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Forget Nano Banana — this free Adobe image generator is just as good and I prove it with 7 prompt tests

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By Amanda Caswell

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2. Fantasy feast table

(Image credit: Future)
Prompt: “A massive medieval banquet table covered in golden goblets, roasted meats, fruits, and desserts. Add glowing candles and a castle hall backdrop.”

Nano Banana captured the spirit of a massive medieval banquet, but in what could be described as an off-putting render. The small pig on the plate, though accurate, wasn’t requested in the prompt. Though potentially accurate, it seems like something that should only be added upon request. It also went a bit overboard with the candles.

Adobe Firefly followed the prompt better by showcasing a deliciously welcoming table complete with a castle hall backdrop.

Winner: Adobe Firefly wins for a more polished and appealing image.

3. Cyberpunk street market

(Image credit: Future)
Prompt: “Generate a neon-lit cyberpunk street market with rain-soaked pavement, vendors selling strange gadgets, and glowing signs in multiple languages.”

Nano Banana followed through on the neon-lit cyberpunk street market but the colors in the image look muted and not as vibrant as in the image generated by Adobe. Also, the people in the image look more like ghosts or statues and not as if they are actively involved in the market.

Adobe Firefly captured the spirit of a street market and delivered on the vibrant colors of the neon signs in conjunction to the rain-soaked pavement. The images of people look more engaged and real.

Winner: Adobe Firefly wins for a more realistic image.
4. Surreal everyday object mashup

(Image credit: Future)
Prompt: “Combine a slice of pizza with a smartphone, making it look like a real product photo advertisement.”
Nano Banana did a fairly good job blending the two unrelated objects, but I was picturing something very different. However, I have to give it credit for the “TM” and the tagline.

Adobe Firefly basically did the same thing, but made the pizza almost come out of the phone, ultimately making it look like a broken product.

Winner: Nano Banana wins, if I must pick one. But, overall, I was totally disappointed by both.

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5. Retro arcade poster

(Image credit: Future)
Prompt: “Design a 1980s retro arcade poster with bold neon typography, pixelated game characters, and a glowing grid background.”

Nano Banana handled on-image text like a pro and the colors are fun and inviting as a retro arcade poster.

Adobe Firefly designed a fun poster, but the on-image text lacked accuracy, which means an automatic fail.

Winner: Nano Banana wins this round for accuracy of design.
6. Dreamlike nature scene

(Image credit: Future)
Prompt: “A giant whale floating through a starry night sky above a forest, glowing softly with bioluminescence.”

Nano Banana generated surreal imagery blending natural and fantasy elements. But, the giant whale seems to be over water more than a forest.

Adobe Firefly also expertly blended fantasy and nature elements together, while covering each request in the prompt.

Winner: Adobe wins for a beautiful image with a soft bioluminescence glow that best captures the prompt.
7. Luxury fashion ad

(Image credit: Future)
Prompt: “Create a high-end fashion advertisement featuring a flowing red dress on a mannequin in a minimalist studio with dramatic lighting. Add Vogue-style typography.”
Nano Banana delivered a polished image that looks like it was ripped right out of a magazine.

Adobe Firefly created an equally high-end style and incredible realism with the draping of the fabric. The dramatic lighting highlights the minimalist studio. But once again, the on-image text is the model’s downfall.

Winner: Nano Banana wins for its ability to better handle on-image text. Otherwise, this might have gone to Adobe.
Overall winner: Nano Banana (by a hair)
After seven rounds Nano Banana ultimately won because it handles on-text rendering better than Adobe. However, for just about everything else, the two were almost entirely equal in their capabilities.

Nano Banana consistently nails text handling and on-prompt accuracy, making it great for posters, ads and designs that need typography baked in. Adobe excels at realism and atmosphere, delivering vibrant scenes with elements that bring the image to life. Plus, it’s completely free to use, making it a nice addition to your AI toolbox.
In the end, Nano Banana is still the more playful, trendy option, but Adobe proves it’s every bit capable. Both generators are worth experimenting with, so give them a try and let me know in the comments which one you prefer.

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Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media.
Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together.
Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a bestselling author of science fiction books for young readers, where she channels her passion for storytelling into inspiring the next generation. A long-distance runner and mom of three, Amanda’s writing reflects her authenticity, natural curiosity, and heartfelt connection to everyday life — making her not just a journalist, but a trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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