Google Releases Nano Banana 2.1 Image Model With Lower Prices

Google has released Nano Banana 2.1. The new model handles image generation and editing.

Google cuts prices for the new model

It replaces Nano Banana 2, which came out in February 2026. Google states that it improves on past versions across the board. Nano Banana Pro likely remains the top image model for Google. That Pro model uses the recent Pro version 3.1, while version 2.1 uses Gemini 3.6 Flash. The next major gain in image quality could arrive with Google's announced Pro model, Gemini 4 Argon.

Google is cutting prices roughly in half compared with Nano Banana 2. A 1K image now costs 3.36 cents, down from 6.70 cents. A 4K image drops from 15.10 cents to 7.56 cents. Nano Banana Pro costs considerably more at 13.40 cents per 1K image.

Google upgrades features and capabilities

According to Google, version 2.1 improves visual quality and text rendering. It also enhances character consistency across conversation turns, wide panoramas, and infographics. The system processes up to 14 reference images at once. This keeps up to four characters and ten objects consistent. The model connects to Google Search and provides minimal, medium, and high thinking levels that affect image quality.

Version 2.1 sometimes beats Pro by a wide margin in benchmarks. Nano Banana 2 also matched Pro in those tests. In practice, Nano Banana Pro often still produces noticeably better images. Google describes 2.1 as the more efficient counterpart to Pro.

Google rolls out Nano Banana 2.1

The model runs at Flash-tier speed. It supports 1K, 2K, and 4K resolutions. It is already rolling out across Google products. These products include the Gemini app, AI Mode in Google Search, and Google AI Studio. Other platforms include Flow by Google, Stitch by Google, Google Ads, and the Gemini Enterprise Platform.

More details are available in the model card. Google will shut down the previous model, gemini-3.1-flash-image, on October 29, 2026.