Review
DxO PureRAW & PhotoLab review: the RAW quality benchmark
DxO's DeepPRIME XD noise reduction and lens corrections set the bar for RAW image quality. We tested PureRAW as a pre-processor and PhotoLab as a full editor.
4.6
Head to head
Adobe Photoshop vs Imagen AI
A direct, no-fluff comparison: specs, pros and cons, pricing, and the scenarios where each one earns its keep.
Spec snapshot
| Adobe Photoshop | Imagen AI | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $275.88 | $0.05 |
| Our rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Category | software | software |
| Pros | 4 | 3 |
| Cons | 3 | 2 |
The case for each
Adobe Photoshop
4.7
Pros
- +Generative Fill is finally production-ready
- +Unmatched layer, mask, and compositing toolset
- +Best plugin ecosystem of any image editor
- +Smooth on Apple Silicon and modern GPUs
Cons
- −$22.99/mo standalone is steep
- −Steep learning curve for new users
- −Generative features require cloud connection
Imagen AI
4.6
Pros
- +Genuinely accurate personal style
- +Fast culling that respects your judgment
- +Active development, frequent feature drops
Cons
- −Per-image pricing scales with volume
- −Lightroom-only workflow
Winner by use case
Vlogging & videoTie
Low-light photographyTie
Value for moneyTie
Pro & enterprise useTie
BeginnersTie
Inferred from each camera's pros and review focus. Treat as a starting point, then read the full reviews for nuance.
Common questions
Is the Adobe Photoshop better than the Imagen AI?
It depends on what you shoot. Adobe Photoshop scores 4.7/5 in our review, while the Imagen AI scores 4.6/5. See the spec table and use-case breakdown above for our verdict.
Which is cheaper, the Adobe Photoshop or the Imagen AI?
Adobe Photoshop sells around $275.88, and Imagen AI around $0.05. The Imagen AI is the cheaper of the two.
Which one is better for beginners?
Both are capable, but beginners usually do better with whichever has the simpler interface and more forgiving autofocus. Read the "Winner by use case" section above for our specific call.
Should I upgrade from the Adobe Photoshop to the Imagen AI?
Only if the gap in features you actually use is wide. If you already own one, the marginal upgrade is rarely worth the cost unless a specific shortcoming is blocking your work.
More in this category
Review
ON1 Photo RAW review: a true Lightroom alternative with a lifetime license
ON1 Photo RAW bundles a RAW editor, catalog, AI masking, effects, and resize into one app — with a one-time purchase option Adobe will never offer.
4.2
Review
CyberLink PhotoDirector & Director Suite review: AI-first creative editor
PhotoDirector pairs RAW editing with generative AI, animated effects, and video tools. The Director Suite bundles it with PowerDirector, AudioDirector, and ColorDirector.
3.9