Is Grok 2.0 Better Than Nano Banana 2?

Short answer: it depends on the prompt. We tested Grok 2.0 and Nano Banana 2 against Grok Original across ten controlled portrait edits, keeping the input, prompt, profile, and aspect ratio fixed. Arena voters decide the winners.

Vote in the AI Photo Arena
Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2

10

SFW prompts compared

30/30

SFW outputs generated

30

pairwise ballots in Arena

What stayed fixed

Every row records one immutable input image, its storage key and SHA-256, the exact prompt SHA-256, profile, aspect ratio, comparison run ID, exact model ID, and output SHA-256. A row was excluded if any proof differed. Five rows use one frozen Mila input and five use one frozen Lily input.

The comparisons

Each row shows Grok Original, Grok 2.0, and Nano Banana 2 side by side. Open the prompt below each set to inspect the exact instruction.

Comparison 1

Floor In Minimalist Studio

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

Photorealistic fashion portrait of the adult woman in the uploaded reference image (DO NOT TOUCH FACE). She is seated on the floor in a composed fashion-editorial pose, legs folded comfortably to one side, one palm resting on the floor for balance, and the other arm relaxed beside her. She angles slightly toward the camera and looks upward with a calm gaze. She wears a structured long-sleeve black dress, opaque tights, and a faux-fur stole draped over her shoulders, rhinestone eye accents, natural makeup, and a sleek high ponytail with loose face-framing strands. The setting is a private rooftop terrace or balcony at blue hour, with glass railing, city lights, and a darkening skyline behind her. Direct paparazzi flash illuminates her face and outfit against the blue ambient background. Wind lifts a few hair strands or fabric edges. She wears a black structured long-sleeve dress, opaque tights, a dark faux-fur stole, layered necklaces, and a small metallic clutch. Shot with an editorial portrait lens, tight composition, shallow depth of field, and clean subject separation. Photorealistic, high-resolution fashion photography with natural skin texture, realistic pores, accurate hands, crisp fabric detail, clear eyes, subtle makeup texture, and no beauty-filter plastic smoothing. No text, watermark, logos, cartoon, anime, CGI, extra fingers, warped hands, broken wrists, distorted face, mannequin stiffness, or excessive empty space.

Comparison 2

Mysterious Woman Black Sweater Hands Framing Face Editorial

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

ultra close-up fashion portrait of the woman in the uploaded reference image (DO NOT TOUCH FACE) with dramatic mysterious expression. Framing: tight beauty portrait cropped from collarbone up, face filling most of the frame. Pose: the woman lifts both hands toward her face, slightly gripping the long sleeves of her oversized black knit sweater so that only the tips of her fingers are visible. Her hands frame her cheeks without covering her features. Hair: loose natural hair falling forward across her face, sweeping across one side of her face for a natural editorial look. Outfit: oversized textured black sweater with long sleeves extending over the hands. Accessories: minimal matte black rings on the fingers. Expression: a composed expression and an intense gaze visible through strands of hair. Background: clean light studio backdrop with subtle gradient. Lighting: soft studio beauty lighting slightly from the side creating delicate shadows across the face and highlighting skin texture. Style: high-fashion beauty editorial photography

Comparison 3

Girl In Beige Armchair 2012 Style Selfie

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

Realistic selfie taken on an old iPhone 5 in motion, portrait format, slight motion blur, slight graininess, soft sharpness like a 2012–2013 photo. the woman in the uploaded reference image (DO NOT TOUCH FACE) sitting in a large round fluffy beige armchair in the corner of a bright room, relaxed confident pose, sitting comfortably with both feet down, right hand resting on the edge of the chair, looking straight into the camera. Long straight hair, with soft large waves, straight parting, hair falling freely over the shoulders and back, several strands falling on the face. Natural expressive makeup with soft eye definition and glossy pink lipstick. Light pink fitted ribbed sleeveless top, matching tailored trousers, and white ankle socks. Thin gold chain with a pendant. Clean smooth skin with a light glow

Comparison 4

Luxury Hotel Terrace Night Sea Velvet Dress Gold Bracelets

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

A scene featuring the woman in the uploaded reference image (DO NOT TOUCH FACE). Cinematic night shot, waist up. A girl stands by the glass fence of a five-star hotel terrace in Yantarny overlooking the night sea. Appearance as per reference, flawless makeup. She wears a tight-fitting black dress made of thick matte velvet with long sleeves and a high collar. On her hands are massive gold bracelets over the sleeves. Her hair is a perfectly straight canvas, mirroring the light of street lamps. Lighting: a mix of cold moonlight and warm architectural lighting of the hotel. Skin: hyperrealism, pores and microrelief are visible. Mood: luxury, mystery, evening chic. portrait format.

Comparison 5

Cowboy Hat Striped Shirt Rural Field

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

Highly detailed fashion portrait of the woman in the uploaded reference image (DO NOT TOUCH FACE) standing outdoors in a rural field. She wears a dark brown wide-brimmed cowboy hat with a small logo patch, a long-sleeve striped polo shirt in brown and white with white collar and placket, and white ruffled layered shorts. Pose: standing with hands on hips, body slightly angled, looking directly at the camera with a confident expression and slightly parted lips. Natural daylight with soft shadows, background shows wooden fence, dry grass and bare trees. Rich textures on the hat fabric, striped shirt and ruffled shorts, photorealistic skin details, exact same pose, outfit, angle and lighting as the reference image

Comparison 6

Side Profile Mirror Selfie

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

{ "prompt_type": "photorealistic_image_generation", "image_style": "ultra-realistic DSLR mirror selfie", "resolution": "8K", "camera": { "camera_type": "full-frame DSLR", "lens": "50mm prime", "aperture": "f/1.8", "depth_of_field": "shallow", "focus": "sharp focus on subject with soft background falloff", "lighting_style": "natural indoor daylight" }, "composition": { "framing": "vertical portrait", "angle": "side-profile mirror selfie", "pose": "standing with body slightly turned, one hand resting on thigh, phone held up to mirror", "crop": "head to mid-thigh", "perspective": "eye-level" }, "subject": { "gender": "female", "age_range": "young adult", "body_type": "curvy, fit physique with natural proportions", "skin_tone": "fair with warm undertones", "face": { "visibility": "side profile", "features": "soft jawline, straight nose, full lips", "expression": "neutral, calm, confident", "makeup": "minimal natural makeup" }, "hair": { "color": "light blonde", "style": "half-up messy bun with loose strands, medium-to-long length", "texture": "straight with natural flow" } }, "outfit": { "top": { "type": "long-sleeve cropped top", "fit": "tight-fitting", "color": "neutral beige", "material": "stretch fabric with smooth matte finish" }, "bottom": { "type": "high-waisted fitted shorts", "fit": "body-hugging", "color": "matching beige", "material": "stretch athletic fabric" }, "overall_style": "minimalist, modern lounge/athleisure wear" }, "accessories": { "phone": { "type": "smartphone", "case": "gray case with circular grip accessory" }, "jewelry": "none visible", "footwear": "not visible" }, "environment": { "location": "bedroom", "background_elements": [ "large arched standing mirror", "unmade bed with gray bedding", "pillows and plush toy on bed", "window with white blinds allowing soft daylight", "wooden floor", "power strip and cables on floor", "casual clothing items scattered" ], "wall_color": "light neutral gray", "ambience": "casual, lived-in, intimate indoor setting" }, "lighting": { "source": "natural window light", "direction": "side-lit", "shadow_style": "soft realistic shadows", "color_temperature": "neutral daylight" }, "color_palette": { "dominant_colors": ["beige", "soft gray", "warm skin tones"], "overall_tone": "clean, neutral, warm" }, "image_quality": { "realism_level": "hyper-realistic", "texture_detail": "visible skin texture, fabric stretch lines, realistic hair strands", "noise": "low", "post_processing": "subtle color correction, no heavy retouching" }, "mood": "confident, natural, relaxed", "use_case": [ "AI image generation", "photorealistic character reference", "editorial lifestyle imagery", "fashion or athleisure showcase" ], "negative_prompt": [ "cartoon", "anime", "illustration", "over-smoothing skin", "unrealistic body proportions", "harsh lighting", "blurred face", "extra limbs", "distorted anatomy" ] }

Comparison 7

Leopard Romper Mirror Selfie

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

Using the person in the uploaded reference image (DO NOT TOUCH FACE), recreate this scene: { "scene_type": "Mirror selfie, casual indoor capture", "subject_visuals": { "demographics": " female, tone", "hair": "Long, layered, wavy texture, loose, falling over left shoulder and down back", "apparel": { "item": "Short romper / playsuit with hood", "pattern": "Leopard print (brown and black spots on beige)", "details": "Neon green/yellow visible overlock stitching on seams (back center, leg hems)", "fit": "Tight-fitting, high cut on thighs, compressing against glutes" }, "accessories": { "jewelry": "Gold ring on right ring finger, thin bracelet on right wrist, thin bracelet on left wrist", "nails": "Long, dark/black polish, almond shape" }, "expression": "Playful/silly, tongue sticking out to the side (subject's left), eyes looking at phone screen in mirror, slight squint" }, "pose_geometry_and_physics": { "orientation": "Subject standing with back to the mirror, twisting torso right to face reflection", "spine_state": "Extreme lumbar lordosis (hyper-extended lower back arch), thoracic twist to right", "pelvis_state": "Aggressive anterior pelvic tilt, projecting glutes backward and upward", "limbs": { "right_arm": "Raised, elbow bent acute angle, hand holding phone near face level", "left_arm": "Crossing front of torso, elbow bent, hand resting on right forearm/wrist area", "legs": "Standing stance, thighs visibly touching/close, weight distributed slightly more on left leg, slight knee flex" }, "head_neck": "Head turned sharply over right shoulder, slight tilt to left, chin tucked slightly", "contact_points": "Left hand gripping right forearm, phone gripping right hand, feet on floor (cropped)" }, "camera_and_framing": { "device": "iPhone Pro style visible in reflection, black case with leopard print insert", "angle": "Eye-level relative to reflection, shooting slightly downward into the mirror", "framing": "Mid-thigh to top of door frame, vertical 3:4 aspect ratio", "composition": "Subject centered horizontally, slightly bottom-heavy due to pose", "focal_length": "Wide angle (smartphone main lens)" }, "environment_and_context": { "location": "Bedroom / Hallway intersection", "reflection_content": { "background_left": "Open doorway showing bedroom, unmade bed with white/beige bedding, sliding mirror closet doors, beige carpet", "background_right": "White wall, black interior door with silver handle, white baseboards" }, "foreground_elements": "Plastic trash bags/laundry bags (white/grey) crumpled on floor in bottom right corner", "lighting": "Indoor artificial overhead light, warm/neutral tone, casting soft shadows downwards" }, "image_quality_and_artifacts": { "texture": "Smartphone sensor grain visible, skin texture natural with minor blotchiness, fabric texture distinct", "sharpness": "Standard smartphone sharpness, slight softening on edges", "color_profile": "Natural indoor white balance, slightly warm cast", "imperfections": "Bags on floor, unmade bed, slight smudge on mirror surface" } }

Comparison 8

Cute Red Dress Squatting Mirror Selfie

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

{ "generation_request": { "meta_data": { "version": "v1.2", "priority": "high" }, "technical_constraints": { "identity_preservation": { "enabled": true, "reference_mode": "strict", "parameters": { "use_reference_face_only": true, "identity_lock": true, "preserve_facial_features": true, "preserve_skin_texture": true, "preserve_face_proportions": true, "avoid_face_morphing": true, "no_beautification": true, "preservation_strength": 1.0 } }, "output_settings": { "aspect_ratio": "4:5", "resolution_target": "ultra_high_res", "render_engine_style": "photorealistic" } }, "creative_prompt": { "scene": { "location": "minimal modern interior", "background": "clean white walls with a bright sunlit window light patch on the right wall, smooth light-gray concrete floor, empty space, no clutter", "lighting": "soft natural daylight from the right side, gentle shadows, bright airy look" }, "subject": { "identity_instruction": "The woman must be 100% identical to the uploaded reference photo (same identity, face, facial proportions, skin tone, and natural texture). Do not alter the face in any way.", "pose": "squatting in a mirror-selfie pose, knees bent, one hand resting on thigh, the other hand holding a smartphone up in front of her face", "expression": "soft smile, relaxed confident vibe", "hair": { "instruction": "Match the reference hair exactly (same cut, volume, texture, and styling). No changes." }, "outfit": { "dress": { "type": "red satin mini dress with rose floral print", "details": "thin spaghetti straps, ruched fitted silhouette, body-hugging", "fabric": "silky satin sheen" }, "bag": { "type": "small beige shoulder bag", "details": "short strap tucked under arm" }, "shoes": { "type": "high-heel sandals", "color": "light pink / nude", "details": "delicate straps with a small bow detail on the toes" }, "jewelry": [ "gold bracelet", "delicate necklace", "small rings" ] }, "phone": { "type": "smartphone", "case_color": "light pink", "details": "camera module visible, held in selfie position" } }, "camera_and_style": { "shot_style": "photorealistic mirror selfie / influencer outfit check", "lens": "35mm", "aperture": "f/2.8", "focus": "sharp on subject, natural depth, clean background", "color_grading": "neutral bright tones, natural skin color, subtle film grain", "quality_notes": "keep natural pores/texture, no plastic smoothing, no face reshaping" } }, "negative_prompt": [ "different person", "identity drift", "face morphing", "beauty filter", "face reshaping", "changed facial proportions", "different hairstyle", "over-smoothed skin", "plastic skin", "extra people", "extra limbs", "extra fingers", "bad hands", "deformed anatomy", "distorted phone", "messy background", "text", "logo", "watermark", "cartoon", "anime", "illustration", "low resolution", "blurred face" ] } }

Comparison 9

Fit Woman Taking Mirror Selfie in Maroon Athletic Wear at Gym

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

The woman in the uploaded reference image (DO NOT TOUCH FACE) with long brown hair sits on a black gym bench taking a mirror selfie with an orange smartphone. Camera: A medium shot taken from a slightly low angle looking up at the same person through a mirror reflection, capturing the full upper body and legs. Lighting: Bright, even indoor lighting that highlights the contours of her physique and creates soft shadows within the clothing cutouts. Style Details: High-resolution photography with sharp focus on the same person, realistic skin texture, and vibrant color saturation typical of modern smartphone camera output.

Comparison 10

Woman in Copper Sequin Dress Taking a Mirror Selfie in Luxurious Bathroom

Grok Original
Grok Original
Grok 2.0
Grok 2.0
Nano Banana 2
Nano Banana 2
View the exact prompt

The woman in the uploaded reference image (DO NOT TOUCH FACE) with long dark hair takes a mirror selfie while wearing a shimmering copper sequin dress. Camera: Shot from a low angle looking up at the same person through the mirror reflection, emphasizing her silhouette. Lighting: Bright overhead lighting creates strong highlights on the sequins of the dress and casts soft shadows against the wall. Style Details: High-gloss aesthetic with vibrant color saturation and sharp focus on the reflective textures of the outfit.

Grok-only adult-prompt moderation

Both Grok modes blocked all three approved adult-only tests

We also tested three previously approved adult-only packs with the two Grok endpoints. Both returned content-policy blocks on every attempt, so there are no adult outputs to compare and no adult Arena pairs from that run. Nano Banana 2 was added to the SFW comparison only and was not part of this adult-prompt test. This measures completion behavior, not image quality.

ModeGeneratedBlocked
Grok Original0 of 33 of 3
Grok 2.00 of 33 of 3

Choose with blind votes

All 30 SFW pairwise ballots across the three models are in the AI Photo Arena. Vote on the images there without relying on our editorial preference.

Open the AI Photo Arena