Google has released Nano Banana 2.1, a new image generation and editing model that cuts prices in half while improving visual quality and capabilities across the board. Replacing Nano Banana 2 from February 2026, the updated model is powered by Gemini 3.6 Flash and serves as the efficient counterpart to Google's Pro image models. A 1K image now costs 3.36 cents down from 6.70 cents, while 4K images drop to 7.56 cents.
The new model improves text rendering, visual quality, infographics, wide panoramas, and character consistency across conversation turns. It can process up to 14 reference images simultaneously to maintain up to four characters and ten objects, while also connecting to Google Search and offering adjustable thinking levels. Running at Flash-tier speeds with support for resolutions up to 4K, Nano Banana 2.1 is currently rolling out across Google platforms including the Gemini app, Google AI Studio, Search, and Ads.
This release matters because it lowers the cost of high-speed image generation while expanding developer and consumer access to advanced visual consistency features.