Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $199 vs $329. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra | Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $329 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 165 x 72 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 6.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra
+9K resolution is a meaningful jump from 7K: finer surface texture, sharper edges on small parts
+Tilt release means FEP films last longer; $50 less per year in consumables is real money
+Built-in air purifier takes the edge off the smell without requiring an external solution
+WiFi monitoring means you can start a print and check it from another room
−153x77mm plate is tight for anything larger than small character models
−Still needs a wash and cure station: budget $50-80 extra
−Resin workflow is messier and slower to start than FDM
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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 9K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- 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 Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra better than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra scores higher (7.8/10). 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, Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra or Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S worth $130 more than the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra?
The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra actually scores higher (7.8/10) despite costing $130 less. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S only makes sense if you specifically need miniatures.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
Build volume (153x77x165mm vs 165x72x180mm) and print speed (100 vs 80 mm/s). The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra is best for miniatures; the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S targets miniatures.