Anycubic Photon Mono M5s vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers — $339 vs $199. We scored both across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K saves you $140.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono M5s | Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 134 x 75 x 130 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 9.5 kg | 5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 7/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
+14K resolution for ultra-fine detail
+Anti-warping release reduces failed prints
+Saturn-class build plate
+Great detail on larger models
−Pricier than Elegoo at same size class
−Requires wash & cure post-processing
−Anycubic app less polished
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
+35-micron XY resolution still very sharp
+Proven reliability from Phrozen
+Good community and resin support
+Compact footprint
−4K resolution dated vs 8K/12K competitors
−Small build plate
−Slow print speeds
−No WiFi
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for detail
- 14K mono LCD
- Anti-warping release
- Dual cooling
Choose the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for detail
- A great printer for resin
- 5.5" 4K mono LCD
- 35-micron XY resolution
- ParaLED 2.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s better than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
By the numbers, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono M5s or Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K to save $140.
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s worth $140 more than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7/10). The extra $140 gets you 14k resolution for ultra-fine detail.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono M5s and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
Build volume (218x123x220mm vs 134x75x130mm) and print speed (150 vs 80 mm/s). The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is best for resin; the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K targets miniatures.