Imagen 4 Fast vs GPT Image 1.5
Google's budget speed model vs OpenAI's leaderboard champion. 5 credits vs 15 credits.
GPT Image 1.5 is no longer offered on Melies. Imagen 4 Fast is available today. The specs below are kept for reference.
Imagen 4 Fast from Google and GPT Image 1.5 from OpenAI represent two different approaches to AI image generation. Google's fast image model with high-quality generation at ultra-low cost. On the other side, openAI's #1 ranked image model with exceptional prompt adherence, photorealism, and text rendering.
At 5 credits, Imagen 4 Fast costs 10 credits less than GPT Image 1.5 (15 credits). GPT Image 1.5 is no longer offered on Melies. Imagen 4 Fast 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 Imagen 4 Fast is the one you can use here. At 5 credits, it is a fit for fast iteration. For other options, compare the current image models and their credit costs on the pricing page.
Imagen 4 Fast vs GPT Image 1.5: How They Compare
 Imagen 4 Fast |  GPT Image 1.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | |
| Released | Mar 2026 | Jan 2026 |
| Cost | 5 | 15 |
| Speed | Fastest | Medium |
| Reference images | Up to 1 | |
| Editing |
Imagen 4 Fast vs GPT Image 1.5: Cost Comparison
Imagen 4 Fast is 67% cheaper than GPT Image 1.5. Here's how credits add up at scale.
| Volume | Imagen 4 Fast | GPT Image 1.5 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 images | 50 | 150 |
| 50 images | 250 | 750 |
| 100 images | 500 | 1,500 |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Imagen 4 Fast
- + More affordable (5 vs 15 credits)
- + Faster generation speed
- + Fast iteration
- + Ultra-low cost (5 credits)
- + Sub-second generation speed
- - No built-in editing
- - No reference image support
GPT Image 1.5
- + Highest quality generation
- + Supports 1 reference images
- + Built-in image editing
- + #1 on all major image leaderboards
- + Transparent background support
- - More expensive (15 vs 5 credits)
Imagen 4 Fast vs GPT Image 1.5: Which to Pick?
On a tight budget
At 5 credits per image, Imagen 4 Fast gives you more generations for your plan. Good enough quality for most everyday use.
Rapid iteration and testing
Imagen 4 Fast's fastest generation means you can test more prompts in less time. Great for exploration.
Imagen 4 Fast vs GPT Image 1.5: FAQ
Practical answers before you start creating.
Try Imagen 4 Fast on Melies
Compare Imagen 4 Fast with the other image models on Melies side by side. Switch models with one click, same credits.
Start Generating Images
