Model comparison
Compare GPT-Image-2.5 Sunburst and Midjourney V8.2 using the same provider-sourced image generation rubric. No mystery score and no invented benchmark ranking.
Facts checked September 9, 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 | Pricing & comparisons |
|---|---|---|
| GPT-Image-2.5 SunburstOpenAI | OpenAI | $5 text input · $8 image input · $30 image output / 1M tokens |
| Midjourney V8.2Midjourney | Midjourney | No reviewed rate |
Quick take
OpenAI's quality-first GPT Image 2.5 model for demanding generation, precise edits, subject preservation, typography, and high-resolution creative work.
Sunburst is the quality-first option, not automatically the best value for every image. Test Flare after quality passes, inspect exact text and preserved details, and measure cost per accepted output.
Midjourney's current default image model for highly polished, style-led creative work, with stronger personalization and a new reference-based Edit Model.
There is no general public API. Creations are open by default, Stealth requires a Pro or Mega plan, and Midjourney says user prompts and images can be used for training.
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-2.5 Sunburst | Midjourney V8.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price basisA representative current provider price with its quality or resolution basis. | OpenAI: $5 text input · $8 image input · $30 image output / 1M tokens | From $10/month; Stealth from $60/month |
| Maximum outputMaximum documented resolution or pixel area for the listed route. | Up to 3,840px per edge / 8.29MP | 2048×2048 at 1:1 in HD |
| Core tasksWhether the model supports generation, editing, or both. | Generation and editing | Generation, variations, and Edit Model |
| Reference imagesHow the model can use images to guide or edit an output. | Image inputs with improved subject preservation | Up to 4 through the V8 Edit Model |
| Text & layoutProvider-documented positioning for typography and structured composition. | Exact-text and structured-layout workflows | Improved text and prompt adherence in the V8 family |
| API accessDirect and notable third-party routes included in this guide. | OpenAI Images API, Responses tool | Website and Discord; no general public API |
How to choose
Start with the job you need to complete, then validate cost, access, and policy details on your exact provider route.
OpenAI says direct API inputs and outputs are not used for model training by default. Standard abuse-monitoring retention and organization-specific data controls still apply.
Provider and API links
Midjourney is open by default unless eligible users enable Stealth mode. Its public training summary says prompts, images, and preference data from user interactions are used in model training, so do not assume API-style no-training terms.
Provider and API links
Frequently asked questions
GPT-Image-2.5 Sunburst: OpenAI's quality-first GPT Image 2.5 model for demanding generation, precise edits, subject preservation, typography, and high-resolution creative work. Midjourney V8.2: Midjourney's current default image model for highly polished, style-led creative work, with stronger personalization and a new reference-based Edit Model.
Consider GPT-Image-2.5 Sunburst when your priority is Precise product and subject-preserving edits. Consider Midjourney V8.2 when your priority is Art direction and visual exploration. 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.
