Nano Banana trend: Not just figurines, these 5 AI tools offer more

The “Nano Banana” trend is transforming photos into lifelike 3D miniatures, but several AI tools offer even more creative possibilities. Read on to know more.

A quirky name and an easy-to-use AI tool have pushed the “Nano Banana” trend into global conversations. Known formally as Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, it lets users turn photos into hyper-realistic 3D figurines with just a text prompt. From pets and celebrities to personal portraits, people have been generating lifelike miniatures complete with packaging mockups, all without technical skills or investment.

The Nano Banana AI trend is rising, but these five creative alternatives are equally worth exploring. (AI generated)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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While Nano Banana is dominating social media feeds, several other platforms also offer creative possibilities that go beyond figurines. Here are five alternatives that are drawing attention.

Imagen 4

Google’s main focus in AI imagery is not Nano Banana but its flagship model, Imagen 4. Unlike Nano Banana, which edits existing photos, Imagen 4 creates fresh visuals from scratch. It excels at realism, producing portraits and product shots that resemble professional photography. With improved contextual understanding, it reduces the odd errors that older AI models produced. Users can even start with Imagen 4 and refine results further in Nano Banana, making the two tools complementary.

OpenAI’s DALL·E 4

Best known for ChatGPT, OpenAI also offers DALL·E 4, a versatile image generator. Its strengths lie in inpainting and outpainting, allowing users to extend images, replace elements, or insert new objects seamlessly. The model responds well to simple prompts, making it suitable for quick, playful creations. While Nano Banana shines in detailed editing sessions, DALL·E remains a strong choice for fast and flexible content.

Adobe Firefly and Adobe Express

Canva AI Image Generator

For users focused on social media posts, Canva’s AI Image Generator is a practical option. Integrated into Canva’s design workspace, it generates visuals quickly, with presets tailored to platforms like Instagram. Free credits allow experimentation, and built-in scheduling tools streamline the process from idea to post. It highlights convenience for casual and professional creators alike.

DeepAI

DeepAI takes a different approach by offering unlimited generations and a wide variety of styles. While not as sharp as Google’s Imagen or Nano Banana, it encourages experimentation. With adjustable settings and developer APIs, it functions as a creative playground for those who want freedom rather than polished commercial results.

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