Melies
Image Model Comparison

GPT Image 1.5 vs Grok Imagine

OpenAI vs xAI — two tech giants' image generators compared at the same price.

GPT Image 1.5 from OpenAI and Grok Imagine from xAI represent two different approaches to AI image generation. OpenAI's #1 ranked image model with exceptional prompt adherence, photorealism, and text rendering. On the other side, xAI's flagship image model with exceptional realism and artistic range.

Both models cost 15 credits per generation, so the decision comes down to capabilities rather than budget. GPT Image 1.5 excels at highest quality generation, text rendering, photorealism, while Grok Imagine is better suited for photorealism, artistic range, unusual aspect ratios.

Updated March 2026

The Bottom Line

Both cost 15 credits, so pick based on your needs. Go with GPT Image 1.5 for highest quality generation. Choose Grok Imagine if you need photorealism. Since they're the same price on Melies, try both and see which output style you prefer.

GPT Image 1.5 vs Grok Imagine: Visual Output

Both generated with the same prompt and seed 42. Click to view full size.

OpenAIGPT Image 1.5
xAIGrok Imagine

GPT Image 1.5 vs Grok Imagine: How They Compare

OpenAIGPT Image 1.5
xAIGrok Imagine
ProviderOpenAIxAI
ReleasedJan 2026Jul 2025
Cost
15
15
SpeedMediumMedium
Reference imagesUp to 1Up to 3
Editing

GPT Image 1.5 vs Grok Imagine: Cost Comparison

Both models cost the same. Here's how credits add up at scale.

VolumeGPT Image 1.5Grok Imagine
10 images 150 150
50 images 750 750
100 images 1,500 1,500

Strengths & Weaknesses

OpenAI

GPT Image 1.5

Strengths
  • + Highest quality generation
  • + More resolution options
  • + #1 on all major image leaderboards
  • + Transparent background support
  • + Quality control (low/medium/high)
Weaknesses
  • - Higher price point relative to speed tier
xAI

Grok Imagine

Strengths
  • + Photorealism
  • + Supports 3 reference images
  • + 13 aspect ratio options (most of any model)
  • + webp output support
  • + Also has text-to-video capability
Weaknesses
  • - Higher price point relative to speed tier

GPT Image 1.5 vs Grok Imagine: Which to Pick?

On a tight budget

At 15 credits per image, GPT Image 1.5 gives you more generations for your plan. Good enough quality for most everyday use.

GPT Image 1.5

Character or style consistency

Grok Imagine supports 3 reference images to keep subjects, styles, and characters consistent across generations.

Grok Imagine

GPT Image 1.5 vs Grok Imagine: FAQ

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