GPT Image 1.5 vs Seedream 4.5
OpenAI's best vs ByteDance's flagship — premium quality at different price points.
GPT Image 1.5 is no longer offered on Melies. Seedream 4.5 is available today. The specs below are kept for reference.
GPT Image 1.5 from OpenAI and Seedream 4.5 from ByteDance 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, byteDance's flagship model with stunning aesthetics and complex scene understanding.
At 10 credits, Seedream 4.5 costs 5 credits less than GPT Image 1.5 (15 credits). GPT Image 1.5 is no longer offered on Melies. Seedream 4.5 is, along with the other current image models listed on the pricing page.
Updated November 2026
GPT Image 1.5 is no longer offered on Melies, so Seedream 4.5 is the one you can use here. At 10 credits, it is a fit for artistic scenes. For other options, compare the current image models and their credit costs on the pricing page.
GPT Image 1.5 vs Seedream 4.5: Visual Output
Both generated with the same prompt and seed 42. Click to view full size.
GPT Image 1.5
Seedream 4.5GPT Image 1.5 vs Seedream 4.5: How They Compare
| GPT Image 1.5 | Seedream 4.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | ByteDance |
| Released | Jan 2026 | Dec 2025 |
| Cost | 15 | 10 |
| Speed | Medium | Medium |
| Reference images | Up to 1 | Up to 10 |
| Editing | ||
| WebP output |
GPT Image 1.5 vs Seedream 4.5: Cost Comparison
Seedream 4.5 is 33% cheaper than GPT Image 1.5. Here's how credits add up at scale.
| Volume | GPT Image 1.5 | Seedream 4.5 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 images | 150 | 100 |
| 50 images | 750 | 500 |
| 100 images | 1,500 | 1,000 |
Strengths & Weaknesses
GPT Image 1.5
- + Highest quality generation
- + WebP output for smaller file sizes
- + #1 on all major image leaderboards
- + Transparent background support
- + Quality control (low/medium/high)
- - More expensive (15 vs 10 credits)
Seedream 4.5
- + More affordable (10 vs 15 credits)
- + Artistic scenes
- + Supports 10 reference images
- + More resolution options
- + Auto 2K and 4K resolution
- - No WebP output
GPT Image 1.5 vs Seedream 4.5: Which to Pick?
On a tight budget
At 10 credits per image, Seedream 4.5 gives you more generations for your plan. Good enough quality for most everyday use.
Character or style consistency
Seedream 4.5 supports 10 reference images to keep subjects, styles, and characters consistent across generations.
GPT Image 1.5 vs Seedream 4.5: FAQ
Practical answers before you start creating.
Try Seedream 4.5 on Melies
Compare Seedream 4.5 with the other image models on Melies side by side. Switch models with one click, same credits.
Start Generating Images
