# GPT Image 2.5: Sunburst and Flare, compared and ready to use

> GPT Image 2.5 is OpenAI's image model from September 8, 2026, released as two versions: Sunburst, tuned for precise generation and reference edits, and Flare, tuned for fast everyday images. Both make pictures from text or from up to 4 uploaded references on GetGPTImage, at 1K, 2K or 4K, for 16 credits per 1K image.

OpenAI released GPT Image 2.5 in two versions with different strengths. Try both on the same prompt here and keep the one that fits.

## At a glance

- **Versions:** Sunburst (precise) and Flare (fast)
- **Released:** September 8, 2026
- **Model IDs:** gpt-image-2.5-sunburst and gpt-image-2.5-flare
- **Price per image:** 16 credits at 1K, 40 at 2K, 80 at 4K, on every model
- **Sizes:** 1K, 2K or 4K, up to 3840 pixels on the long side
- **Reference images:** Up to 4 PNG, JPEG or WebP files, 10 MB each

- Sunburst and Flare
- Same price on both
- 1K to 4K

[Try GPT Image 2.5](https://getgptimage.com/create)

## What each GPT Image 2.5 version is for

- **Sunburst: precision**: For the image you will publish: edits that must keep a face or product, dense layouts and exact lettering.
- **Flare: speed**: For drafts, batches of variations and everyday pictures, when quick turnaround matters more than the last detail.
- **Reference edits on both**: Upload up to 4 images and describe the change; either version keeps what you ask it to keep.
- **The same sizes and price**: Both render 1K, 2K and 4K in 8 aspect ratios, at 16, 40 and 80 credits per image.

## How to compare Sunburst and Flare

1. **Write one prompt**: Use a prompt you know well, or an edit on a photo you care about.
2. **Run it on both**: Generate with Flare, switch the model to Sunburst and generate again at the same size.
3. **Keep the better one**: Compare text, faces and fine detail side by side in your history, then download.

## What is GPT Image 2.5?

GPT Image 2.5 is the successor to GPT Image 2, released by OpenAI on September 8, 2026. Instead of one model it comes as two: gpt-image-2.5-sunburst and gpt-image-2.5-flare. Both generate images from text and edit them from reference photos.

OpenAI bills both versions at the same token rates as GPT Image 2, so the choice between them is about the result, not the bill. Through the API they also accept two quality levels above high, xhigh and max, that GPT Image 2 does not offer.


## Sunburst or Flare?

Start with Flare while you explore ideas, then render the final image with Sunburst. On GetGPTImage both cost the same, so switching costs nothing extra.

- Brand assets, packaging and posters with text: Sunburst
- Edits that must keep a person or product exactly: Sunburst
- Mood boards, drafts and quick variations: Flare
- Social images where speed matters most: Flare

## GPT Image 2.5 cost

Upstream, a 1024x1024 GPT Image 2.5 image costs about $0.006 at low quality, $0.013 at medium and $0.053 at high, the same for both versions. GetGPTImage renders at the standard quality (OpenAI's medium) and charges 16 credits per 1K image, 40 at 2K and 80 at 4K, about $0.14 to $0.20 per 1K image depending on the plan or pack.


## More about GPT Image

- [GPT Image 2](https://getgptimage.com/): The April 2026 model and the generator.
- [GPT Image editor](https://getgptimage.com/image-editor): Edit photos with Sunburst or Flare.
- [GPT Image 2 API](https://getgptimage.com/gpt-image-2-api): Model IDs and token prices for developers.

## GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst vs Flare

| | Sunburst | Flare |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tuned for | Precision | Speed |
| Best for | Final images, exact edits, text | Drafts, variations, everyday images |
| Model ID | gpt-image-2.5-sunburst | gpt-image-2.5-flare |
| Reference images here | Up to 4 | Up to 4 |
| Sizes here | 1K, 2K, 4K | 1K, 2K, 4K |
| Credits per image | 16 / 40 / 80 | 16 / 40 / 80 |

## GPT Image pricing: plans and credit packs

- Starter: $9.99 / month, 1,000 credits
- Pro: $24.99 / month, 2,800 credits
- Small: $4.99, 400 credits
- Large: $14.99, 1,300 credits

## GPT Image 2.5 FAQ

### What is the difference between Sunburst and Flare?

Both are GPT Image 2.5. Sunburst is tuned for precise generation and edits, Flare for fast everyday images. They take the same inputs and, on GetGPTImage, cost the same.

### Is GPT Image 2.5 better than GPT Image 2?

It is the newer model, but results depend on the prompt. Every model costs the same here, so run your own prompt on GPT Image 2 and on a 2.5 version and keep the result you prefer.

### Which quality setting does GetGPTImage use?

Every image renders at the standard quality setting, which is OpenAI's medium. The API also offers low and high, and on GPT Image 2.5 xhigh and max.

### When was GPT Image 2.5 released?

OpenAI released both versions on September 8, 2026, as gpt-image-2.5-sunburst and gpt-image-2.5-flare. GPT Image 2 came out in April 2026.

### Can I use GPT Image 2.5 without the API?

Yes. Sign up on GetGPTImage, choose Sunburst or Flare and generate in the browser; a 1K image costs 16 credits.

## Run your prompt on Sunburst and Flare

Sign up free and compare both GPT Image 2.5 versions at the same price.

_Last updated 2026-10-17_