Nano Banana 2.1 vs GPT Image 2.5: Scientific Figures 2026
Choose Nano Banana 2.1 or GPT Image 2.5 for scientific figures: compare capabilities, adapt research prompts and edit every label and element in SciFig.
Explore the prompt guide →Model Directory
Compare image models for scientific figures (2026)
SciFig offers six image models. Compare three of them for three different scientific figure jobs, then choose the best fit before you start generating.
Explore the latest image models
GPT Image 2.5 Flare vs Sunburst: Scientific Figures 2026
Compare GPT Image 2.5 Flare and Sunburst for scientific figures: 24 outputs reveal differences in labels, layout, focused edits and generation time.
Explore the prompt guide →Available Models
Three of the six models in SciFig
Each model is useful, but not in the same way. Default to GPT Image 2 for journal submission; switch to Nano Banana Pro for slides and posters; pick Nano Banana 2.1 for routine work. Nano Banana is also available on every plan, and paid plans can pick two GPT Image 2.5 models in the app.
GPT Image 2
The recommended default — strongest on chemistry notation, abstract math, long-prompt label fidelity, and journal-grade scientific figures.
Best for journal submission: chemistry mechanisms, abstract math/topology, long-prompt label fidelity, dense annotations.
Open GPT Image 2Nano Banana Pro
The editorial-style specialist — strongest on readability and aesthetic polish, ideal when BioRender-style simplification beats notation rigor.
Best for slide decks, conference posters, and social media — BioRender-style simplified figures with high readability.
Open Nano Banana ProNano Banana 2.1
The balanced daily-driver for routine figure work — internal drafts, repeated revisions, lab-meeting visuals, and recurring pathway figures.
Best for repeatable day-to-day figure work across text, reference, and enhancement modes — fast iteration, dependable output.
Open Nano Banana 2.1How to Choose
What each model is best at
Choose the model that fits your figure task — journal submission, editorial polish, or balanced everyday speed.
| GPT Image 2 | Nano Banana Pro | Nano Banana 2.1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Journal submission | Slides & posters | Everyday drafts |
| Signature strength | Notation rigor | Editorial clarity | Speed + balance |
| Speed | Standard | Standard | Fast |
GPT Image 2 — Recommended Default
- Best for chemistry rigor — renders standard chemistry conventions (transition states, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms) reliably.
- Best for abstract math and topology — handles Möbius surfaces, parametric equations, and 3D geometry where conceptual accuracy matters.
- Best for long, dense prompts — every requested label, formula, and scale bar must land in the figure.
Nano Banana Pro — Editorial-Style Specialist
- Best for slide decks and conference posters where readability beats annotation density.
- Best for BioRender-style simplified mechanism figures (clean step-by-step diagrams).
- Best for ML/CS architecture diagrams where layer-stacking visual feel matters more than text fidelity.
Nano Banana 2.1 — Balanced Everyday
- Best as a balanced all-around model for routine figure work.
- Best for repeatable day-to-day use across multiple modes.
- Best when you want practical speed-quality balance instead of a specialized edge.
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