Is Nano Banana best for creating 3D models? We pitted it against ChatGPT

The Gemini 2.5 Flash image model, dubbed Nano Banana, has quickly captivated social media users, becoming a sensation across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. This cutting-edge AI model from Google stands out for its remarkable ability to produce intricate, high-quality, and photo-realistic 3D images at a pace that outstrips many of its competitors. While Nano Banana is impressive, it's not the sole player in the AI image generation arena. There are several alternatives that also offer robust capabilities, even for those using free versions. To evaluate how other models stack up against Nano Banana, we tested three top free alternatives: Qwen Image Edit, OpenAI's ChatGPT (GPT-5), and Grok AI. Each was tasked with generating a 3D model based on a specific prompt that detailed a figurine scenario. The prompt instructed the models to create a 1/7 scale commercialized figurine of characters depicted in a provided image, set in a realistic environment. The generated models were to be placed on a computer desk, complete with a round, transparent acrylic base, and include a toy packaging box designed like a high-quality collectible. Qwen, a free chatbot developed by Alibaba Group, recently launched its Qwen-Image-Edit model, which has received acclaim for its ability to make detailed image modifications through natural language. In our tests, Qwen produced an impressive image that captured the surrounding environment well, although it fell short in accurately rendering facial features. OpenAI's GPT-5, its most advanced model to date, also shows promise in image generation and editing. Despite its strong performance and improved understanding of user instructions compared to its predecessors, GPT-5 struggles with slower image generation speeds and producing accurate facial details. Additionally, users are limited to generating just two images per day, a constraint compared to what Nano Banana and other models offer. Meanwhile, Grok AI, once a leading free image generator, now faces stiff competition from the likes of Nano Banana and Qwen. Though still useful for random image generation, Grok may not be the best option for creating detailed 3D models. However, it does hold a unique advantage by being one of the few AI chatbots from major tech companies capable of generating videos for free, enabling users to animate their generated 3D models with sound. In this rapidly evolving landscape of AI image generation, Nano Banana continues to set the bar high, but the competition remains fierce, with each model bringing its own strengths and weaknesses to the table.