Melies
Image Model Comparison

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst vs Luma Uni-1 Max

Two premium stills models at similar prices. Sunburst at 20 credits with 16 edit references versus Luma Uni-1 Max at 21 credits with nine.

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst from OpenAI and Luma Uni-1 Max from Luma AI represent two different approaches to AI image generation. GPT Image 2.5 generation and editing with explicit sizes or automatic source sizing. On the other side, luma's highest-fidelity Uni-1 tier for detailed hero images, strong prompt adherence, and reference-guided editing.

At 20 credits, GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst costs 1 credits less than Luma Uni-1 Max (21 credits). The question is whether the extra cost of Luma Uni-1 Max translates into meaningfully better results for your use case. For hero stills, precision editing, photorealism, and production text rendering, GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst is hard to beat at its price point. But if you need hero stills, detailed concept art, character references, and precise multi-image edits, Luma Uni-1 Max may justify the premium.

Updated October 2026

The Bottom Line

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst (20 credits) offers better value for everyday use, especially for hero stills. Luma Uni-1 Max (21 credits) is worth the premium when you need hero stills. Both are available on Melies — try each with a test prompt to see which fits your style.

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst vs Luma Uni-1 Max: How They Compare

OpenAIGPT Image 2.5 Sunburst
Luma AILuma Uni-1 Max
ProviderOpenAILuma AI
ReleasedSep 2026Jun 2026
Cost
201K/302K
21
SpeedMediumMedium
Reference imagesUp to 16Up to 9
Editing
WebP output

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst vs Luma Uni-1 Max: Cost Comparison

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst is 5% cheaper than Luma Uni-1 Max. Here's how credits add up at scale.

VolumeGPT Image 2.5 SunburstLuma Uni-1 Max
10 images 200 210
50 images 1,000 1,050
100 images 2,000 2,100

Strengths & Weaknesses

OpenAI

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst

Strengths
  • + More affordable (20 vs 21 credits)
  • + Hero stills
  • + Supports 16 reference images
  • + WebP output for smaller file sizes
  • + More resolution options
Weaknesses
  • - Higher price point relative to speed tier
Luma AI

Luma Uni-1 Max

Strengths
  • + Hero stills
  • + Highest-fidelity Uni-1 generation tier
  • + One source image plus up to eight edit references
  • + Nine aspect ratios from 3:1 to 1:3
  • + PNG and JPEG output
Weaknesses
  • - More expensive (21 vs 20 credits)
  • - No WebP output

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst vs Luma Uni-1 Max: Which to Pick?

On a tight budget

At 20 credits per image, GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst gives you more generations for your plan. Good enough quality for most everyday use.

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst

Maximum quality matters

Luma Uni-1 Max is worth the extra credits when the output needs to be perfect — portfolio pieces, client work, or final deliverables.

Luma Uni-1 Max

Character or style consistency

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst supports 16 reference images to keep subjects, styles, and characters consistent across generations.

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst

GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst vs Luma Uni-1 Max: FAQ

Practical answers before you start creating.

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Try GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst & Luma Uni-1 Max

Compare GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst, Luma Uni-1 Max, and 15+ AI image models side by side. Switch models with one click, same credits.

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