Gemini Nano Banana vs ChatGPT AI Images: Which One Wins for Personal Branding?

AI image generation has become a game-changer for personal branding. But with multiple tools available, which one actually produces better results? In this head-to-head comparison, we test Google's Gemini Nano Banana against ChatGPT's image generation to see which creates more natural, professional images for your personal brand.

Key Takeaways

Gemini Nano Banana won all three rounds in this comparison, producing more natural-looking images

AI-generated images with a story can outperform real photos – one client with just 2,000 followers got 900+ likes on her first AI image post

Use a recent, real headshot as your reference photo for best results

Keep your reference photo current – if your appearance has changed (hair color, glasses, etc.), update it

Test different prompts and save the ones that work best – these become your "personal brand codes"

Gemini images have a watermark (small diamond signal) that can be removed in Canva or your iPhone

ChatGPT images download without watermarks but may require more specific prompting

The Comparison: Three Different Prompts

Round 1: Executive Headshot

Prompt: Photo-realistic executive headshot, framed from shoulders up, white blazer with luxury fitted white turtleneck, professional lighting, candid smile.

Gemini Nano Banana Result:

Kept the essence of the original photo while changing the pose

Maintained natural body size, hairstyle, and wrinkles

Skin texture looked realistic with natural glossiness

Smile looked genuine, not fake

Estimated 87% accuracy to how a real photoshoot would look

ChatGPT Result:

Good image quality overall

Neck positioning seemed slightly unnatural

Kept the original stance too closely, almost just changing the outfit

Less natural feel overall

Winner: Gemini Nano Banana

Round 2: Dramatic Black & White Editorial Portrait

Prompt: Create a dramatic black and white editorial closeup portrait, face directly towards camera, eyes looking straight into lens, hair swept back naturally with minimal styling.

Gemini Nano Banana Result:

Delivered exactly what was requested

Some shadow issues and a minor chin discrepancy

Overall face looked very natural

ChatGPT Result:

Didn't resemble the original person

Looked like a Victoria's Secret supermodel instead

Changed the mouth, lips, and nose

Kept the original shirt on (strange choice)

Significant deviation from the reference photo

Winner: Gemini Nano Banana

Round 3: Podcast/Interview Setting

Prompt: Create an image of this person in front of a podcast microphone dressed in a mock neck luxury blouse, in a simple recording or office setup that feels credible and polished, looking like being interviewed on a podcast.

Gemini Nano Banana Result:

Natural mid-conversation appearance

Could easily adjust elements (blouse color, add headphones)

Intuitive results without over-specific prompting

ChatGPT Result:

Just placed a microphone in front of the face

Didn't capture the "being interviewed" vibe

Followed the literal prompt but missed the intent

Required much more specific prompting to achieve desired results

Winner: Gemini Nano Banana

How to Use Each Tool

Gemini Nano Banana

Go to gemini.google.com/app

Click "Create Image"

Upload your reference photo (a real headshot works best)

Paste your prompt and click submit

Download images you like or click "redo" to regenerate

Pro Tip: Start a new chat for each prompt to preserve your history of what prompts you used.

ChatGPT

Go to ChatGPT

Paste your prompt

Click the plus sign to add your reference headshot

Click "Create Image" to tag it for image generation

Click the up arrow to generate

Important Considerations

The Watermark Situation

Gemini images include a small diamond watermark

You can remove it using Canva or iPhone apps

ChatGPT images download without watermarks

Building Your Prompt Library

As you test different prompts, you'll find ones that perfectly capture your personal brand. Save these prompts – they're essentially codes that scale your essence and represent valuable intellectual property for your brand.

Reference Photo Tips

Use a real, professional headshot

Make sure it reflects your current appearance

Avoid photos with features you no longer have (different hair color, glasses you don't wear, etc.)

The Verdict

Gemini Nano Banana is the clear winner for AI image generation for personal branding. Its programming seems to better understand how to make images appear natural and authentic. However, ChatGPT has made tremendous progress compared to its previous image generation models and continues to improve.

The key is to experiment with both tools and see which produces results that best match your personal brand. Save your winning prompts, test regularly, and leverage AI-generated images strategically with compelling stories to maximize engagement.

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Want the prompts used in this comparison? Message "prompts" on LinkedIn to get them.

📺 Watch the full video: Gemini Nano Banana vs ChatGPT AI Images

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