OpenAI: GPT-5 Image vs OpenAI: GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst
A side-by-side comparison of OpenAI: GPT-5 Image ($35.00 / 1M tokens) and OpenAI: GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst ($28.00 / 1M tokens) using current USD prices and capabilities from the api14 catalog. Both run through the same OpenAI-compatible API.
Specifications
| OpenAI: GPT-5 Image | OpenAI: GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Input | $35.00 / 1M tokens | $28.00 / 1M tokens |
| Output | $35.00 / 1M tokens | $28.00 / 1M tokens |
| Cache read | $4.38 / 1M tokens | $7.00 / 1M tokens |
| Image output | $140.00 / 1M tokens | $105.00 / 1M tokens |
| Web search | $35.00 / 1K searches | $35.00 / 1K searches |
| Cache write | - | $35.00 / 1M tokens |
| Context window | 400,000 | 400,000 |
| Max output | 128,000 | 360,000 |
| Input | image, text, file | text, image |
| Output | image, text | image |
| Tool calling | ||
| Structured output | ||
| Reasoning control | ||
| Added | Oct 14, 2025 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Key differences
- OpenAI: GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst is 20% cheaper on input tokens.
- OpenAI: GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst is 20% cheaper on output tokens.
- Only OpenAI: GPT-5 Image supports reasoning effort control.
Switch with one string
Both models use the same endpoint and request shape. Change the model value from "openai/gpt-5-image" to "openai/gpt-image-2.6-sunburst" and prompts, streaming and tools keep working.
import OpenAI from "openai";
const client = new OpenAI({
baseURL: "https://api14.com/api/v1",
apiKey: process.env.API14_API_KEY,
});
const result = await client.images.generate({
"model": "openai/gpt-image-2.6-sunburst",
"prompt": "A minimalist product photo of a ceramic mug on a wooden table",
"n": 1,
"aspect_ratio": "1:1"
});
import { writeFile } from "node:fs/promises";
await writeFile("image.png", Buffer.from(result.data[0].b64_json, "base64"));
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