Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399, FDM) and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459, 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 Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Print Quality, Speed. That said, the Creality Ender 5 S1 saves you $60 and wins on Beginner Friendliness.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $459 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 218 x 123 x 220 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 150 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 11 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Ender 5 S1
+Cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent
+Sprite direct drive handles TPU and flexible filaments properly
+220x220x280mm Z-height is the standout dimension for tall prints
+Stock experience is genuinely good without requiring calibration
−250mm/s is embarrassingly slow in 2024: this is not a speed machine
−No WiFi means manual file management every time
−$399 is a lot when the Bambu A1 Mini does more for $199
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
+218x123mm plate fits a full Warhammer squad in one run, not two
+12K resolution holds up just as well as the Mars at 14K for most print sizes
+Tilt release is worth it at this plate size: peel forces on large prints are brutal without it
+Terrain and base tiles look genuinely stunning at this resolution
−Resin consumption goes up fast when you're filling a plate this size
−Post-processing for a full plate run takes 45-60 minutes minimum
−The purifier helps but a plate this big curing kicks up more fumes
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Creality Ender 5 S1 if you want:
- A great printer for beginners
- A great printer for reliability
- Cube frame
- Direct drive
- Auto bed leveling
Choose the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Creality Ender 5 S1 may be the smarter buy if you need beginners.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Ender 5 S1 or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $60 more than the Creality Ender 5 S1?
The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $60 gets you 218x123mm plate fits a full warhammer squad in one run, not two.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
Technology: the Creality Ender 5 S1 is FDM (filament) and the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.