Google Upgrades Imagen 4, Challenges AI Image Generation Leaders

By AIbase Daily | July 30, 2025

Google has quietly rolled out a significant upgrade to its text-to-image generation model, Imagen 4, sparking widespread interest in the AI community. The enhanced Imagen4Ultra now ranks third on the authoritative Artificial Analysis Image Arena, joining OpenAI's GPT-4o and Seedream3.0 as one of the world's leading image generation models.

Performance Leap: Imagen4Ultra Rises to Global Top Tier

The upgraded Imagen4Ultra demonstrates remarkable improvements in image quality. According to recent benchmarks, it excels in detail accuracy, realism, and style consistency, narrowing the gap with industry leaders. Tests reveal its ability to handle complex prompts with precision, accurately rendering scenes, materials, and lighting effects described by users. Whether generating lifelike animal fur or abstract art styles, Imagen4Ultra delivers fewer flaws and higher fidelity.

Pricing Advantage: A Cost-Effective Choice

Google maintains a competitive edge with its pricing strategy. The standard Imagen4 costs $40 per thousand images, while Imagen4Ultra is priced at $60 per thousand images. This is significantly lower than OpenAI's GPT-4o ($167 per thousand images) and slightly higher than Seedream3.0 ($30 per thousand images). However, Imagen4's superior performance makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious enterprises and developers.

Generation Speed: Efficiency Meets Quality

In speed tests, Imagen4Ultra averages 9.5 seconds per image, far outpacing GPT-4o's 53 seconds. While Seedream3.0 remains faster at 4.5 seconds, Imagen4Ultra's quality improvements justify the slight delay. This balance of speed and precision makes it ideal for real-time applications and large-scale projects.

Multi-Platform Support: Easy Access for Developers

Imagen 4 is accessible via multiple platforms, including:

• Gemini app
• Vertex AI
• Third-party platforms like fal.ai and replicate.ai

Google plans further optimizations in security, watermarking, and efficiency based on user feedback.

Market Competition: AI Image Generation Heats Up

The upgrade intensifies competition in the AI image generation space. Google's advancements in text rendering and style consistency position Imagen4Ultra as a viable tool for commercial applications like advertising design and content creation. Integration within the Gemini ecosystem also provides seamless workflows for users.

Future Outlook: Continuous Innovation Ahead

Google hints at future updates, including higher-resolution modes and specialized features tailored to industry needs. The company aims to solidify its position as a leader in AI-driven creativity.

Key Points:

• Imagen4Ultra ranks third globally in AI image generation.
• Offers competitive pricing at $60 per thousand images.
• Generates images in 9.5 seconds, faster than GPT-4o.
• Available on multiple platforms for developer flexibility.
• Future updates expected to enhance resolution and specialization.