Elegoo Mars 4 vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Mars 4 and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K are both RESIN 3D printers competing in the same price bracket, $149 vs $199. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Mars 4 takes the crown with 7.2/10 vs 7/10. It pulls ahead in Value, Speed. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K still puts up a fight in Print Quality and Reliability.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $199 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 134 x 75 x 130 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 7/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
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 Elegoo Mars 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
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 Elegoo Mars 4 better than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Mars 4 scores higher (7.2/10). 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, Elegoo Mars 4 or Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 to save $50.
Is the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K worth $50 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Mars 4 actually scores higher (7.2/10) despite costing $50 less. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K only makes sense if you specifically need miniatures.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K?
Build volume (153x77x165mm vs 134x75x130mm) and print speed (80 vs 80 mm/s). The Elegoo Mars 4 is best for budget; the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K targets miniatures.