PBR 3D models use physical material properties (roughness, metallicity) for dynamic, light-adapting rendering, while Image-based 3D models wrap pre-captured 2D images/textures around surfaces for simpler, static/pre-rendered visuals.
PBR excels in real-time apps (games, AR/VR) where lighting changes—they stay realistic in any environment. Image-based models are easier to make from photos (e.g., photo-stitching apps) and suit static uses like product catalogs or historical reconstructions, but they don’t adjust to new light.
Pick PBR for interactive content (game assets) and Image-based for static, photo-derived models for faster, simpler results.