ChatGPT 4o vs Gemini Advance: Who wins in image generation?

When it comes to AI-powered image creation, both ChatGPT 4o and Gemini Advance deliver impressive results—but their strengths lie in different areas. A recent test compared the two across five creative prompts, from photorealistic food to fantasy landscapes, offering a clear view of how each model performs under pressure.

Photorealism and commercial shots

In rendering a photorealistic bowl of ramen, ChatGPT 4o stood out with remarkable attention to detail. Steam rising, glossy broth, and textured toppings made it feel like a genuine food photo. Gemini’s version fell short, lacking depth in key elements like the egg.

However, Gemini bounced back with a product-style rendering of futuristic shoes, where its realistic shadows, clean textures, and studio lighting made the image feel ready for e-commerce. ChatGPT’s result looked flatter and less dimensional.

Fantasy, design, and portraits

For a floating medieval castle at sunset, ChatGPT 4o again took the lead with dramatic lighting and atmospheric depth. The composition felt intentional and immersive. Gemini’s attempt was creative but less refined.

In the vintage Mars travel poster prompt, ChatGPT nailed the retro feel with grainy textures and era-specific typography, capturing the spirit of mid-century design. Gemini’s version, while competent, lacked authenticity.

But when it came to a stylized editorial portrait in Times Square, Gemini dominated. Skin texture, reflections in sunglasses, and cinematic lighting delivered a result that felt truly photographic, even rivaling Midjourney’s output.

Final verdict

ChatGPT 4o excelled in creativity, stylization, and fantasy, while Gemini impressed with hyperrealism and speed. For visual storytelling, ChatGPT takes the crown—but for realistic rendering, Gemini holds a clear edge.