Creality Halot-Mage Pro vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison — 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Creality Halot-Mage Pro ($299, RESIN) and QIDI X-Smart 3 ($349, FDM) 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 QIDI X-Smart 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Creality Halot-Mage Pro saves you $50 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Creality Halot-Mage Pro | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $349 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 228 x 128 x 230 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 120 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 9.8 kg | 9.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Creality Halot-Mage Pro
+8K resolution at a competitive price
+Integral light source for even exposure
+Built-in air purifier
+Creality brand reliability
−Creality resin ecosystem less established
−Occasionally needs firmware updates
−Smaller community than Elegoo for resin
QIDI X-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed in a compact footprint
+Chamber heating for better layer adhesion
+Good software experience
+Fast CoreXY
−Small 175mm build volume
−QIDI ecosystem smaller than Bambu
−175mm limits large prints
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Creality Halot-Mage Pro if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for detail
- 8K mono LCD
- Integral light source
- WiFi
Choose the QIDI X-Smart 3 if you want:
- A great printer for compact
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Chamber heating (35C)
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Creality Halot-Mage Pro better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case — the Creality Halot-Mage Pro may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Creality Halot-Mage Pro or QIDI X-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the QIDI X-Smart 3 worth $50 more than the Creality Halot-Mage Pro?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $50 gets you fully enclosed in a compact footprint.
What's the main difference between Creality Halot-Mage Pro and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Technology: the Creality Halot-Mage Pro is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Smart 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.