I tested Nano Banana 2.1 against ChatGPT, and it was close (www.techradar.com)

Google has upgraded its AI image generator to Nano Banana 2.1, which is now integrated into the broader Google Gemini platform. This latest version promises enhanced detail, improved instruction-following, and better text rendering, competing directly with OpenAI's ChatGPT image generator, known as Images 2.5. A recent comparison by testing both models on complex prompts revealed that while both produced impressive results, their artistic interpretations varied, showcasing unique strengths and weaknesses that reflect the evolving capabilities of AI in creative tasks. The tests included challenges involving realistic lighting, typography, character consistency, and adherence to specific instructions. Nano Banana 2.1 excelled in generating a coherent comic strip with a consistent character, while ChatGPT displayed superior realism in certain complex scenes, though it struggled with minor text details. Overall, both generators achieved a high standard of image quality, indicating that AI image synthesis tools are closing the gap and becoming more indistinguishable in creative outputs. This intensifying competition is significant for the AI/ML community, as advancements in these models suggest a future where AI can produce increasingly accurate and artistically nuanced imagery, leading to broader applications in design, marketing, and other creative fields.