GPT-Image 1.5 vs Z-Image Turbo
Film grain, retro aesthetic, and nostalgic filters — see how these models compare with real AI-generated outputs.
Full comparisonCompare Models (select 4)
Vintage & retro images live or die by the details: believable film grain, era-accurate color shifts, gentle halation, and the kind of “imperfect” texture that feels authentic rather than over-filtered. On Influencer Studio, both GPT-Image 1.5 and Z-Image Turbo can produce nostalgic visuals, but they approach the look from different strengths.
Below is a focused comparison on how each model handles classic film aesthetics—grain structure, retro palettes, aged prints, and nostalgic filters—plus what you can expect for speed, cost, and consistency when iterating on a retro art direction.
Vintage & Retro — Side-by-Side Results
Prompt
"A 22–28-year-old woman with shoulder-length wavy dark hair in a vintage band tee and high-waisted light-wash jeans holds her phone slightly above eye level for a casual selfie, looking near the camera with a half-smile while balancing an iced coffee in the other hand. She’s sitting by a sunny café window with street reflections behind her, natural midday light on her face, with 90s disposable-camera vibes: soft flash feel, film grain, faded warm colors, subtle light leak in the corner. Keep it candid and imperfect like an Instagram story frame, slightly off-center composition with a little motion blur."
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GPT-Image 1.5 | Z-Image Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | Tongyi Lab (Alibaba) |
| Subcategories | text-to-image | text-to-image, image-to-image |
| 1080p / 2k Mode | Yes | Yes |
| 4k Mode | No | No |
| NSFW Rating | Strict | Low |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 3:4, 4:3 | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 3:4, 4:3 |
| Starting Price | 8 credits | 8 credits |
GPT-Image 1.5 Strengths
- High-fidelity vintage scenes with strong prompt adherence (era cues, wardrobe, props, lighting)
- More convincing “film” texture when you describe grain type, softness, and lens character in detail
- Better at complex retro compositions (busy streetscapes, period interiors) without losing coherence
- Handles nuanced nostalgic color grading (faded pastels, warm highlights, muted blacks) with finer control
- Flexible quality options (8/16/32 credits) for quick drafts vs premium, print-ready retro renders
Z-Image Turbo Strengths
- Ultra-fast iteration for testing multiple retro directions (palettes, grain intensity, poster styles)
- Cost-effective at a flat 8 credits per image for steady volume production
- Image-to-image support for applying a retro makeover to an existing composition or layout
- LoRA support for steering toward specific vintage sub-styles (e.g., 70s magazine, 90s disposable camera)
- Great for rapid A/B testing of nostalgic filters and variations during concepting
Verdict
If your priority is the most authentic-looking vintage finish—especially when you need detailed scenes and tightly controlled era cues—GPT-Image 1.5 is the stronger choice. Its prompt adherence and fidelity make it easier to dial in film grain character, subtle fade, and period-accurate styling without the image drifting off-brief.
If speed, cost predictability, and fast experimentation matter most, Z-Image Turbo is ideal for iterating on retro looks at scale. Its image-to-image and LoRA support also make it a practical option for transforming existing visuals into a consistent nostalgic aesthetic quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Comparisons by Category
Try Both Models Free
Sign up and get credits to test GPT-Image 1.5, Z-Image Turbo, and all our other AI models for vintage & retro.
Join Influencer Studio Today
Start creating amazing AI-generated content for your brand

