GPT 5.2 vs Gemini 3 in 2026: Which AI Model Creates Better UI Designs?

The AI design landscape is evolving fast. With GPT 5.2 and Gemini 3 both available, designers and developers are asking the same question: which model actually creates better user interfaces?

We put both models to the test using Komposo AI, running identical prompts through each to see how they perform in real-world design scenarios. The results were fascinating—and the community had a lot to say about them.

The One-Shot Design Challenge

Rather than giving the models detailed specifications, we tested their one-shot ability—how well they interpret a simple prompt and deliver a polished design on the first try. This is the most important metric for busy founders who need quick results.

The prompts were intentionally simple:

Promptartistic landing page

Promptfood delivery app

Promptfinance dashboard

No elaborate descriptions. No style guides. No brand colours. Just a few words and let the AI do its thing.

Web App Design: Finance Dashboard

Our first test focused on a finance dashboard—a complex UI challenge requiring dense data visualisation, clear information hierarchy, and a professional aesthetic.

GPT 5.2's Approach

GPT 5.2 delivered a dashboard with a dark theme featuring:

• A prominent portfolio value display ($18,942.23)
• Risk indicators and exposure metrics
• A multi-line chart showing performance over time
• Key statistics including best day, drawdown, volatility, and dividends
• An anomaly watch feature with transaction alerts

The design leaned into a data-dense, professional aesthetic with green accent colours for positive metrics.

Gemini 3's Approach

Gemini 3 took a noticeably different direction:

• A cleaner, more spacious layout
• Larger typography for the net worth figure ($4,285,920.00)
• A dedicated monthly outlook section
• Stock ticker integration on the right side
• A performance chart with a distinctive gold/yellow colour scheme

The overall feel was more premium and less cluttered, with better use of whitespace and stronger visual hierarchy.

GPT 5.2 prioritises information density, while Gemini 3 leans towards clarity and elegance.

Landing Page Design: The Artistic Challenge

Landing pages require creativity, strong visual storytelling, and the ability to balance aesthetics with conversion optimisation.

GPT 5.2's Landing Page

For the "artistic landing page" prompt, GPT 5.2 produced:

• A dark theme with purple/blue gradients
• The headline "Make your brand feel like a living artwork — not a template"
• Feature badges and trust indicators
• A grid of client logos
• Multiple call-to-action buttons

The design was comprehensive and feature-rich, hitting many expected landing page elements. However, some critics pointed out it felt formulaic.

Gemini 3's Landing Page

Gemini 3's interpretation was dramatically different:

• A bold, industrial aesthetic featuring a motherboard background
• Large, impactful typography reading "UNBOUND REALITY"
• A much more artistic and unconventional approach
• Minimal UI chrome, letting the visuals do the talking

The "AI Slop" Debate

This comparison sparked debate. One user commented that GPT 5.2's output looked like "textbook AI slop"—generic, over-produced AI content lacking genuine creativity.

Another stated plainly: "Bro Gemini 3 is still waay ahead in the design & frontend game, ngl."

Mobile App Design: Food Delivery

Mobile design presents unique challenges—limited screen real estate, touch-first interactions, and the need for instant clarity.

GPT 5.2's Mobile Design

GPT 5.2 created a food delivery app with:

• A dark theme with vibrant food photography
• Location-based delivery header ("Mina District, Apt 12")
• Search functionality with filter chips (Fastest, Under $10, Top rated, Vegan)
• A featured "LIVE" promotion for "Neon Bento Festival"
• Category icons with place counts
• A bottom navigation bar with a prominent "Rush" delivery button

The design was polished and feature-complete, incorporating many UX patterns from established food delivery apps.

Gemini 3's Mobile Design

Gemini 3's version featured:

• A lighter, more airy design language
• "Neo-Tokyo" themed location branding
• Larger, more appetising food photography
• A "FREE DELIVERY" promotional banner
• Cleaner category organisation with emoji-style icons
• A more spacious layout overall

Both designs placed primary actions within the thumb-friendly zone. However, Gemini 3's larger touch targets and generous spacing would likely perform better for accessibility.

Which Should You Use?

Choose GPT 5.2 When:

1. You need a quick, reliable prototype - GPT 5.2's conventional approach means fewer surprises
2. You're in a conservative industry - Finance, healthcare, and enterprise often prefer familiar patterns
3. You want comprehensive feature coverage - GPT tends to include more UI elements by default

Choose Gemini 3 When:

1. Brand differentiation is crucial - Gemini's outputs stand out in a crowded market
2. You're in a creative industry - Design agencies and lifestyle brands will appreciate the aesthetic
3. Visual impact matters more than convention - When you need to wow stakeholders

The Hybrid Approach

The smartest strategy might be using both. Run prompts through Gemini 3 first for creative inspiration, then use GPT 5.2 to fill practical gaps—or vice versa.

Tips for Better Results

Be Specific About Aesthetics

Promptminimalist SaaS landing page with lots of whitespace

Promptbold, brutalist landing page with large typography

Reference Design Styles

Promptlanding page in the style of Stripe's website

Promptmobile app with a glassmorphism aesthetic

Include Functional Requirements

PromptSaaS landing page with a prominent email capture form above the fold

Promptpricing page featuring a comparison table with three tiers

The Verdict

If we had to make a general recommendation, Gemini 3 currently has an edge in pure design quality and visual appeal. The community feedback supports this, with more designers expressing excitement about Gemini's outputs.

But GPT 5.2 remains excellent for anyone who needs predictable, professional results without surprises. There's real value in knowing exactly what you're going to get.

The best choice depends on your needs. Try both with Komposo AI and see which resonates with your vision.

Ready to test these models yourself? With Komposo AI, you can generate production-ready designs and export clean code for your development workflow. Start designing for free.