Creality Ender 5 S1 vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Ender 5 S1 ($399, 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 Creality Ender 5 S1 takes the crown with 7.4/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. That said, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K saves you $200 and wins on Value, Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Ender 5 S1 | Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $199 |
| Type | FDM | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 280 mm | 134 x 75 x 130 mm |
| Print Speed | 250 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.05 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 |
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
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 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 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 Creality Ender 5 S1 better than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
By the numbers, the Creality Ender 5 S1 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, Creality Ender 5 S1 or Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Creality Ender 5 S1 worth $200 more than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
The Creality Ender 5 S1 scores higher overall (7.4/10 vs 7/10). The extra $200 gets you cube frame is mechanically stiffer than bed-slinger designs: first layers are more consistent.
What's the main difference between Creality Ender 5 S1 and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
Technology: the Creality Ender 5 S1 is FDM (filament) and the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is RESIN (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.