Bambu Lab P1S vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Bambu Lab P1S ($449, FDM) and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S ($329, 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 Bambu Lab P1S takes the crown with 9/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S saves you $120.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S | Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $329 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm | 165 x 72 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 500 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 14.13 kg | 6.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 9/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Bambu Lab P1S
+HEPA filter actually handles ABS fumes, not just PLA smell
+CoreXY at 500mm/s inside an enclosed chamber
+Reliability track record is as good as anything at this price
+AMS multi-material works without the constant jams you get on cheaper systems
−$449 without AMS, which adds another $100-150 on top
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
−P1P owners considering an upgrade: this is it, but it stings
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 Bambu Lab P1S if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed
- Multi-material (AMS)
- WiFi
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 Bambu Lab P1S better than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). 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, Bambu Lab P1S or Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
The Bambu Lab P1S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S worth $120 more than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
The Bambu Lab P1S scores higher overall (9/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $120 gets you hepa filter actually handles abs fumes, not just pla smell.
What's the main difference between Bambu Lab P1S and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
Technology: the Bambu Lab P1S is FDM (filament) and the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.