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
+Rigid cube frame means great print quality
+Sprite direct drive extruder
+Handles tall prints well
+Good stock experience
−Not fast by modern standards
−Open frame
−No WiFi
−Pricier than Bambu A1 Mini for less
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 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 rigid cube frame means great print quality.
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.