Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $159 vs $329. 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 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $329 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 165 x 72 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 6.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
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 Mini 8K S
+22-micron XY resolution: individual scales on dragon miniatures, every rivet on armor, no blurring
+ParaLED 3.0 delivers even exposure across the full plate, no hot spots
+Mono LCD longevity is proven at 2,000+ hours without degradation
+Phrozen's resin profiles are dialed in out of the box
−80mm/hr print speed is the slowest on this list: patience required
−165x72mm plate is tiny; large models need slicing and gluing
−No WiFi: USB drive and manual file management only
−Phrozen's recommended resin is pricier than generic alternatives
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 Mini 8K S if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for detail
- A great printer for resin
- 7.1" 8K mono LCD
- 22-micron XY resolution
- ParaLED 3.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 scores higher (7.4/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 to save $170.
Is the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S worth $170 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 actually scores higher (7.4/10) despite costing $170 less. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S only makes sense if you specifically need miniatures.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
Build volume (134x75x130mm vs 165x72x180mm) and print speed (100 vs 80 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is best for miniatures; the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S targets miniatures.