Gemini Nano Banana 2

situational

Gemini's native image model (gemini-3.1-flash-image) — generate/edit in the Gemini app and Gemini API.

Visit ai.google.dev →Add to kit Open in Noemium

ledger entry · observed by @whysanesanders

Nano Banana is Gemini's image stack, not Imagen 4. Nano Banana 2 is the 3.1 Flash Image workhorse (4K, references, text in image); Lite is the cheap/fast sibling. App access follows Google AI Plus/Pro/Ultra. API is token-priced per resolution. No studio run in this pass.

Strengths

Native 4K image generation and editing inside the Gemini app and API.
Supports references and rendered text in images via Nano Banana 2.
Lite variant offers a cheaper, faster sibling for less demanding work.
API bills as Gemini image tokens tied to output resolution.

Known limitations

Not Imagen 4 — different model family, different console, different bill.
App image caps are plan- and region-gated (Nano Banana Pro in Search is a separate note).
Lite is not built for multi-reference or long sequential edits.
Gemini API prices move; the image-generation doc is the receipt, not a screenshot of $/image.

Use it when

Gemini app users on Plus/Pro/Ultra who want native image generation.
Developers already calling the Gemini API for image edits and creation.

Skip it when

You need Imagen 4 capabilities or pricing — this is a different model family.
You want a fixed per-image rate card instead of token-priced API billing.
Lite must handle multi-reference images or long sequential edits.

Buy-check

·Price — freemium, Gemini app: included with plan caps (Free limited; Plus/Pro/Ultra expand); API billed as Gemini image tokens — confirm live rates on Google AI pricing (not Imagen 4) as of 2026-08-19. Open the pricing page, not a screenshot.
·Free tier — Free tier exists — burn it first.
·Cancel fallout — What happens to your data/projects on cancel — check the ToS, not the FAQ.
·Seat math — Per-seat pricing multiplies quietly. Count seats before the annual plan.
·Who skips it — Also skipped when: You need Imagen 4 capabilities or pricing — this is a different model family.; You want a fixed per-image rate card instead of token-priced API billing..

Price trail — 1 revisionchangelog →

2026-W34Gemini app: included with plan caps (Free limited; Pl…Gemini app: included with plan caps (Free limited; Pl…

Facts

pricing: freemium¹
price note: Gemini app: included with plan caps (Free limited; Plus/Pro/Ultra expand); API billed as Gemini image tokens — confirm live rates on Google AI pricing (not Imagen 4)
free tier: yes
open source: no
api: yes
self-host: no
category: image
evidence: source-verified