/month with 7,000 generative credit.
• Premium: $199.99/month with 50,000 generative credit.

Additionally Learn: Learn how to Use Adobe Firefly Picture 3

Imagen 4-Extremely 

Imagen 4 is the most recent addition to Gemini picture technology fashions. It excels in offering high-quality particulars and giving a sensible contact to the picture. It additionally powers its picture capabilities in Google merchandise like Slides and Gemini Advance, making it excellent for duties with excessive accuracy.

API Pricing:  Obtainable in Gemini API Tier 1, 2, and three Plans with a value of  $0.06/picture

So, every software is completely different and has some strengths and weaknesses. Within the subsequent sections, we’ll look into their capabilities and output on metrics, after which evaluate the outputs of every of those for the precise activity.

Analysis Metrics

On this part, to make sure equity, we’ll verify the outcomes of the fashions, i.e, generated photographs, together with the next metrics parameters.

1. Customization Choices: Does the mannequin permit customization additional as soon as the picture has been generated by giving additional modifications within the immediate?
2. API Entry & Pricing: Does the mannequin have the api help in order that the builders can combine it inside their challenge workflow? If “Sure”, then what’s the api pricing per million tokens?
3. Formatting Capabilities: Does the api additionally help multi-panel layouts and embedded textual content?
4. Side Ratio Help: Can we choose or set the picture facet ratio and dimensions that we wish to generate?
5. Platform Compatibility: Does the mannequin supply compatibility throughout completely different platforms comparable to net, cellular, and desktop? Or is it integrable with the cross-platform functions?

Process-based Comparability of AI Picture Technology Fashions

On this part, we’ll evaluate the efficiency of particular person mannequin on the identical immediate, and verify their generated photographs. So, let’s start with the comparability of those fashions on the duties talked about under:

• Graphic Portrait Composition
• Product Mockup
• Technical Infographic
• Epic Medieval Portrait

Process 1: Graphic Portrait Composition

Process Description: We instructed the entire instruments to create a stylized portrait combining a sensible face with graphic parts (like textual content labels or icons). 

Immediate: “Create an ultra-realistic 8K portrait of a assured younger man (face as uploaded) in high-contrast black and white, sporting {a partially} seen black leather-based jacket. His voluminous hair provides texture, and one eye is obscured by a daring pink rectangle, encased in a pink geometric body. Set towards a textured gray background, the left aspect options repeated daring textual content “PAUL SOMENDRA” with clear layering, interspersed with a pink Nike emblem, stylized “S,” and a vertical pink line. On the backside proper, the phrase “WORK SMART NOT HARD” seems in daring pink caps, with “SMART” and “GRAPHICS” in elegant cursive. A pink #PAUL sits within the backside left. The lighting is comfortable but dramatic, highlighting textures, with vivid pink accents creating a strong fusion of streetwear and graphic artwork. Shallow depth of discipline, DSLR-level element, 4:5 facet ratio.”

Output:

Process Evaluation

• GPT-4o: Created a really detailed, pure portrait. Facial options have been crisp and lifelike. The software program appropriately positioned any textual content or graphic overlays, ie, names or labels, have been crisp and legible. The general composition was fully skilled and unified.
• Flux: Generated a colourful portrait with form of shiny colours. The model was a bit extra inventive (with enhanced saturation). Flux organized the graphic parts properly, though the smaller textual content within the picture was a little bit blurrier than GPT-4o’s.
• Phoenix 1.0: Introduced a really polished picture. The attractive lighting and textures, together with the shiny and detailed clothes within the portrait, have been really exceptional. 
• Imagen 4-Extremely: Imagen good and colourful portrait, fairly just like Flux. However the textual content is neither completely positioned nor written appropriately.
• Adobe Firefly: The portrait was okay, however less than the goal. The face was properly rendered, however the added graphics, like labels, have been lacking, and the textual content was additionally distorted. 

Verdict: GPT-4o wins with its mix of realism and precision. Flux is a powerful second (quick and colourful), Phoenix third, then comes Imagen 4-Extremely, and Firefly final.

Process 2: Product Mockup

Process Description: Every mannequin was tasked with rendering a high-end product in a sensible method, on a easy studio background.

Immediate: “Generate a premium product mockup of a pair of wi-fi earbuds named ‘NovaPods Professional’. The earbuds ought to be positioned inside an open matte black charging case with modern, rounded edges. Add metallic silver accents alongside the perimeters of each earbuds for a futuristic contact. The model identify “NovaPods Professional” ought to be printed in a refined silver font on the middle of the charging case lid.

Place the product on a darkish wood desk or clean black floor, with minimal background distractions. Add refined lighting flares, low-key shadows, and comfortable reflection under the case to provide a cinematic, high-tech ambiance. The lighting ought to come from a top-left diagonal angle, casting a delicate spotlight on the earbuds’ metallic edges. The product ought to seem as whether it is a part of a tech commercial for a luxurious electronics model.

Keep a shallow depth of discipline with the product in sharp focus and the background barely blurred. Guarantee high-resolution photorealism, correct proportions, clear strains, and a sophisticated, editorial look.”

Output:

Process Evaluation

• GPT-4o: Delivered a really lifelike mockup. The product seemed like actual earbuds positioned on a desk with a metallic case, and the composition appeared expertly accomplished. Lastly, it was comparatively realistic-looking than Flux.
• Flux: Supplied a superb mockup, nevertheless it was barely quieter. The product appeared correct; nevertheless, its reflections & high-quality highlights have been barely much less sharp. Flux had the added benefit of its pace to find iterations of angles and lighting.
• Imagen 4-Extremely: Imagen 4 created a pleasant product mockup. However the product appeared to have a number of reflections. If we hold that apart, then it is going to be second.
• Phoenix 1.0: Created a really spectacular picture with numerous publicity because of their lighting. Phoenix was very near Flux’s realism, however the textual content “NovaPods Professional” is distorted, which is why it’s under Flux.
• Adobe Firefly: The mockup was high-quality, however didn’t have as a lot element, and was not as refined. Additionally, the textual content written over the earbuds is closely distorted.

Verdict: GPT-4o was finest at photorealism; Flux comes second, then Imagen was closest to Flux however maybe a little bit extra stylized; then the Phoenix 1.0 as a result of its distorted textual content, and lastly, we’ve got Adobe Firefly.

Process 3: Technical Infographic

Process Description: We requested every software to create a flowchart or infographic course of for “Agentic AI”, with a number of steps labeled with arrows. Textual content label legibility was tremendous essential.

Immediate: “Create an in depth course of movement infographic that visually illustrates how an Agentic AI system capabilities, specializing in readability, clear design, and technical accuracy. The infographic ought to consist of 4 key levels, organized both horizontally or vertically in a left-to-right or top-down structure to indicate development. The levels are:

Process Decomposition by a Planner Agent – visually represented with a guidelines icon or flowchart image to depict how a high-level activity is damaged into smaller subtasks.

Process Task to Specialised Brokers – represented by branching arrows resulting in 2–3 agent icons with labels like “Knowledge Fetcher,” “Content material Generator,” or “Evaluator,” every with a singular colour or icon (e.g., processor, guide, magnifier).

Inter-agent Communication – present brokers exchanging messages through chat bubble icons or connection strains, highlighting dynamic collaboration between roles.

Closing Output Aggregation – represented by a doc or report icon, the place all outcomes are merged and refined into the ultimate response.

Use arrows to indicate the logical movement between every stage, and color-code the brokers or blocks to visually separate roles (e.g., blue for planner, inexperienced for employee brokers, purple for communication). Select a lightweight, tech-style background with clear strains, rounded shapes, and comfortable shadows. Keep quick, readable labels or annotations (3–5 phrases max) for every step – excellent for embedding in technical blogs or shows. The general visible ought to convey modular intelligence.”

Output:

Process Evaluation

• Imagen 4-Extremely: Clearly one of the best out of those 5. It created a easy and interactive workflow. Makes it straightforward to grasp the workflow.
• GPT-4o: It produced a pointy flowchart format with clear levels. It spell-checked the labels, and all have been legible. The orientation made sense and used arrows and bins in a method that visibly follows a logical movement. It created the diagram with the readability of a seasoned diagrammer.
• Flux: Had numerous issues with the duty. It produced a picture that had some bins and arrows, however the textual content in them was nearly fully non-words. It both left blanks or produced random letters.
• Phoenix 1.0: Much like Flux. It generated a colorfully embellished chart, however the precise phrases within the labels have been principally nonreadable. It had a phrase or two generated appropriately, and solely a little bit textual content was coherent.
• Adobe Firefly: Firefly failed fully. Firefly’s picture was busy, however there have been no labels that have been ornamental or textual content that was significant. The model made the content material tough to learn.

Verdict: General, Imagen 4-Extremely  ended up victorious due to its capability to generate and iterate textual content. GPT-4o comes out second as a result of it’s uniquely capable of analyze and perceive text-based photographs or infographics, amongst others, whereas the opposite three, Flux, Phoenix, and Abode, failed in doing so.

Process 4: Epic Medieval Portrait

Process Description: The immediate was for an ultra-realistic portrait of a medieval warrior, as if it have been a high-budget film poster.

Immediate: “Create a hyper-realistic, 8K portrait (4:5 facet ratio) of a younger medieval warrior with the identical face because the uploaded picture. He has rugged, swept-back hair, a brief, well-groomed beard, and a relaxed but fearless, decided expression. Delicate facial scars – one throughout the cheek, one other close to the forehead – improve his hardened warrior look.

He wears worn blackened metal armor (pauldron) over a chainmail tunic, partially draped in a deep crimson cloak. The armor bears scratches and engraved particulars, exhibiting battle expertise and the Aristocracy. A leather-based strap and buckle cross his chest, with a sword hilt or axe deal with subtly seen behind his shoulder.

The background is a misty medieval battlefield or foggy mountain cross, rendered in moody greys and earth tones, with faint ruins or banners within the distance. Use comfortable, cinematic lighting to spotlight armor, hair, and facial texture, with a rim gentle for separation. Focus sharply on the face with a shallow depth of discipline, captured in DSLR Hasselblad X2D 100C high quality. Emphasize photorealism, sharp element, and a dramatic, noble ambiance. ”

Output:

Process Evaluation

• GPT-4o: Delivered one of the best total end result. The facial options of the warrior had film-quality lifelike element, and the armor had acceptable texture.
• Adobe Firefly: Firefly’s warrior had a really pure colour. The pores and skin and armor seemed very lifelike when it comes to colour and texture. General had a heroic vibe.
• Flux: The warrior picture produced had a powerful picture total, however a bit extra stylized when it comes to colour palette, with a painted high quality to the armor. The face had considerably of a “painted” high quality to it, however nonetheless very top quality for a quick technology.
• Phoenix 1.0 & Imagen 4-Extremely: They least detailed right here, and the end result evoked extra of an idea, of a well-composed and atmospheric situation. All of the textures appeared a bit too comfortable. It had a cool stylized palette of colours, however merely lacked the pin-sharp element obtainable in GPT-4o.

Verdict: As soon as once more, GPT-4o wins by a mile when it comes to pure realism. Flux and Firefly got here in a valiant second place. Imagen and Phoenix tied for third, each had a strong efficiency.

General Comparability

On this part, we’ll see the general comparability based mostly on the 4 duties and their api help and pricing for every mannequin:

Conclusion

In our evaluations, GPT-4o stands out as undoubtedly essentially the most versatile and succesful mannequin. Its particular capability to mix language and picture that means supplies it with a singular benefit in accuracy. That being mentioned, the “finest” software is relative to your use case. Flux and Phoenix are finest for idea work, rapidly and polished inventive rendering, respectively. Firefly can spark concepts, whereas the opposite fashions can help the inventive design course of in varied methods.

Nobody mannequin is all the time one of the best for all the pieces. The progress in AI picture technology has improved in a short time. As of 2025, every of those finest fashions can produce placing, usable artwork, however what makes these fashions completely different additionally differentiates your best option for a selected activity. Finally, one of the best recommendation is to easily take into consideration what your priorities are, as a result of one of the best software is the one that matches your wants to your particular challenge.

Incessantly Requested Questions