Gemini’s 2.5 Flash Image model, also known as Nano Banana: Gained huge popularity, thanks to the recent 3D model trend online. While it already competes with AI tools like ChatGPT, Qwen, and Grok, Gemini now faces a new challenge from an image-generating model developed by Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok. How is it facing challenges from the rivals?
According to reports, the new model Seedream 4.0 has overtaken Gemini Nano Banana on Artificial Analysis, a leaderboard that ranks models based on quality, speed, and cost. Seedream 4.0 now holds the first position, pushing Nano Banana to second place, while OpenAI’s GPT-4o is ranked fourth and Alibaba’s Qwen Image Edit stands in fifth.
What is Seedream 4.0? Why is it special?
Seedream 4.0 is a new image creation model made by ByteDance’s Seed research team and released in September 2025. It combines both text-to-image generation and image editing in one system. This allows it to handle difficult tasks like responding to knowledge-based prompts, keeping details consistent, and making precise edits such as removing objects, changing backgrounds, applying styles, and adding text. Built on an advanced Mixture of Experts (MoE) framework, it can produce high-quality images up to 4K resolution. It also works very fast, creating 2K images in about 1.8 seconds, which is much quicker than Seedream 3.0, while still maintaining good accuracy, looks, and layout.
Seedream 4.0 vs. Gemini Nano Banana
Multiple reports suggest that Seedream 4.0 is very good at following difficult instructions, such as making image sequences that stay consistent or showing physics effects like light and shadow. This makes it useful for marketing work or infographics.
Whereas, Nano Banana creates more beautiful and realistic results, especially for photorealistic or 3D-style edits, but it sometimes loses accuracy when making repeated changes.
Both models can edit through normal language, but Seedream can handle multiple reference images at once, making it better for combining many pictures. Nano Banana’s chat-style interface feels easier for quick changes like adjusting a pose, though it can distort faces or miss small details.
Seedream works best for professional use, such as product designs or storyboards, where many images are needed. Nano Banana is better for casual or social media creativity, like making 3D figurines or fun edits inside Google apps.
Seedream is faster and performs better in tests, making it the stronger choice for flexible and efficient generation. Still, Nano Banana is preferred for its realistic style and easy access. Tests show that results depend on the task—for example, Seedream performs better on car reflections, while Nano Banana excels in cartoon-style details.
