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 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). The question is whether the extra cost of GPT Image 1.5 translates into meaningfully better results for your use case. For artistic scenes, complex compositions, high-resolution output, Seedream 4.5 is hard to beat at its price point. But if you need highest quality generation, text rendering, photorealism, GPT Image 1.5 may justify the premium.
Updated March 2026
Seedream 4.5 (10 credits) offers better value for everyday use, especially for artistic scenes. GPT Image 1.5 (15 credits) is worth the premium when you need highest quality generation. Both are available on Melies — try each with a test prompt to see which fits your style.
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.
Maximum quality matters
GPT Image 1.5 is worth the extra credits when the output needs to be perfect — portfolio pieces, client work, or final deliverables.
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
Try GPT Image 1.5 & Seedream 4.5
Compare GPT Image 1.5, Seedream 4.5, and 15+ AI image models side by side. Switch models with one click, same credits.
Start Generating Images
