Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus ($349, FDM) and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K ($199, RESIN) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed. That said, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K saves you $150 and wins on Print Quality, Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus | Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 400 mm | 134 x 75 x 130 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg | 5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 |
Pros & Cons
Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus
+300x300x400mm at $349: the price-per-cubic-millimeter is absurd
+Klipper pre-installed with room to tune
+Direct drive handles TPU and flexible materials at this large scale
+Prints armor plates and large props without slicing and gluing
−QC varies batch to batch: some users get great units, some need calibration work
−Artillery's community is thin compared to Creality or Elegoo
−Gets audibly loud pushing 500mm/s; this is a workshop printer, not a bedroom one
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
+35-micron XY resolution still produces detailed minis despite the lower resolution count
+Phrozen's build quality and reliability track record is among the best in the category
+Compact footprint fits into tight shelf spaces
−4K resolution in a world of 8K and 12K is a real gap: fine details are softer
−134x75mm build plate is one of the smallest on the list
−No WiFi: USB-only file management
−80mm/hr speed is the same as entry-level machines that cost half as much
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for speed
- 300x300x400mm build
- Klipper
- Auto bed leveling
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 Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus better than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
By the numbers, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus scores higher (7.4/10). 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, Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus or Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K to save $150.
Is the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus worth $150 more than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus scores higher overall (7.4/10 vs 7/10). The extra $150 gets you 300x300x400mm at $349: the price-per-cubic-millimeter is absurd.
What's the main difference between Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
Technology: the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is FDM (filament) and the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.