Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2 are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $159 vs $749. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 6.6/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness. The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2 still puts up a fight in Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $749 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 330 x 185 x 400 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 100 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 22 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 6.6/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
+$159 is the lowest you'll pay for 10K resolution resin printing
+Compact enough to fit on a shelf with the build plate folded
+10K resolution prints minis that genuinely impress non-printers
−134x75mm build plate: barely fits more than two minis at once
−USB-only workflow, no WiFi at any price point in this tier
−Slow: 100mm/hr means longer overnight print sessions
Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2
+330x185mm plate is the largest resin build area in the consumer market at this price
+8K detail across the full plate without the hot spot degradation that plagues cheaper large-format LCDs
+Dual tilt release on a plate this size prevents the vacuum seal failures that ruin large prints
+Professional-grade aluminum build quality that handles the stress of frequent full-plate runs
−$749 for a resin printer is a serious investment, plus $80-120 for a wash station to match
−High resin consumption: a full plate run uses 400-500ml, which adds up weekly
−100mm/hr speed is the same as entry-level machines: the size advantage doesn't come with a speed advantage
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 10K mono LCD
- Laser-cut build plate
- USB
Choose the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2 if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for professional
- 8K mono LCD
- 33cm build plate
- Dual tilt release
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2 may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is more beginner-friendly (6/10 vs 4/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2 worth $590 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $590 less. The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2 only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2?
Build volume (134x75x130mm vs 330x185x400mm) and print speed (100 vs 100 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is best for miniatures; the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S2 targets resin.