Model comparison
Compare GPT-Image-2 and MAI-Image-2.5 Pro using the same provider-sourced image generation rubric. No mystery score and no invented benchmark ranking.
Facts checked September 4, 2026
Set your usage. Your estimate updates as you type.
Example output: square 1,024 × 1,024 images. Prices depend on supported resolution and quality; edits and retries can cost extra.
Estimates exclude taxes, tools, cache storage/writes, free allowances and custom discounts. Image estimates cover output only, not prompt or reference-image charges. Quality modes differ by model. Unlisted settings are not treated as free.
| Model | Access | Estimated total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| GPT-Image-2OpenAI | OpenAI | No reviewed rate |
| MAI-Image-2.5 ProMicrosoft | Microsoft | No reviewed rate |
Quick take
OpenAI's current image model for detailed generation and editing, especially complex prompts, text-heavy visuals, and high-fidelity source images.
Do not treat the lowest per-image price as typical: quality, resolution, input images, and thinking/token use all change the final bill.
Microsoft's quality-focused image generation and editing model for Azure teams that want enterprise deployment controls inside Microsoft Foundry.
Microsoft's public pricing table does not expose one universal rate, and preview services can have tighter quotas or fewer enterprise controls than mature Azure products.
Compare the published facts
Values use each provider's own published units and limits. A blank means the provider did not publish a directly comparable value in the sources reviewed.
| Image generation | GPT-Image-2 | MAI-Image-2.5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price basisA representative current provider price with its quality or resolution basis. | $0.006–$0.211 at 1024² on fal | Azure account / offer pricing |
| Maximum outputMaximum documented resolution or pixel area for the listed route. | Up to about 4K / 8.29MP on fal | Up to 1,048,576 pixels; PNG |
| Core tasksWhether the model supports generation, editing, or both. | Generation and editing | Generation and image-to-image editing |
| Reference imagesHow the model can use images to guide or edit an output. | High-fidelity image input | Single JPEG or PNG edit input |
| Text & layoutProvider-documented positioning for typography and structured composition. | Designed for detailed text-heavy images | Improved text rendering and layout control |
| API accessDirect and notable third-party routes included in this guide. | OpenAI, fal | Microsoft Foundry |
How to choose
Start with the job you need to complete, then validate cost, access, and policy details on your exact provider route.
For direct OpenAI API use, API content is not used for training by default and standard retention controls apply. fal stores request input/output by default, but its no-store header can prevent payload storage; uploaded CDN files require separate handling.
Provider and API links
Microsoft says Foundry Model prompts and outputs are not used to train foundation models without permission. Preview features may not support every storage or customer-managed-key control, so verify the deployed feature set.
Provider and API links
Frequently asked questions
GPT-Image-2: OpenAI's current image model for detailed generation and editing, especially complex prompts, text-heavy visuals, and high-fidelity source images. MAI-Image-2.5 Pro: Microsoft's quality-focused image generation and editing model for Azure teams that want enterprise deployment controls inside Microsoft Foundry.
Consider GPT-Image-2 when your priority is Text-heavy graphics and infographics. Consider MAI-Image-2.5 Pro when your priority is Azure-based image applications. Test both with your own data and provider route before committing.
No. This comparison aligns provider-published facts for the Image generation category. It does not claim a universal winner or combine incompatible third-party benchmark scores.
