Nano-Banana is HERE: Gemini's New #1 Ranked Image Model

Introduction

Google has once again upped AI standards with their newest AI image model. Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (commonly referred to as Nano-Banana) solves many of the current problems that plague AI image models, from lack of consistency to poor editing features, Google's new model corrects these issues and so much more. Even better, they've released a suite of free, customizable tools that showcases all of these new features and improvements.

What's New with Gemini 2.5 Flash Image?

Gemini 2.5 Flash Image introduces a number of important updates for working with images in Gemini. Let's go over the main changes:

• Image Blending: You can now easily combine multiple images into one image with the new Image model. This greatly expands the control you have over the model and helps your ideas come to life much faster.

• Character Consistency: One of the hardest parts about using AI is that it struggles to create consistent images / objects. This problem has been directly addressed with this new model and is now much better at repeatedly creating the same character.

• Better Editing: Another common issue with AI is that you'll create a great image with one small issue. You're then stuck with two options, trying to edit the image (which can have mixed results) or you can regenerate the whole image. Google is trying to improve this loop by allowing users better control over editing. You can now select elements within an image that you want to change without impacting the rest.

• Smarter Model: Google has also given this new model the power and knowledge of other Gemini models. This manifests itself by allowing Gemini to understand and interact with the images you give it.

How to Access Gemini 2.5 Flash Image

Currently only the preview of this model is available. As such, you can't access it through the Gemini App yet. The model can be used in two ways:

API -

For developers hoping to build with this model, you can access it through the Gemini API.

AI Studio -

You can also experiment with the Flash Image model through AI Studio. This will allow you to better understand the capabilities of the new model.

Gemini 2.5 Flash Image in Action

To help showcase what this new model is capable of, the Google team created a series of free apps within Google AI Studio that each involves a unique use case. Please note that these apps are just starting points and can be changed through simple vibe coding and natural language.

Example 1: Combining Images

Google's template "Home Canvas" app is meant to combine multiple images into one scene. They designed the app to allow users to create and experiment with room designs but it could be used to combine any images if needed.

You'll start by uploading the scene and the object you want to add. You'll then drag the object to the correct position and boom, you're done.

Example 2: Using Knowledge

Many previous image models have focused solely on generating images at the expense of knowledge. 2.5 Flash Image doesn't do this and instead is able to both generate and understand images. Here is an example of a sketch pad that can be used for answering all kinds of questions.

As you can see from the above example, I drew a picture (sorry for the bad quality) and had Gemini complete the math problem I created.

Example 3: Image Editing

As I mentioned above, this new model has great editing capabilities. I used Google's Pixshop app to edit some images. All I did was upload the image, click on what I wanted to change, and then briefly describe it.

These are just a few of the great apps that Google has built around the new image model. I'd recommend checking them all out to see how this new model can help you.

How Does It Compare?

As always, we need to see how this new model compares to other state-of-the-art image models. This new Gemini model is ranked #1 on LMArena in two image categories.

For anyone who doesn't know, LMArena allows everyday people to perform blind, head-to-head comparisons between the top models in different areas. As the above leaderboard shows, users prefer Nano-banana for both image generation and image editing. This means that not only is this model cheap and fast to use, but also the current user favorite for its high quality.

Conclusion

Whether you're a developer looking to integrate advanced image capabilities into your applications or a creative professional exploring new AI tools, Google's new nano-banana model offers compelling features that make it worth exploring through AI Studio